I played softball when I was younger. I am 21, 6’2, 235. Squat 435, Bench 305, Deadlift 525(got first meet coming up next saturday). I want to be both a better hitter and a power hitter.
I know it takes time and practice. I do want to get a freak plus when I get some money. [/quote]
You should be swinging a 28oz bat maybe a 27 with your size. For me, being a power hitter was easy, it was doing it consistantly that takes practice. Alot of hitting. Take a lot of bp I can even describe how much bp I have taken.
But when I was around your age I started in ASA and just showed up and hit. As you work your way up the competition level, you will realize that almost everybody can hit homers, but the good players can when they need to ( 2 on or bases loaded) etc. Consistancy is the key.
I’m naturally a line drive hitter, and its easier to hit that way in NSA and u-trip. Learn how to cut or hit backspin and the ball will carry.
As far as training that will make you a better hitter… I do alot of forearm work. Plate curls, levering, wrist roller in the offseason. Keep deadlifting and squatting and make sure you do lat and core work.
This always effects your swing. Strength and bat speed. I really “broke out” a couple years ago. It seems I put it all together and started hitting some balls 350 with some decent consistancy. It was also the year (winter before) I finally pulled 600 in a meet. Hope this helps
[quote]Ballin4Christ32 wrote:
BillO21 wrote:
Depending on what freak 98 you have, some of them get HOT right before they are about to break.
I have a 34" 28 oz freak 98. I am looking to get a freak plus albeit at a 26 oz size.[/quote]
Freak Plus is a good bat. I swing an org Jeff Hall Mayhem. It is a great bat.
This is what I found out about the Freak 98.
1st batch FREAK - lower serial numbers usually (starting with a 3xxxxxx), no offical softball on the barrel, smooth endcap (not the miken logo endcap).
2nd batch FREAK - serial numbers range, no offical softball on the barrel, miken logo endcap.
3rd batch FREAK - higher serial numbers usually (starting with a 4xxxxxx), offical softball on the barrel of the bat, miken logo endcap.
It was believed that some of the “true” 1st batch FREAKS were later runs of the ULTRA II’s. Miken had to label the bats FREAKS to get them out the door because ASA banned the use of ULTRA II’s in ASA play (no reason to label these bats ULTRA II’s anymore).
It is also believed that some of the 1st batch FREAKS were heavier than stickered… had more of an endload. I have two 1st batch FREAKS that weigh almost 2 ounces heavier than stickered. The 2nd and 3rd batch FREAKS are more balanced feeling than the 1st batch FREAKS.
It is also believed that when you have a FREAK with a “W” burnt into the endcap its no good. That also is wrong as all that means is its a warranty replacement bat. The endcap is either smooth or has the miken logo. As for OG… OG stands for original… nothing more.
Most of the shaving is in ASA cause they use shit balls and log bats. I swing an OG synergy+ so no shaving needed. Never really got into the Mikens. I swung a Rockettech in ASA until I picked up a synergy 2. Then it was composites from then on.
[quote]Bigpull wrote:
Most of the shaving is in ASA cause they use shit balls and log bats. I swing an OG synergy+ so no shaving needed. Never really got into the Mikens. I swung a Rockettech in ASA until I picked up a synergy 2. Then it was composites from then on.[/quote]
Maybe in your area. Utrip bats are hot but there are people shaving them like crazy around here. I see 150lb old fat guys hitting the ball 350 and yes shit balls. It makes homeruns not fun anymore.