Vison as it pertains to hitting....

BlueDog:

First, thanks for the visual display of the Professor's analysis. I hope all the young hitters on this site study it carefully.

To start this discussion I will answer each question. But first, I would say there is a difference between the word "simulate" and the word "duplicate".

1. Can a 90 MPH fastball be simulated in a cage? Simulated, yes. Duplicated, No.

2. Does the simulation require more than just the fact that the decision time is the same if the slower pitch is closer to the batter? Yes. The closer ball is bigger at start to the eye and therefore not an accurate simulation of the timing and pitch recognition with which the professor is concerned.

3. Does it require more than that? Yes. Nothing other than a live pitcher throwing 90 MPH for 60' 6" can duplicate the particular timing "impossibility" the professor is displaying. But don't you think that cage work, slower BP closer to the plate, can be used to shorten or even skip at least one [possibly more] of the steps the professor assumes the "normal" hitter must go through before starting his swing?

TW344

In my opinion, I don't think it can be simulated in a cage. For one, a players intensity and concentration is not the same as it is in the game.

Different things happen when they turn the score-board on and there's a guy standing on the mound with a different color jersey on.

I think the only way one can get use to hitting a 90mph fastball is by facing a live pitcher at 60'6".

Regards,

Jalal Leach
CEO Baseball Mentoring Program
www.bmp18.com

Reaction time can be simulated by moving the machine forward and slowing it down. The variable that can not be simulated in such fashion is what is refered to as the "closing rate". This is the time the ball is in the area suitable for contact. The 90 mph ball is going to be thru the hitting zone much quicker than than the 70 mph ball. The reaction time may be the same because the 70 mph ball was released from closer up but the closing rate is different. The timing requirements for a 90 mph ball are greater even if the reaction time is the same.

quote:

The 90 mph ball is going to be thru the hitting zone much quicker than than the 70 mph ball. The reaction time may be the same because the 70 mph ball was released from closer up but the closing rate is different.

Absolutely....This is why the 90 mph fastball cannot be simulted in a cage.....

quote:

The timing requirements for a 90 mph ball are greater even if the reaction time is the same.

Worth saying again.....

Why I believe many statements here are true, we still have to practice. Its hard to practice in game speed, especially pitching or BP. Even the pro's hit off of coaches from a shorter distance at speeds much less than game speed. They still practice and drill.

quote:

Originally posted by Coachric:
Why I believe many statements here are true, we still have to practice. Its hard to practice in game speed, especially pitching or BP. Even the pro's hit off of coaches from a shorter distance at speeds much less than game speed. They still practice and drill.

Most big league hitters hit off a tee, with the ball traveling exactly 0mph. That's where they learn to fine tune their swing. If they can consistently hit the ball up the middle in a cage, they know their swing is right on.