Every good or great athlete who steps onto a baseball field might very well feel an air of superiority over lesser skilled athletes while demonstrating his running, throwing, and fielding skills, as well his powerful swing when taking batting practice, especially on the amateur level. When a “Big-fish” comes out of the “small-pond” into the large arena of professional baseball, he might still swagger a bit while impressing the standers-by with his ostensible prowess. But in that environment it doesn’t take long before even the “big-fish” are “swallowed-up” by the “leviathans” of “Mounds-man-ship” – The Professional Pitcher.

Two specific attitudes characterize the athletes who stand out amongst their peers and garner for themselves respect and admiration from all who behold their particular dispositions. One is that of extreme arrogance that gives evidence of overwhelming confidence that he has an inherent right to perform at the highest level, and he is able to prove his worth, at least for a while. The other is that of a humble spirit, whose quiet confidence simply lets his actions speak for him, while appreciating and nurturing every opportunity to perform what he innately sees as his duty to do, and does it with exactness, and step by step progresses along constructive lines. (Joe Morgan – 5 feet 6 inches tall – 145 lbs)

The first is a “physical – phenom” who is acknowledged for his artistic, natural propensity as an athlete to make solid contact of bat to ball without his advocating any strict adherence to disciplined principle. Most notable examples are those “Blue-Chip” prospects who are Big, Strong, and Fast (e.g. – Josh Hamilton, Yasiel Puig, Bryce Harper, and “yours truly”), who garner for themselves “big bonus bucks” when they sign their initial contracts, and carry the fresh hopes of those organizations that intend to weave this new and endearing material into a more durable fabric for team-building.

The second is a “smart-hitter” and a cunning adversary for any “pitcher,” with instincts and astute deductive processes that can successfully promote an effective hitting prowess. This type of batter combines his natural physical talents with at least a cursory understanding that certain indefinable mental qualities are essential to offset the sometimes-crippling dependency on physicality alone. He tries to incorporate a mental component into his prominent physical dimension because his instincts reveal some underlying mechanism to higher achievement. The individual ballplayers with whom I personally have had contact who epitomize this brand of hitter are Joe Morgan, Rusty Staub, Jim Wynn, Tom Paciorek, to name a few. But without a thorough investigation into the depths of mechanical understanding, the closest these trial and error tactics will get them to their highest proficiency is the range encircling the .300 mark. Not bad, but far from superlative achievement!

The mentality of most professional batters, because of the overpowering “arms” of most professional pitchers, is one with two limited approaches to maintaining a relatively successful attack on the respectable .300 average. “See every pitched ball and swing at strikes,” and “look for a particular pitch, and make sure you hit it” are two simplistic notions that rely primarily on one’s quick physical responses to the given stimuli. And the success of either is determined by the quickness of the batter’s reflexes and the inability of the pitcher to put the ball where he wants it. The highest degree of consistent productivity is never attainable with either of these approaches because their sporadic and sometimes remarkable success is achieved while the batter’s senses seem to be acutely within “the zone” of feeling good, a state of being that is ephemeral at best. On any given day any such hitter could look like a potential “hall of famer.” But, by the end of a regular season, his numbers add up to a compelling mediocrity (e.g. – Josh Hamilton, Bryce Harper, and countless others).

Since “hitting a baseball is the single-most difficult thing to do in all of Sports,” as proclaimed by Mister Ted Williams, a most credible artisan of professional bats-man-ship, (and a fact fully attested to by countless other athletes, whose superiority in their own realms of athletic endeavor validate this otherwise presumptuous claim), it stands to reason that batting proficiency is afforded to no less than a dedicated student of the “art”. But to infer that some individuals perform the skill so naturally that it automatically preempts others from developing the talent to an equivalent level is to misconstrue and misappropriate the leveling effect that the game of baseball has for aspiring participants with varying degrees of athletic competence.

Hitting a baseball is the most difficult thing to do in all of sports! But the irony is that you don’t have to be the best athlete to become an outstanding hitter! Neither speed afoot, a powerful throwing arm, nor a well-sculpted physique is a required characteristic of a proficient bats-man! The so-called natural-athlete, with prodigious power, lightening feet, and a cannon arm, has all the tools that “scouts” look for in the complete ball-player. But not all super-talented “bonus-babies” fulfill the potential of their natural prospectus, and become “Big-League Hitters.”

The “Art” of hitting a baseball is more than a physical exercise, by a well-conditioned athlete, to demonstrate quick reflexes in a random response to the various stimuli presented by a pitcher and a speeding round projectile. Rather, it is a calculated artistic display of functional expediency, by a dedicated aspirant to highest achievement, which incorporates the physical, mental, and spiritual components of human endeavor into a masterful exhibition of batting excellence.

Coming Soon: A Tribute to a Legendary Master of the Art of Bats-man-ship?

The “Old-School” Baseball philosophy into which I was officially indoctrinated in the Fall of 1962 was primarily one of Action, and pre-oriented to the acclamation of Physical prowess, with little or no accommodation for the “independent – thinker” who might, if left to the initiative of his imagination, reconstruct a new paradigm that would confuse and contaminate the current and traditional standard of Baseball excellence. I fit in perfectly since I was not really much a student of the game as I was and wanted to be a phenomenal exhibit to the physical grandeur of all the glory that Baseball could be at that time.

Function was secondary to Form, for without the true understanding of what it took to be a “Big-League” player, I was more concerned about what I could do to look like a “Big-Leaguer.” I wanted to look like Mickey Mantle; run like Mickey Mantle; have the power of Mickey Mantle. I basically accomplished those “superficial” goals with arduous and meticulous devotion, but at the cost of neglecting the more substantive aspects for which the game of baseball possibly could have had a more enduring effect.

Physically I could do more, and did more, than anyone with whom I was put in competition. I was 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed 210 lbs of “rock-solid-muscle”with a 19 and 1/2 inch neck. When everyone else would jog their laps around the field, I would sprint, wearing leg weights around my ankles and harnessed around my chest and back. Any spare time, while not on the practice field, I’d be doing strength-building exercises with pulleys and “machinery” other than “weights” (my dad didn’t believe in “weights”- it could make me muscle-bound).

Most “baseball” people couldn’t help but be impressed with the things I would do, on and off the field. On the field, at times I would demonstrate prodigious power batting. On defense, I could run and play Center-field as good as or better than “Mickey Mantle.” I did and wanted to do things that I never saw players do before. I “backed-up” everyone. If any ball got passed a charging left-fielder, I was always there to prevent the runner from advancing. When I was playing left-field I had occasions to tag runners out at third–base.

After a third out, I would sprint to the dugout in an attempt to beat the third or first baseman. When I got a walk, I sprinted to first base. I was actually “Charlie-Hustle” before Pete Rose was. Off the field I consumed vast amounts of food that I felt I needed to sustain my physical prowess as well as continue the “myths” that were surrounding  legendary feats of incomparability. I was photographed once holding 5 bats in one hand, and 5 sandwiches in the other. And legend had it that I was banned from the “all-you-can-eat” Miners’ Shack in the Superstition Mountains of Apache Junction, Arizona.

My “thinking” prowess, although ensconced in the higher levels of “superficiality” would have been all that the “old-school” mentality would want to highlight and develop for the future. So it was no doubt with great disappointment that after experiencing the greatest moment in my baseball career (and arguably in Baseball history), at the age of 18 I was soon to become just another footnote to the remarkable saga of Sports figures who have experienced both the glory and gloom of athletic competition.

But, as a tribute to what is called the “human spirit,” the phoenix can rise from the ashes and attain an even higher glimpse a noble achievement. As Shakespeare’s Hamlet deliberated the moment, he pronounced, “There is nothing Good, or Bad, but thinking makes it so!”

