Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1972

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Physical Education

Abstract

Batters in all classifications of baseball, whether on the little league level or on the major league level, consistently strive for hitting proficiency. They know that baseball games are won by scoring runs. Hitting is a very important part of baseball but even the best hitters fail more than sixty percent of the time to hit safely. An example of this problem is evident in surveying the averages of the batting champions of the National and American League. During the years of 1928, 1948, and 1968, the National League batting champions had averages of 387, .376, and .335, respectively, and the American League batting champions had averages of .379, .369, and .301 respectively. In a closer examination, one can note the constant decline in batting averages. The present era seems to be more of a pitcher's paradise. According to Duke Snyder, former Dodger slugger, the pitchers have been taking over the game and have so dominated the game that the day of the four-hundred hitter has probably disappeared. In light of the decrease in batting averages in baseball competition, the development of a method whereby hitting consistency might be improved seems imperative. Identifying the specific skills related to hitting success and their subsequent emphasis by the players and coaches involved could do much toward achieving the desired results which in turn would lead to increased spectator interest. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between right grip strength left grip strength, right wrist strength, left wrist strength, trunk strength, kinesthetic perception, peripheral vision, depth perception, reaction time, speed of movement time, hand-eye coordination, agility and leg power with the ability of a batter to hit a baseball. A secondary purpose was to develop a regression equation from the independent variables which could be used to predict hitting success. Hypotheses 1. There is no significant relationship between hitting a baseball and selected anatomical measurements and motor responses. 2. A multiple regression equation to significantly predict hitting ability in baseball cannot be developed.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Baseball
Physical education and training

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

90

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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