Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Wed Jul 25 23:14:48 2007

> >>> Listen to me: Mickey Mantle was a natural power hitter. He played at a time when center field distances of 430' were the norm. Today's players are juiced up freaks. Short fences, a live ball, average pitchers, too many ball clubs. Did you notice that todays players usually swing with one hand. They let go of the bat at the end of their swing and still hit the ball over 400'!!!! Steriods anyone. <<<
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> Hi Mike
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> Welcome to the site. – I think we can all agree that Mickey was one of the best power hitters of all time and that Steriods have placed a dark cloud over today’s batting stats. But that does not change the fact that it takes more than strength to be a great hitter. Although Mickey had great natural strength, he, like all great hitters, also exhibited very efficient swing mechanics for transferring strength into bat speed. – Granted, steriods played a role in Bonds’ and McGwires’ records. But also keep in mind that they were great hitters before steriods.
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> Mike, you state, “Did you notice that todays players usually swing with one hand. They let go of the bat at the end of their swing and still hit the ball over 400'!!!! Steriods anyone.” -- That is misleading assessment. None of today’s hitters “swing with one hand.” From initiation through contact they all have both hands on the bat. The top-hand does not let go of the bat until after contact and the ball is well on its’ way. Therefore, after contact, whether a batter keeps both hands on the bat or not, has no influence on the ball’s flight.
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> Jack Mankin

Hi Jack,

Although it is infrequent, I have seen players, particularly Mike Piazza, reach for pitches that they are fooled on, and fling it out of the ball park with one hand. Although you are correct that the latter is rarely the case, anecdotal proof, replayed frame-by-frame, proves that every now and then one-handed home runs can occur.

As far as the steroid issue is concerned, I believe that suspicion is suspicion, unless that person's guilt is PROVEN BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT. Also, please be cognizant of the fact that judging player's steroid use in the 90's by Y2K steroid standards is tantamount to ex po facto logic, or reproving an individual for behavior deemed unethical now that was not considered immoral then. Furthermore, while taking steroids in the United States in the 90's violated federal statutes, it was never illegal for a player to take steroids in a country that permitted it, then reenter the United States with these drugs in their system.

That's all for now.

Best,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com