My exposure to the “Thinking Man’s Game” began even while I was still enamored with the seemingly simplistic batting perspective of, “see ball, attack ball, hit ball,” and rely solely on my quick reflexes and strength and speed to overcome the pitched ball. I soon found out that, on the professional level, the speed of the “fast-ball” and the curve of the “Curve-ball” and the other subtle varieties of pitches were not the same as I was used to in the “small-pond.” Although I always showed enormous “potential” as a hitter, I was inconsistent (to say the least).

So, when I took the occasional opportunity to conscientiously observe players like Rusty Staub, Joe Morgan, JIm Wynn, and others, players who were less concerned about merely “looking the part” but rather “being and doing the Part,” I discerned that there was a higher and more discriminating pattern of thinking that preceded their intentions at the “plate.” They possessed a more sincere and genuine “IDEA” about what was transpiring before them. Perhaps I too would have acquired such a “mental-approach,” but that really never started to be realized until my playing days were over. “If I knew then, what I know now…”

Part 2 will focus on the evolution of patterns of thought that revolutionized my approach to more competently understanding the Game of Baseball. “THE TIME FOR THINKERS HAS COME!”

“Hitting a baseball is the most difficult task to perform in all of sports.” That’s what Ted Williams once said about “batting,” the claim about which has been verified by the many expert athletes who have tested the veracity of such an arguable statement. Then why would someone have the audacity to declare that “Batting-Efficiency is a Simple Process”?

IF ITS SCIENCE IS UNDERSTOOD!

Most astute baseball observers recognize that “batting a baseball” proficiently can be esteemed as an artistic display of uncommon physical prowess. Those who demonstrate a high degree of talent in any of the various art forms could easily be described as “artists.” There is adequate evidence to indicate that many or most good artists (of which Baseball’s Bats-men are included) have a “natural” propensity toward the artisanship in which they are engaged. But their optimal level of proficiency is most often derived from the degree to which they accumulate enhanced understanding by means of scientific examination of all aspects of their chosen profession – if, for no other reason but to reduce any or all margins for error. Therefore, hitting a baseball most effectively would have to elicit from the batter’s technique a scientific component to complement his otherwise unfulfilled artistic talent. Thus the process is simple and the results are sure if the Science is understood.

BUT!

WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF SIMPLICITY?

Einstein made E=MC2 look like a simple formula that would enlighten an ignorant, chaotic world as to the heightened prospect of infinite possibility. But that simple acronymic equation involves a seemingly endless continuum of sequential deliberation to effectuate a profitable facsimile thereof. Simplicity is the integration and coordinationof life’s infinite array of variables brought within the control of understanding. Simplicity is not the beginning of primitive evolvement, but rather the end result of organization. When chaos is changed into order, the universe (one voice) sings in simple chords of harmonious function.

The only way to describe the best of batters is that “he makes it look simple.” Look at Barry Bonds! Although it is not really simple, abiding by a strict discipline of simple mechanics, he had perfected his technique through arduous, repetitive labor, from which the human physical endeavor appeared effortless and instinctive.

The three major components in effecting the proper technique for batting a baseball are these: balance, vision, and power. As the pitcher throws the ball, the batter’s strong balanced position allows his eyes to focus on the point where the ball is being released. Preliminary movement implies that his body is “gathering” itself to brace for any number of possible conditions. The body maintains a low center of gravity to ensure stability, while shifting its weight slightly inward (not back) to initiate a quick twisting response to the ball as it presumably enters the “zone.” The quick twisting response is effected by a rapid sequence of fluid rotary movements simultaneously by the entire turning body, beneath the stationary head. If balance and focus are maintained from start to finish, the power and effectiveness will be evident in the beauty of the “follow-through.” A batter establishes stability and balance to perform his task when his center of gravity is low. His ability to see the ball most clearly is determined by the extent to which his eyes are on a parallel level to the ball, and the degree to which the body and head maintain a stable vehicle for proper focus. Power is generated most effectively with the body in a stable, balanced position, from which all movements can be produced most speedily, and with a minimum strain to accompanying body parts. The centripetal force provided by the stable position of the vertical axis produces the powerful centrifugal force, which magnifies the power elicited by the turning hips and shoulders.

The rules are simple and orderly. To abide by them and commit them to proper interpretation are what seem to be difficult, especially to those who prefer to act on their own fallible human instincts instead of a sound basic principle. A prominent 19^th century philosopher makes this statement for our consideration, “The higher false knowledge builds on the basis of evidence obtained from the physical senses, the more confusion ensues and the more certain is the downfall of its structure.” Therefore, make it SIMPLE — by letting Principle speak for itself!

The scientifically minded “artist-of-the-bat” should understand and adhere strictly to the rules of his mental-physical application, and rest his performance on this sure foundation. He should hold his thought perpetually to the idea that his natural talent and indisputable scientific certainty can and will evoke from Principle the rule for mastering the most difficult task in all of sports.

Some of my other writings include:

1. My Book, The Principle of Baseball: And All There is to Know about Hitting
2. Socrates and Plato: Baseball’s Wisest Fans—
3. Preface—
4. “Einstein and the Home-Run Principle—
5. “Sit Down and Hit Properly”—
6. “The Infallible Art of Hitting”—
7. “The Whole Truth about Hitting”—
8. “The Unsung Hero of the Proper Swing”—
9. “Vision, Mechanics, and Confidence…”—
10. “A Goat or a Hero—the Difference is?”—
11. “Prestidigitation and Mounds-Man-Ship…”—
12. Essay—“Consistency—Hallmark of a Big-League Ballplayer”—
13. Essay—“Baseball’s Glory—the Continual Breaking of Records”-
14. Essay—“Baseball’s Report Card” —
15. Essay—“The Most Difficult Task in All of Sports” —
16. Essay—“Quick Hands Did Not Sink the Titanic” —
17. Essay—“The Scientific Artistry of Hitting a Baseball—
18. Essay—“There’s Only One Thing Wrong With Baseball—
19. Essay—“Baseball Needs a Ban on Steroids”—
20. Essay—“Teamwork — Who Needs It? Who Wants It?”—
21. Essay—“Hip Action — Fulcrum of Power and Speed to Swing”-
22. Essay—“The Slump — Hero to Goat in No Time Flat”—
23. Essay—“Success — Consequence of Progressive Thought/Action-
24. Essay—“The Patient Hitter”—
25. Essay—“Pitcher’s Guide…”—
26. Essay—“The Greatest Errors in Baseball History”—
27. Essay—“Degrees of Excellence”—
28. Essay—“Consistency is not a .300 Hitter”—
29. Essay—“Absolute Science of Hitting—Metaphysical Approach”—
30. Essay—“Divine Comedy of Errors”—
31. Essay—“Power-Hitting—Phenomenal Exhibition or Practiced Principle”—
32. Essay—“Four Dimensions to Perfect Bats-man-ship”—
33. Essay—“The Slump and the ‘Forgetful Hearer’”—
34. Essay—“The Best that You Can Be—Perfect”—
35. Essay—“Maximum Baseball Success: Can it Be Attained Selfishly?” —
36. Essay—“Baseball: Becoming a Fossil in Our Midst?” –
37. Essay—“Margins for Error Reduced”—
38. Essay—“If not Perfection, Then What? —
39. Essay—“Models of Excellence” —
40. Essay—“Mysterious Realm of Consistent Batting Proficiency” —
41. Essay—“Batting Efficiency is a Simple Process” —
42. Essay—“Belated Farewell to a Real Legend of ‘Game’”—
43. Essay—“The Complete, Clear View of Batting Proficiency”—
44. Essay—“If an Absolute Principle Governs Proficient Batting…”—
45. Baseball—Trilogy –
46. Essay—“Baseball in Its Purist Form…” –
47. Essay—“A Dreaded and Inexplicable Dilemma for a Pitcher–Barry Bonds”—
48. Essay—“A Question of Faith? — An Understandable Quest!” —
49. Most of the preceding can be found incorporated in the articles of my other website- posts.

