Some of you may have seen my tribute to St. Louis Cardinals AA Manager, Mike Shildt, in the General Forum. However, in case you didn't, I thought that the link I'm attaching was worth a repost in this forum.
In the video, this two-time minor league manager-of-the-year speaks to youth coaches about hitting instruction for younger players.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQd__Ab2l10
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hmmm... 27 minutes of hitting myths.
He's a nice guy. Fun guy. But...
Stance - 'stand on ball of feet' (MLB hitters are on their heels)
Stay balanced - push someone over with finger on chest (try pushing toward the catcher)
Dont drop your shoulder, closed front foot, hands to the ball, etc, etc. The swing path that he demonstrates at the end is not what any MLB hitter does. Anyone with this swing has already been culled from the process.
Every myth that has to be relearned is here.
Come to think of it, it's hard to imagine that the Cardinals have promoted this guy through their organization pretty rapidly. His "fun," "nice" demeanor must offset all the myths he's spreading while there.
Recommendation: During the off season, give him a call and straighten him out. He and the Cardinals will be much better off for it.
Thanks for sharing I enjoyed the video very much. I will share with my boys so they can learn from a great coach.
hmmm... 27 minutes of hitting myths.
He's a nice guy. Fun guy. But...
Stance - 'stand on ball of feet' (MLB hitters are on their heels)
Every myth that has to be relearned is here.
That is a very misleading statement. The weight and center of gravity of good MLB hitters is toward the balls of their feet (even though the heels are still touching the ground.)
