Eye Contact

How well a hitter is "seeing" the ball is an absolute must to their mechanics.

I feel that eye contact is a big a part of every hitter's arsenal. Without your eyes on the ball every time you are not going to see the ball very well.From the know the situation part of this program you should already be thinking about what you want to do at the plate in advance.

Once you are on your way to the plate, you will have to decide where you are going to hit the ball. If it is your first at bat then they will probably play you straight up. But once you have hit, the defense might make some adjustments. So I think it is a good move to be thinking ahead on what you plan on doing once you step in the box. You should take a look around and see if there is a defensive shift on or maybe you feel you can hit one past the third baseman because he is playing too close. Whatever the situation be prepared when you go to the plate.

You can always here someone saying around the ball field keep your eye on the ball. It is a very true statement. You need to keep your eye on the ball to make that good contact. What happens more times than any is head movement. When you swing your head wants to come out with your swing. Especially if you are pulling the ball.
Something to remember when you struggle is try and hit the ball either up the middle or back side. This will help you keep your eye on the ball that second longer so you make the good contact.
Not seeing the ball well will first generate itself in poor timing and then that can only lead to a high percentage of bad swings.

Bill Ferguson
3rd Base -Taylor Brothers, CC Brick, Nelson's Painting Service, Cambell's Carpets, Howards Furniture

I used to love to watch this guy play the game. His name was Bill Ferguson out of Texas. Boy did he know how to play the game. Notice how he keeps his head down on the ball even after impact. He was one of the best hitters I ever saw. He was in total control all the time. Everything was head down on the ball. You can see how he watches the ball all the way through contact and on the follow through.

He could hit the ball as hard as anyone and consistently hit the long ball. But it seemed like he enjoyed hitting the hard line shot through the infield more. He played with Howard's, Nelson's Painting Service, and Campbells Carpets when they won all the divisions in the same year. He played 3rd base and talk about a glove. He was right there with Charles Wright as far as having soft hands.

Once you step into the batters box you should lock eyes with the pitcher. He is the one person on the field who can get you out so you want to know where he is at all times. You want to let him know that you mean business and that you are ready for any pitch he throws. He is the main person trying to stop you from succeeding in getting a base hit. Sure he has fielders behind him, but he is the one throwing the ball at you so keep your eye on him. Remember one thing your eyes will never let you down, Have trust in your eyes and you will hit the s**t out of the ball..