Zeno’s paradoxes set the ancient Greek civilization and its subsequent derivatives into a philosophical conundrum that was not suitably explicated, to human reasoning, until Isaac Newton and others concocted and refined the mathematical system of Calculus to unlock these mysteries and lead to a natural, sequential rule for enlightening the understanding, with regard to everything the Universe’s Law of Attraction has to offer. Zeno was one of a goodly number of pre-Socratic philosophers (from 6^{th and} 5^th centuries B.C.) whose inquiries into mathematical computations influenced the philosophical discussions of his own and subsequent generations. The various philosophical schools dealt with a wide range of approaches to the discussion of nature:

The Ionion School espoused a physical apprehension of sciences, of air, water, fire, and earth. The Ephesian School, of Heraclitus, conceived the cosmos as a ceaseless pluralistic conflict of opposites. The Eleatic School challenged the cosmic flux of Heraclitus, with Parminedes’ view that the universe was one and unchanging, and that observed motion was merely an illusion. Democritus of Abdera and the Atomist School agreed that the universe was composed of tiny unsplittable particles, and a world totally mechanistic. And the Pythagorean School held the opinion of its founder, Pythagoras of Samos, that nature was written in the language of mathematics.

Zeno’s inquiry into the flight of an arrow simply amounted to a question of how the arrow manages its continuous flight since it, at any given point in its route, is in a fixed or stationary position? Newton’s Laws of Motion had not yet been discovered, but Greek philosophers and mathematicians like Archimedes, Euclid, and others (not to mention Pythagoras and Aristotle) extended their ideas toward expanding mathematical principles and theorems that eventually were contributing factors in the discovery of Calculus, by Newton and von Liebniz.

As the calculus principle became more clearly defined, and its Fundamental Theorem demonstrated the reciprocal relationship between the infinite processes of the Derivative and Integral concepts, previously incomprehensible and unanswerable mathematical and philosophical queries have come into the realm of reconciliation or atonement. Einstein’s “Relativity” Theories and the subsequent development of Quantum Mechanics were natural consequences of the Calculus facilitation. And of course, logical solutions to Zeno’s paradoxes have been forthcoming.

Calculus has provided a viable means to explain circumstances that appear to be unfathomable to the human mind and produce conditions that had been previously inconceivable. This hyper-cognitive human enhancement has further advanced the notion of an infinite resource from which the store of knowledge is inexhaustible, and to which man’s inherent capacity may have no bounds.

Zeno’s paradoxes provided a venue from which to promote critical analyses of conditions and/or circumstances to which there may be more than one perspective. If something appears inharmonious, wrong or deficient in substance, a clearer perspective may detect a device to alleviate or lessen the degree of error. If any number of combinations attenuate to the approximate substantial ease of the condition, then harmony is restored, a problem is solved, or relief is attained while resistance is decreased or eliminated. Calculus can be applied mathematically, philosophically, or even athletically to diminish the margin of error, and eventually lead to the precise answer to an enigmatic uncertainty (perhaps, even hitting a baseball efficiently).

One might consider Socrates to be a predecessor to Newtonian Calculus because of his efficient use of his Dialectic intercourse to promote the educational facilitation of all those with whom his instruction came into contact. When an interlocutor engaged in a dialogue with Socrates, a sequence of questions ensued which eventuated to a point of mental clarity, which had not been substantiated by the student’s previous demonstration of intelligence. At the conclusion of any dialectic intercourse, those individuals pragmatically involved in the discourse were benefited by increased knowledge and understanding of the various subject matter through the auspices of rational, sequential, thoughtful collaboration. Socrates reduced the students’ ignorance by logical progression of thought, which heightened their awareness of prospective attributions as well as obvious deficiencies. However, there were those who could not be beneficiary to Socrates’ dialectic teaching because they were unwilling to engage him, either because their foresight was too myopic to perceive the Integral of the “big picture,” or their resolve too impatient to extract from the Derivative a logical starting point (previous-life experience) from which to disembark out of mental stagnation.

If Zeno and Socrates are presented as progenitors of the dialectic precursor to Newtonian Calculus, Plato must be their immediate successive contributor in the arena of poetic stimulation for thought provoking enhancement to enlarged perspective. Metaphor and Trope illuminate the tapestry of Plato’s voluminous writings. Yet he beguilingly submits a decree to ban poets from his Utopianistic society if the higher essences of being are not illustrative of their artistry in stead of their mundane, twice-removed mimeses of substantive reality or Truth.

The true sense of Poetry deservedly appropriates a contributable share of functionality toward universal enlightenment, due to its uncommon vernacular and elevated perspective that provide more than an alternative view to the curious or soul-searching audience. Those who are lost, as well as they who need daily sustenance to maintain sobriety, should be nourished by the bread and wine of divinely inspired poetics. A verse or three, which delicately translates a one celled organism into a microcosm of universal accommodation, readily could transform a desperate, societal dysfunctional into a sober, appreciative, community asset, by awakening him to his present primordial status, but with advancing hope to his prospect for significant accountability.

Einstein’s Relativity theories brought to light many illuminating facets that implemented a modern civilization by means of Calculus. His Photo-Electric Effect precipitated the Quantum revolution whose statistical analyses proposed new venues through which to extrapolate the energies from an exhaustless universe. His examination of the universe, with relationship to light, proved the electro-magnetic properties of wave and particle allowed light to travel in a straight line, but because of the gravity-warped universe, the curvature of light was prominently evidenced. There seems no end to what humanity can accomplish through the gradual, sequential thought expansion brought about through reason and revelation.

Civilization has advanced humanity, as a whole, into what is now the third millennia since the onset of its flawless prototype manifested itself in the form of a man, who was the embodiment of all lasting achievements that the subsequent world was ultimately to discern, after lengthy trial and error. Without ever writing down a word on paper, he elucidated, to a darkened world of fundamental ignorance, the absolute truth of being, through his elevated thought, his inspirational and authoritative speech, and his incomparable, but mystifying demonstrations of spiritual power. Never before was a man imbued with such a complete understanding of the intricate inter-dependency of all that make up the fabric of universal humanity, as well as elements (physical, mental, and vibrationally spiritual) that comprise the interior and exterior manifestation of the world itself.

His method of instructing the young, poor, and needy superseded even the proficient dialectic of the noble Socrates, by supplanting the philosopher’s idea of physical and mental evolvement by means of “recollection” of past lives’ experiences, with superlative recognition that, as children of Supreme Source, we have always been the recipients of infinite spiritual resources, with which to exhibit vast intellectual prowess, superb physical adroitness, and unadulterated moral fiber. His poetic, prosaic parables, fraught with love, compassion, and resolvent, captured the hungry hearts and receptive minds of small and large audiences, of whose barren lives were unmistakably rejuvenated by the power that resonated from his and their very soul. And his acute sense of judicious interjection curtailed many an ambitious enterprise by hostile mobs, self-consumed with violent intent: upon a forlorn adulteress about to be stoned, a repentant sinner at a formal dinner, a seditious rally before wary soldiers of Caesar’s. Only words that would emanate from a divine Source were capable of melting the hardened hearts of these mal-content: “Let him who is without sin among you, first cast a stone at her”; “to her who loveth much, much is forgiven”; and, “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God, the things that are God’s.” Was even a Plato or Shakespeare more adept than Jesus of Nazareth at evoking a verse that would compel the restraint to a rampant stampede?

