Posted by: Black Hole Lexicographer (Knight1285@aol.com) on Mon Dec 27 23:16:28 1999

Dear all,
I am vehemetly in opposition to the hitting nonsense in "The Louisville Slugger Ultimate Book of Hitting." Although it raises many intelligent topics, it gives the taller players advantages, and argues that smaller guys should practice bunting for base hits.

Exterminate body-type determinism at once! Take a look at Hack Wilson. It is weight (mass)--not height--that enables one to hit home runs. Distance equals one-half mass times velocity squared, and I wonder how such people who prepared the book can let semi-moronic setiments reside within a well-written book!

Phil Rizzuto is old school, and although I believe one can only improve body size to a certain degree, it can be improved. Take Ivan Rodriquez, a short, massive player (so much for the tall string-bean theory).

Thirdly, the word "big" deals with someone's muscle mass and weight, while "height" denotes how tall he is.

Singles hitters have becomed home-run threats through training and the correct mechanics.

Erradicate this useless determinism, and let it be stricken from the books!

Cordially yours (directed at nobody but stupidity)
The Black Hole Lexicographer
Knight1285@aol.com