Posted by: The Hitting Guru () on Thu Dec 7 22:42:20 2006

Much has been debated on this site about the importance of great batspeed. And most all would agree that batspeed plays a major part in effective hitting. But the question that is perhaps the most interesting is how does the real tape measure shot result? And what is the most important aspect of the tape measure shot?

After observing some of the best hitters on film, I noticed how big a part the long stride plays a part. Specifically the following hitters used longer strides to facilitate extra power.

1. Babe Ruth (numerous)
2. Mickey Mantle (numerous)
3. Frank Thomas (Toronto all star game home run derby) -linear
4. Reggie Jackson (71 all star game)
5. Willie Mays (roof shot)
6. Darryl Strawberry (Montreal- off the speaker shot)
7. Harold Baines (Old Comiskey Park roof shot)
8. Willie Stargell (hit 2 balls completely out of Dodger Stadium)
9. Many of the best slow pitch softball hitters

*Note that it is doubtful that Babe Ruth could have generated his power with batspeed alone using bats that weighed 40 to 54 ounces. The linear leg stride from an almost knee to knee position had to play huge part.

These players either used the long stride or some type of leg kick to hit some of the longest homeruns in the history of the game. They also used various upper body dynamics. But each posted of the back leg to (a degree) generate enormous power.