Not only did his words exude from meaningful thought to ponder, and from which to be encouraged to repent and mentally reform, but also they elicited a power which entitled the earnest adherents, to their exact meaning, the benefit of extrapolating the substance from which they experienced physical and moral reformation. Jesus went beyond Philosophy, Calculus and Quantum Physics to translate the health-giving properties of light into the essences of their corresponding qualities of life (In him was light, and the light was life of men). The correlation of universal principles have always been present, just not cognized for delineation and application. The two ideas of Calculus, the Derivative and the Integral, are always available to be applied in scientific unity, as they are dependent on each other to promote individual and collective facilitation. Jesus’ understanding of himself as “derived” from Source fulfilled every aspect of his relationship with Goodness, as “integrated” into the Whole. Every aspect of his being was ensconced in perfection. Therefore, his scientific understanding deterred any prospect of his being or becoming imperfect. The Law of the Universe includes all the laws of physics and mind and nature. Jesus had at his disposal the entire law of Goodness, therefore, including all the law. Jesus didn’t need to comply specifically with the laws of matter, etc. because he abode within the higher law, which encompassed the lesser laws. When Jesus healed invalids instantaneously, he evoked the law of Infinite Mind to superimpose itself over the laws of matter. When he walked over the water, walked through walls, healed the blind from birth, healed the centurion’s servant and the son of a nobleman from a distance, brought fresh life instantly to the decrepit, the leper, the palsied, the dying, and the dead, he solicited not any superficial material law, but rather the superlative declaration of Spirit, which verified “Quantum’s” hypothetical prospect of “tunneling” and “connectedness” under uncertain circumstances, involving instantaneous and distant transmission.

Jesus’ early followers, who were privy to a closer and more intense perspective of his inherent, natural application of Spiritual Law, found it less difficult, than do our contemporary advocates, to accept and abide in an eager willingness to duplicate his acts of uncommon facility. In the early stages of what eventually became known as Christianity (followers of Jesus, but adherents to the Christ, of which Jesus was the embodiment), necessity and dire need accentuated the purposeful intent for collective edification. Reliance on a Supreme Source of sustenance was critical during this time when dependency upon mere humanity was tenuous at best. Individual demonstrations of Christly proficiency abounded, and, because of their frequent exemplification, converts to the newly founded Community of Enlightened thought were rapidly forthcoming. And so, Christianity, while strictly abiding by the Principle which Jesus set forth in his teaching and demonstrations of Absolute Truth, eventually became prosperous, because its abidance within Spiritual accommodation superseded any intent to abide in the limited and limiting world of material superficiality.

Calculus and Quantum Mechanics had not yet been specifically delineated, but Jesus, and those who better understood their prospective relationships to the Whole, derived an integral of function for every aspect of the human condition. When Jesus replied to Pilate, before his crucifixion, “For this purpose was I born, for this cause came I into the world, to bear witness to the Truth.” he more than implied to human interest that he was the “way-shower” of Joy and Happiness (not sorrow)for all mankind. His own quantum leap, beyond the material confines of mortal thinking and circumstances, provided a means for all astute advocates of the same simple rule of Spirit to advance beyond their own limited sense of “things,” into the Vortex, in Which and of Which are all good things .

Unfortunately, for Christianity, and mankind in general, after the onset of notable prosperity, and with a vanguard of rigid doctrinal behest, upon Constantine’s dubious acclamation of Christian priority, the essence of true Christliness diminished from the individual character of what was once the hallmark of spiritually effectual evidence. Although pockets of demonstrable facets of the original constituent would still spark impulse for future recollection (miracles), sparse were demonstrations of true Christianity in a sectarian world, until their practical resurgence in late nineteenth century.

In the late 1800s, just before outstanding seminal scientific accomplishments made possible Einstein’s (and others’) flowering historical achievements, a New England woman was stirring up a metaphysical elixir that was soon to afford spiritual consciousness a renewed interest for those searching for a viable alternative to the onslaught of ultimate material mechanization. She came onto the world’s scene with the publishing of her metaphysical textbook, later revised to be titled, Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures, a few words from which read as follows: “As the crude footprints of the past disappear from the dissolving paths of the present, we shall better understand the Science which governs these changes, and shall plant our feet on firmer ground.”

Mary Baker Eddy, as she was known in later life, endured the calculus of intervening years of “derivation” before realizing the integrated spiritual consistency between generic man and their Creator, the Source of all being. The hardships, that seemed to precede her own revelation and subsequent harmonious co-existence with Eternal Truth, actually conspired to their own ephemeral and baseless nature in mortal existence, and ultimate demise from her experience. Her astute analyses of the material world might be summed up with these words from her textbook, “Material substances or mundane formations, astronomical calculations, and all the paraphernalia of speculative theories, based on the hypothesis of material law or life and intelligence resident in matter, will ultimately vanish, swallowed up in the infinite calculus of Spirit.”

As the stimuli of ever-advancing enlightened thought precipitated into the 20^th century, luminaries in varying degrees graced our shores with timely introductions to new waves of powerful and thought provoking ideas to stir the stagnant mental river-beds of complacent generations to even more innovative means to garner the inexhaustible fruits of Source. Jane Roberts and her “Seth Books,” and Helen Schucman’s Course in Miracles gave to inspired seekers two new different approaches with which to view the world. And finally, the discovery and development to human awareness of the ever-expanding concept of the Law of Attraction by Jerry and Esther Hicks brought the world to the attention of Abraham, whose Non-Physical community of Vibrationally stimulating forces have directed Esther to reveal the “leading edge” criteria for further expanding the perpetual advancement of Mankind as well as the Universe Itself.
Zeno, Socrates, Plato, Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and others have inter-dependently combined to express the derivative and integral for deliberate enhancement of our continuously advancing human history. But, as Einstein and Quantum physics verify, “at the fundamental level of matter, causation is a matter of statistical probabilities, not certainties.” Therefore, those mightiest of scholars fell short of their greatest expectations because absolute understanding is unattainable through the direct study of matter. “Spiritual rationality and free thought accompany approaching Science and cannot be put down. They will emancipate humanity, and supplant unscientific means and so-called laws,” states Mrs. Eddy.

Expansion of human reason is a noble goal for human involvement, but the science of the Christ gives us pellucid access to Divine thought. Again, Mrs. Eddy expounds, “A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought, giving mortals access to broader and higher realms.” All material ideas will grow old with the onset of more enlightened thinking. But the speed by which these new ideas make themselves manifest is ultimately decided by the attenuation of materially induced resistance by superimposed spiritual unfoldment of Good-thoughts. Mrs. Eddy writes in her Miscellaneous Writings, “Science is neither a law of matter nor of man. It is the unerring manifesto of Mind, the law of God, its divine Principle. Christian Science translates Mind, God, to mortals. It is the infinite calculus defining the line, plane, space, and the fourth dimension of Spirit. …In Science all being is individual; for individuality is endless in the calculus of forms and numbers.”

Jesus, Mary Baker Eddy, and Abraham-Hicks were/are extremely proficient practitioners of the Science of the Source, capable of healing not only sickness and disease, but every discordant or fraudulent condition that a being could possibly encounter. Their basis for healing was/is the Calculus of Eternal Mind, from which the Integral of Love was ultimately the infinite process by which the computation of Health or concord was instantaneously “derived” at a point of Spiritual recognition. They heal(ed) instantly when they don’t have to banter with uncertain mind forces, but only gently apply Love’s balm to those receptive and faith-full respondents to infallible Truth.

Hope and Faith are essential to Love’s bequests. To envision fruitfulness to its present fulfillment entails a doubt-free expression of mental commitment. Jesus, Mrs. Eddy, and Abraham-Hicks all assure that “all things are possible to Source”, and the human condition facilitated the application of Source’s Love. Mrs. Eddy’s statement from Science and Health, covers most of the ground and substantiates biblical record for Jesus’ feeding the multitudes with a pittance of material resources, with these words: “Necessity (for uplifting the race) is father to the fact that Mind can do it.” Whether for “uplifting the race,” or for caring for any man’s daily need, Divine Mind can, and will, do it! But the Science of that Mind must be understood and practiced by those who would benefit from their Source’s own Benevolence. The Bible saying, “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God,” is certainly fulfilled in our ears and our demonstrations, if we accept and take advantage of the exemplary teachings and works of our prominent predecessors to actively applying the Truth of being.

Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Barry Bonds, Socrates, Plato, Shakespeare, Galileo, Newton, and Einstein all did remarkable things that warrant respect and appreciation for their individual contributions to human history’s advancing civilizations. However, the estimate of their worth is analogous to the tip of the tip of the largest iceberg when compared to the other 99% that is not even broad enough to equate to the inestimable contributions of Jesus, Mary Baker Eddy, and Abraham-Hicks for the edification of all mankind. The vision of a peaceful planet, in the future, is now, to those whose consciousness is predisposed to the eternity of infinite Truth and Life!

In late nineteenth century, before space travel became a probability, Mrs. Eddy implanted these words in her textbook, with reference to the prerogative of Infinite Mind, “ The seasons will come and go with changes of time and tide, cold and heat, latitude and longitude. ‘As a vesture shalt Thou change them and they shall be changed.’ The astronomer will no longer look up to the stars, — he will look out from them upon the universe; All we correctly know of Spirit comes from Source, divine Principle, and is learned by/through/of His expressed Likeness and the Image Thereof.”

AND HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO BASEBALL?

THIS applies to EVERYTHING; and Baseball is certainly included within that Concept of Everything! You only need to THINK about it. You’ll be hearing more.

Over the past week Baseball fans have been witnessing the ill-effect of what has become a standard operating procedure for many base-runners in this modern era of Major League Baseball. Injuries and near-injuries have been highlighted on Television and Stadium Screens, accurately depicting the awkwardness and inherent danger of sliding “head-first” into a base. Early on, spectators and ardent fans were privy to the disabling consequences of the meaningless antics of Dodger and Angel Stars Yasiel Puig and Josh Hamilton. Fortunately for Puig he was back in action a few days after temporary rehabilitation. But Josh Hamilton is not as fortunate. He will be out of commission from 6 to 8 weeks, just after having successfully regained his former MVP status with his League-leading Batting average.

Watching Saturday night’s game between the Angels and the Mets, even the casual observer must be wondering, after watching the slow-motion replays of specific sliding plays, why players seem to be deliberately jeopardizing their individual careers as well as their Teams’ success with such reckless disregard for their personal safety. On a play at 3^rd base, the camera showed conclusively how the Angel 3^rd baseman casually placed his foot as an obstacle to the bag so that the head-first sliding David Wright (Mets All-Star 3^rd Baseman) would be obstructed from a clear path to the bag. Wright was not only out on the play, but he jammed his hand and fingers into the ankle of Angels’ David Freese. If Wright had slid “spikes-first,” I’m sure that Freese would have had second thoughts about placing his foot in the way of the base-runner, who would have been safe. And instead of Wright’s own career being jeopardized, it would have been Freese on the disabled list. Josh Harrison of Pirates is now lost!

(Add Mike Napoli and Bryce Harper to the list. – This isn’t Rocket-Science)

Later that same game, Baseball’s Biggest Star, Mike Trout, laced a low-liner passed the Mets short-stop into left-center field. Trout’s hustling attitude gave every indication that he was going for two bases. Running full speed after rounding first he sprinted to second and, as his custom was, he slid furiously into the base, “Head-First.” He was safe, for the outfielder’s frantic throw was far off the mark, but when he stood up he began shaking his right hand and wrist. As the instant replay showed, he slid so hard that he jammed his right wrist and hand into the bag as the momentum of his powerful body was carrying him over it. Needless to say, the Angels can ill-afford to lose their Star player, and Baseball would surely regret his brief or permanent absent from the Game.

These scenarios are no doubt being played out over the panorama of Major and Minor-League Baseball, as well as College and High-School arenas throughout the Country and elsewhere. The only half-way legitimate excuse for sliding “Head-First” is that for some unfathomable reason, a star athlete never learned how to correctly slide feet-first. Some (or perhaps All) head-first sliders might have had some traumatic experiences in Little–League, where the scrapping of their right or left sides with what were affectionately known as “razzberries” held a great reluctance to continue that regimen for securing a base. The lesser of two evils is undoubtedly a more practical approach, if its more serious consequences weren’t being considered appropriately. However, the “razzberry” situation would be alleviated if correct sliding procedure was enacted, specifically sliding on the “meaty” part of the “Butt,” rather than the “boney” part of the side of the hip.

When the expert “feet-first-slider” tucks his under-leg, his top leg stretches out toward the base, and that foot reaches for the bag while the infielder is trying to apply the tag. The adept runner can sometimes avoid the tag by placing his foot where the glove is not. The same can be said for the “Head-first-slider” who would try to feint with one hand while grabbing the base with the other. The difference being the vulnerability factor regarding possible injuries to face, neck, hands, wrists, and fingers of the “head-first” runner compared to less vulnerable aspects of the “feet-first” runner.

Major-League Baseball has rightly enacted the “Home-Plate Rule” to eliminate unnecessary contact at Home Plate. The Catcher can no longer obstruct the plate if he doesn’t have the ball. But at all other bases, no rule currently exists. Therefore, the only legitimate reason for infielders not to block the bag and secure a sure out in many situations is the code of “self-preservation” that inherently attends to itself as the base-runner is sliding in “Ty Cobb” fashion, with spikes blazing. No infielder with any common-sense is going to deliberately jeopardize life and limb and career and get in the way of a “spikes-first” runner. Thus – an integral point to help secure the careers of both the smart fielder and the “smart-runner”!

It is amazing to me that Pete Rose and Rickey Henderson were never injured. And because of that, all would-be Hendersons and Roses will continue to slide “Head-First.” You’d think that Josh Hamilton would have learned his lesson after sliding into Home Plate head-first, breaking a collar bone, and quickly dismantling another MVP season, perhaps contributing to subsequent unproductive seasons. Who knows how many more times Josh will injure himself and maybe conclude his career? I surely hope he changes his sliding technique. And let’s all hope that Mike Trout doesn’t have to learn his biggest lesson the “Hard-Way.”

You could be a potential “Hall-of-Famer,” a perennial “All-Star,” a “Gold Glove” fielder, a .320 hitter and still get “Booed” if you strike out in the bottom of the ninth, with the bases loaded. You could have had three hits that game, with three RBIs, and four runs scored, but the morning sports headlines would read, “Hobbs strikes out to end the game.” And that’s what the world will remember, until Hobbs makes good his “next at-bat.”

Baseball, as the quintessential metaphor for mortal inconsistency, has myriad scenarios into which the would-be “master-of- the bat” (Everyman) might slump forlorn into the doldrums, either temporarily or exhaustively, that would have his patronizing constituency express little or no patience, and summarily ask, “what have you done for me lately?”

As a Hollywood star, who refuses to expand his “Vortexual” repertoire, may prefer instead to bask in “its” own lime-light until the fading glory of past accomplishments incurs the consequences of a lack-luster, inconsistent, and ill-fated career, so too does a batter’s former heroics stand little chance of appeasing the frenzied adoration and satisfaction of fans lusting for the nebulous content of victory’s successes.

Life itself is an ongoing process (as is the expansion of the Universe). In order to live, you must progress — you must continue to bear fruit. The Bible has many stories depicting the fateful consequences for those who fail to rise above the “Status Quo.” Jesus illustrated for his apostles how the unfruitful tree dried and shriveled up when it failed to live up to its purpose; the unfruitful servant’s dire consequence that proceeded from his slothful and complacent enterprise; as well as the “rich man’s” quick demise after his intent to expand his barns and not his “horizon.”

Progress is consistent life-enhancement. To worship Life is to demonstrate “It” to the fullest. A full life is one’s highest conception of it at the present moment. But, as one expects (mentally and physically) to augment his present understanding, his experience expands to an even greater fruition.

Death is also an ongoing process, with Hell being not only the final destination but also the pathway to itself. Grief, agony, and frustration are the earmarks of unfulfilling and unsatisfying experiences, brought about by mortal deception and unsubstantiated fear of failure. Fear restricts innocent and unbridled confidence in unlimited capacity, which is inherent in worthwhile motive of desire. Any object of a “right motive” has no choice but to come to full fruition. It needs only to be nurtured by the understanding faith that good and its completeness have already been established by the Source of all good.

Wasn’t Jesus saying, in effect, that consistency is the highest praise! If we are not consistent in working good, then we in fact are sometimes working iniquity. If complacent in that sporadic state of being, we are not moving out of it into a more developed state.

In baseball, marked consistency is batting .300 or more. In any other area of life, that average wouldn’t be considered very productive, especially by Jesus’ standards. (I guess it’s going to take a higher sense of expectancy to raise the modern “batsman” to an elevated level of performance.) But even before that happens, it is evident that the best of that human endeavor is not satisfied with mediocrity and usually finds a way to vindicate his talent on one or more of his subsequent attempts. “A new day brings new opportunity to advance hope to even greater expectancy.”

When it is recognized that the Sun, Moon, and Stars do not brighten the days and nights by a brilliance of their own, their glory will be better appreciated by one and all for the magnificence it displays as an effortless reflection of the Source of “Never-ending-Light.”  Then we can more assuredly hope for that conviction that we will always be as good as “our next at-bat.”

Major-League Baseball is upon us once more. The most ardent of baseball fans are looking forward to fulfilling their great expectations with relish, and of course Hot Dogs, Peanuts, Popcorn, and Crackerjacks.

Baseball is truly America’s national pastime. It not only epitomizes the “new-wave” national standard for universal “equality for all,” but characterizes the highest sentiment for democratic reform throughout the world. The indigenous character and homespun heritage of our country’s National Pastime foster the innovative and endearing qualities of America that can transform a competitive world into a peaceful arena willing to incorporate the essence of those qualities into an enduring fabric conducive to all spiritual, mental and physical environments.

As we have seen displayed on the Inter-National playing-field, jubilant participants have  contributed to a universal camaraderie where the peace of goodness has been applied and appreciated. The Game of Baseball is the ultimate in sports activity! To all participants, players, fans, and officials  its unique simplicity conveys a human drama, and then reveals and resolves the complexities that would elicit trauma from mortal life’s uncertain circumstances.  “Could mere human contrivance order such preciseness, from the tri-hedral dimensions of the field of play, to the definitive specifications and range of intricate function for the designated participants?” – Socrates (from Plato and Socrates: Baseball’s Wisest Fans – by John F. Paciorek)

As the world has fast become a theatrical stage for public sentiment to display both outrageous and benevolent characterizations of humanity, a universal demand for the highest possible standard of excellence can be embodied by those who would be model-heroes for aspiring youth. “Conceptions of mortal erring thought must give way to the ideal of all that is perfect and eternal.”

As a professional Baseball Player myself, and subsequently a perennial fan and teacher of the “fundamentals,” my thought(s) about the “Game” gradually has been transformed from that of vigorously active participation to vicariously passive appreciation. My life’s purpose is no longer striving to be the greatest athlete, or baseball player, nor is it to fulfill my physical potential. I have simply come to recognize that my sole purpose is to experience “Goodness.”

So, starting my day from a spiritual basis, I begin looking for and anticipating those human experiences that afford me the opportunity for “Maximum of Good.” Good is God! God is not only good; He is All the Good that is and can be. The Psalmist states in at least four verses, “Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Jesus himself was not only the excellent example of God’s Goodness, his “Gospel” message promoted the “Good News” of Our Father’s ever presence. The ancient Greeks inter-changed the terms excellence and “virtue” to mean the same. And again the Bible describes the “Virtuous Woman” as finding “goodness” in everything she did from morning ‘til night.

Every man’s search for Goodness must begin with God, and vice-versa. In every venue of human life experience can be found opportunities to witness a glory emanating, even gradually, from the prospect of goodness. On the amateur level, parents and other adults support the nurturing cause of developing educational and recreational activities for prospective leaders and rising stars, while appreciating every good or enhanced step along his/her way.

But, we find excellence displayed to the utmost in every venue of the Professional realm. The “maximum of good” is what people pay money in order to vicariously experience the ultimate satisfaction in Sports, Movies, Theatre, Opera, and all other forms of genuine Escapism.

When I go to a Major-League Baseball game, I am expecting to have the experience of witnessing the “maximum of good” that the highest level of the Sport can deliver to my full appreciation. It is a “Spiritual Experience,” at which, and for which I am never disappointed, no matter which team wins. When I go to a Little-League game, I don’t have the same “high-expectation” of “excellent” performance, but I do look for every slight indication of Good’s presence in the intentions, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and mechanical application of skill of all the participants.

Baseball will always be America’s endearing National Pastime to me, for whom the season never ends.

John Paciorek played for the Major League Houston Colt.45s. (Currently, Astros).  He now teaches Physical Education and coaches Sports at Clairbourn – School in San Gabriel, CA. He has written two books: The Principle of Baseball, and All There is to Know about Hitting; and, Plato and Socrates: Baseball’s Wisest Fans; and is the subject of a new Book, entitled, Perfect, by Steven Wagner.

If you would watch a professional baseball game (especially Major League) through the lens of a microscope you would notice that the effectiveness of all batters is determined by how well they wait for the right opportunity before they commit their bodies to begin forward motion to conduct their swings. Those who patiently wait for the precise moment to quickly and powerfully respond to the ball in the strike zone are most assuredly the more proficient of bats-men. But is there anything a batter can or must do while he is patiently waiting for the pitcher as he is delivering his pitch?

It is incumbent upon every batter to establish a rhythm in order to gain a sense of momentum to counteract the force of speed and power elicited by the throwing action of the pitcher’s body and arm before he can effectively initiate his swing. The most common prelude to any batter’s swing (professional or non-professional) is the usually-accepted “stride.” This stride can be utilized in a fashion either linear (straight-forward) or eliptical (front knee kick).

In the two photos of Mickey Mantle (above)it can be observed that he sometimes took a stride of about 2 feet, and was quite a notable bats-man who struck out a lot. Within the 50 or so years since Mantle and other former Baseball dignitaries graced the Major-League playing fields, new theories for greater batting prowess have evolved that would try to lessen the margins for error in swinging the bat, to diminish the strike out rate that the “long-stride” seemed to perpetuate.

The “high-leg kick” (like A-Rod, above) was an attempt at stabilizing the “head-from-moving” while still providing enough rythmic momentum to initiate the batter’s timing mechanism. The front foot would not stride out (as Mantle’s did) but simply relocate to the point from which it began. And, from there the action of swing could be initiated while the head and eyes remained relatively stable.

The swing itself cannot begin until the front foot has planted into the ground. And there have been many times when a batter’s foot was still in stride as the ball was in a position to be swung at. Or the foot was urgently planted a lot earlier than appropriate for swinging at the pitch. In either event the batter’s timing was adversely affected by the “stride,”from which he was too early or too late.

Also, the stride, whether linear or eliptical, moves the body, which moves the head which contains the eyes which would see the ball (as clearly as possible). The only solution from which to eliminate or diminish substantially the “margin for error” that depreciates a batter’s vision and timing  effectiveness is the “No-Stride.”

The proficient “bats-man” will remain balanced throughout the swing more often than the less proficient batter. And balance is determined by a consistent rotary flow of body parts, of which none preempts the timing and function of the others. If the batter is impatient (whether consciously or unconsciously), and starts his forward action too soon, the entire mechanism for balance is disturbed and the integrity of the swing is compromised. Once the flow begins it should not stop until “bat-ball” contact is made and the follow-through concluded. So the big question remains for each batter, “when to begin?”

Another question that accompanies the first is “what to begin?” To answer these two questions, in reverse order, is to discern the riddle and to solve the mystery of the phantom “.400-plus hitter.” The quandary involved in “what to begin?” is determined by whether, or not, the batter takes a “stride.” If he takes a stride, then his action begins with forward linear movement before he plants his front foot. If he doesn’t stride his first action is to plant (push down on) the front foot.

About 95% of all “Big-League” players stride toward the ball or the “plate”, and another 4.09% incorrectly interpret and apply the benignancy of the “non-stride”. Thus, less than 1% exhibit an understanding that the stride is an unessential element to initiate the proper swing. And the subtle answer to the query of why very few batters are inherent prospects to hit .400 or more in this generation is furthermore re-established!

Most hitters think they need the stride to initiate the momentum to counteract the power and velocity of the pitched ball, while the very act of striding is the determinant that will ultimately diminish the effectiveness of the function of an otherwise productive swing. The alternative (non-stride) is the correct approach, but no one seems able to put faith in its prospectus.

If a batter would “not-stride” he would eliminate the most detrimental margin of error in the complicated network of proficient “bats-man-ship”—seeing the ball with optimal acuity. Even if the distance and abruptness of the stride are negligible, keeping the head and eyes perfectly still is virtually impossible while the body is traversing any number of vertical planes. A single degree of movement would negate the level of efficiency to that same extent and nullify perfect acuity. If a batter could entertain the prospect of hitting .400, he would certainly have to reduce the margins of error with regard to all aspects of mental and physical procedures, of which optimal seeing is a top priority.

The problem that all batters face is their own reluctance to understand that the stride is not necessary for applying a forceful front foot plant just prior to the swing itself. It is merely a matter of mental and physical conditioning to attain the proper foot-plant to negotiate the swing. First, mentally recognizing the good prospect of the “non-stride,” then physically practicing the reaction-time sequence of maximum effort and movement ultimately will acclimate the batter to a higher proficiency level.

The “non-stride” entails a number of components that, if not considered equally important to each other, affect the integrity of the batting mechanism. But to understand the legitimacy of the non-stride is the first step in patiently conquering the .400 barrier.

Which of the following two questions best offers a solution to the problem of inefficient batting? Does the strength of the swing come from the stride, lunge of the body, and extension of the arms? Or does it come from the rapid and controlled rotary transfer of weight that occurs after the front foot plants and the front knee begins straightening diagonally to help force the front hip backwards, to allow the back hip to move quickly forward, with a turning bent back leg?

The actions, in the second question, lead the upper body into an orderly series of movements that precipitate a power surge directing the bat into the ball. And without a stride the batter can be assured of the best possible visual acuity for tracking the in-coming pitch.

The following conditioning sequence will facilitate a habit-forming regimen to accommodate the essential training needed to begin the conquest of stagnant hitting deficiency.

4-STEP HITTING DRILL: (This should be done without a bat first, then with a bat after total coordination has been mastered.)

Step 1 – Assume a position of maximum strength and balance. Get as low a stance as to not feel too uncomfortable, with feet spread at the distance of your normal stride. (Remember, a low stance gives you a natural advantage of a smaller strike zone as well as a fundamental posture for stronger and quicker movement. If you understand the value of this “principle,” any physical discomfort you seem to have with a low stance will diminish as your body becomes acclimated through repetition and positive results.) Then begin the repetition of the entire hip-shoulder “weight-transfer,” step by step. Repeat five attempts focusing on the straightening of the front leg, by pushing down hard on the front foot with the feeling of pushing your body backward. If the body does actually fall backwards, off balance, your back foot and bent knee are not doing what are required of them.

Step 2– Focus on the action of the back leg. With a low stance, as you assume that the transfer of weight is imminent, drive the back bent-knee forward with force, rotating from the outside of the big toe of the back foot. Focus on maintaining a bent back leg during the simulation, but be conscious of the other three stages (especially the front leg).

Step 3—Focus on front shoulder action. As front foot is planting, be focused on how forcefully you can shrug and pull the front shoulder up and backward. If the movement feels weak, it’s probably because the hips did not initiate the action.

Step 4—Focus on back shoulder and elbow. When the front shoulder shrugs, the back shoulder (with elbow) automatically lowers. The muscles of the Pectoral (in chest) and Latissimus (in back) areas drive the elbow down and forward ahead of the back hand. The hand is thus in a palm-up position to force a flat bat through the ball. So focus on the backside of the upper body coming through. But be conscious that the front side seems to be initiating the action.

After these four steps have been mastered, use a bat and go through them again, using a batting tee until mastery is attained. After that, go through the same procedure, this time combining step one with step two, and step three with step four, making it a two-step drill. (Then, step two with step four, and step one with step three.)

Remember, you are working to see how fast you can complete the entire action “perfectly.” Only perfect practice will make perfect, so perform the drills at full speed with the expectation of reacting faster as the mechanics of the swing are perfected. Eventually you can move the tee to cover all the areas of the strike zone. Remember also, to assure that the head not move, refrain from taking a stride—you really don’t need it anyway if you perfect the “four step” drill.

Also Remember: When assuming your stance, always have the front foot pointed at a 120 degree angle (or slightly less)to the pitcher, not a 90 degree angle (or more) which many batters assume because they have been told that it will keep their front hip and shoulder from opening too quickly. The front foot, at a 120 degree angle, will allow the weight tranfer during the swing to be more accommodating to the front knee, ankle, and foot joints. While, at 90 degrees or less, the tension on the front foot, ankle, and knee can have a dire affect on the ligaments and tendons while the body is twisting and turning on its rotating axes. Harold Baines and Ryan Howard can attribute their knee and ankle problems, and well as their erratic batting effeciency, to the extremely awkward front foot positioning in their stances. Just look at the front foot positioning of outstanding hitters such as Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, to validate the proper transfer of weight during the swing.

To “believe assuredly” is to have absolute faith in a proven principle. On the human level it’s hard to find an “Absolute” from which to have an absolute faith. The True consciousness in all of us can discern the correct path to take, the right doctrine to espouse, and the most plausibly scientific way to hit a baseball.

The Patient Hitter

Just about everyone knows that patience is an attribute (virtue) that is profitable even under dire circumstances where immediate response may be indicated. Patience allows for the opportunity to accurately assess a particular situation in order to perceive whatever prospect is available to counteract any problem, or its potentiality. Patience prevents the loss of essential sequence experience when one is inordinately hurried to complete a required task. And Mind evokes patience to discipline the minutiae of individual elements to proceed in sequential order, without skipping steps, for the purpose of effective function, from foundation to pinnacle of success.

Coming Soon:

What to do, and how to do it, to attain the perfect timing to hit a baseball effectively?

Perfect Timing: Expectation of Light brought to Focus.

All Big-League pitchers either consciously or unwittingly ascribe to the famous quote attributed to Hall of Fame Pitcher, Warren Spahn: “It is the objective of every batter to establish an unobtrusive rhythm of momentum in order to ‘time’ and hit the pitched ball with maximum efficiency; while it is the Pitcher’s goal to upset that rhythm so the batter has difficulty in ‘timing’ the pitch and hitting the ball with ‘authority’.”

In the modern era of Major-League Baseball, the most proficient of batters have commanded rates of success in averages ranging from 30 to 39%. The last Major-League batter to surpass the 40% barrier was Ted Williams, who batted .406 in 1941. George Brett batted .390 in 1980, and Tony Gwynn batted .394 in 1994. That means that pitchers have been more successful in achieving their collective Goal than batters have been in reaching their objectives. That is not to mention the myriad bats-men toiling at a miry continuum transpiring between the ranges of the .299 to .200. Batters don’t seem to know how it is even possible to transcend from their degrading level of deficiency to an aspiring degree of proven proficiency.

A pitcher who effectively utilizes every natural physical asset that he has been endowed with can achieve ultimate success, but only if he is capable of knowing when and where to throw a specific pitch, as well as demonstrating a propensity for directing the ball forcefully to that specific place. Proper mechanics, facilitating both power and control, must be complemented with the knowledge and understanding of the batter’s Psyche in order to offset his formidable capability for productively hitting a baseball. The pitcher’s job will be easy or difficult, according to the degree of perfect application of the “principle of pitching” (throwing), as well as the extent to which the batter follows a proven, commendable principle of his own.

In professional baseball, it is an assumed fact that good batters can hit the fastest fastball and the best of curves when they know what pitch is coming. In batting practice, they’ll hit a pitcher’s best “stuff” consistently, if he tells them what’s coming, at least after a few swings and their “Timing mechanisms” are set. In games, the most astute hitters remain effective by learning to identify (either consciously or unconsciously) certain peculiar habits of pitchers, who may “telegraph” their intentions by slightly changing the characteristics of their normal procedure.

All pitchers should be aware of the salient and subtle characteristics, both physical and mental, of all the batters they will face. Batters with poor mechanics should be relatively easy outs for pitchers who understand how to circumvent those areas where such hitters could be a potential threat. Batters with good mechanics can be more than formidable foils, if the pitcher lacks the experience, skill, and delicate perspicacity to discern their potential strengths and weaknesses.

Albert Einstein’s revelations, based on his Special Relativity theory and subsequent Photo-Electric Effect explain that “…the laws of physics are exactly the same for all observers in uniform motion.” And his observation of “time-dilation” indicates the phenomenon of different times for different observers. With his contribution to the establishment of Quantum Physics he informally states, that “at the fundamental levels of matter, causation is a matter of statistical probabilities, not certainties.”

The batter who understands these principles, and competently applies them to his hitting technique, can reap unprecedented benefits. A low, stable stance, without a visual-degrading stride, presents an impenetrable structure of defiance and credibility to any pitcher hoping to perforate what seems an impervious piece of offensive weaponry. However, most batters, unacquainted with the finer essences of scientific examination, unwittingly expose themselves to myriad factors of vulnerability, of which astute and punctilious pitchers are known to take complete and unrelenting advantage.

Throughout the history of Baseball, it can be stated without reservation that “The Premier Pitcher Principle” has been the dominant factor with regard to the confrontational relationship between the pitcher and the hitter. Contests categorically pronounce the pitcher victorious in at least seven out of every ten encounters. Pitcher dominance is due to two main conditions, detrimental to the make-up of the traditional batting technique: the high stance, and the stride. The high stance ultimately creates an inappropriate viewpoint from which to clearly see the ball throughout the distance of its flight from the mound to home plate. The movement of the body during the stride also distorts clear visual acuity, while providing an indefinite and inconsistent starting point from which to begin the swing. Removing or changing those two conditions would immediately decrease the margin for error, in favor of the batter.

The best pitchers, if not consciously aware of those facts, instinctively sense the batter’s particular vulnerability, and keep the ball where he can’t hit it effectively. The smart pitcher, at times, seems to be the only one cognizant of the fact that he is standing about 1 foot above the plane of home plate. Batters who swing down on the ball must be oblivious to the fact that every pitch is descending into the strike zone. The perceptive pitcher must at least sense that a batter’s eyes, in a high stance, will have difficulty accurately following the descending flight of the ball as it is transcending countless horizontal planes. Therefore a low strike would entail extraordinary kinesthetic ability on the part of the batter in order to hit the ball. Also, the forward stride would not go unnoticed by the observant mounds-man. As a magician, working his audience, so the pitcher would take delight in a batter whose peripatetic eyes will wander everywhere and not stay still, to focus.  Off-speed pitches would wreak havoc on unsuspecting head-gliders, until an infrequent fastball zips right by them.

When a good pitcher encounters a batter with a low stance, he is immediately aware that this hitter has a minute strike-zone, has a greater range for hitting the high or low pitch, and his body’s low center-of-gravity has the potential for providing a quicker and more powerful stroke. However, if the batter has a pronounced stride, the pitcher’s fear is alleviated somewhat, because excessive eye movement is imminent, and the prospect for his back leg to straighten seems forthcoming. Mixing pitches, with impeccable control, leaves this batter’s threatening demeanor as a negligible affectation.

However, the batter in a low stance, who doesn’t stride, creates the only true conundrum for the pitcher of the “premier principle.” This hitter’s low, stable stance provides for maximum balance, quickness, and power, as well as for constant visual acuity, to avoid the natural distortions that any extra movement creates, throughout the flight of the ball and the swing of the bat. Therefore, when “Premier Pitcher” meets “Premier Batter” in this one-on-one confrontation, pitcher must rely heavily on his Einsteinian postulates that “…the laws of physics are exactly the same for all observers in uniform motion; …the phenomenon of time-dilation states different times for different observers; and … at the fundamental levels of matter, causation is a matter of statistical probabilities, rather than certainties.”

Since this batter’s eyes are stationary, the pitcher, like a magician, has to distract his incredulous challenger from distinctly focusing on the specific, by substituting a series of decoys, by means of extraneous movement or evoking superfluous thought patterns. He needs to curtail the condition of uniformity for which the batter relies, and exchange it for a haphazard, indefinite, change-of-pace series of stimulation to keep the hitter off-balance. If he thinks like the hitter, hides the ball well, changes speeds on all his pitches, and has command of the strike-zone, he has a statistical chance to defray his costs with minimal expenditures, like ground balls, pop-ups, impotent fly-balls, “right-at-um” line-drives, or “bleeding” base-hits.

If batters only knew that there is a “Premier Batting” Principle, the “Premier Pitching” Principle would become obsolete, and only the “Master-Magician” would remain.   The pitcher wants to assert his mastery over the batter and deny absolute validity to the application of his proven Principle. And that is the only recourse the pitcher has. Since the batting principle is sound, the pitcher must deny the batter’s right to perfect application. He can do this only by abiding by the same mechanism of statistical probabilities as the hitter. Remember Einstein’s “special relativity” correctly asserts that “the laws of physics are exactly the same for all observers in uniform motion.” And from what has been statistically certified over the history of pitcher-batter relationships, the disproportionate advantage to the pitcher cannot be denied. The batting Principle could assert a more pronounced effectiveness against the statistical dominance of the “Premier Pitcher Principle”– (which is merely an illusion).

The missing link in applying the hitting principle has always been the inconsistent visual acuity of the batter in accurately detecting the speed of the fast-ball, as well as the direction and varying speeds of “breaking” and other off-speed pitches. All this, of course, was due to excessive movement of the head, the primary culprits being the high stance and batter’s stride. The pitcher’s arsenal of distracting and illusory forces will still work its devastating carnage on ignorant bats-men, until the Einsteins of a new era of batting prominence will set the standard for hitting elegance.