Customer Reviews

The Art of Hitting

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Tony Gwynn in this text describes the hard work and dedication on how he became very talented at his craft. In the account, the book is much like those written by other All Stars who simply cannot explain how they became great other than using the words "hard work." This how-to book is written in biography style, so contains more war stories than techniques, like we have seen written by Pete Rose and Joe Torre. The problem is that no one doubts Gwynn was a great hitter. He makes a point by saying in the book that "I let the pitcher control the action," as some sort of absolution on how you must be to achieve great hitter status. Having played and been in a baseball family for 50 years, I know that is absolutely false. The pitcher controls the game whether Mr. Gwynn likes it or not. There is very little information which is definitive enough to be used to improve someone's hitting ability. I do recommend this book, because of who wrote it. However, I cannot tell you to buy this text because it will not make you a better hitter. Try Mike Schmitt's text or the ones by Walt Hriniak or Charlie Lau and you will do much better than reading stories about another "great one."

My son wanted this book, but I ended up borrowing his bat, gripping it, trying to apply Tony Gwynn's advice. And I haven't played serious ball since high school! That's the thing about this book, it explains hitting with such fresh insight that you just can't help but want to go out there and take some cuts ... no matter what your age.

This book is a must for any coach of youth baseball. Hell, it's probably a must for a number of major leaguers as well! Gwynn offers some mind-boggling advice, such as not thinking of hitting the ball, but hitting *through* it. Along with this easy to understand science, you get some of the most terrific baseball photos published anywhere -- clear images which capture both the power and beauty of hitters doing their thing.

There's a nice introduction by the last of the .400 hitters, Ted Williams, who thinks that Tony is the guy who can do it in the modern era. The summary is entiled "Old School," and presents the p! ! hilosophy of Gwynn as a player committed to his team and his community. He is, simply, a testimony to all that's great about this great game. So whether you want to become a better hitter, or are just fascinated by this difficult athletic feat, or just interested in a player who is certain to become a hall of famer -- read this lively and enlightening book. Just make sure you have a bat handy.

This IS Tony's Gwynn's How to hit a baseball book, contrary to what other, method-seeking readers might think. I was very pleased with what others called the extraneous material, it all gives me a better idea of who Tony Gwynn is when he steps up to the plate, and THAT is an imposrtant part of how he hits a baseball. People who believe you can read a "how to" book and then go out and hit like Gwynn probably believed Kenny Rogers' old "you can learn to play a guitar" pitch on television. This is a great book for kids and for fans and for anyone interested in what it takes and what it's like to be a sports icon in the 21st century.

This is a so-so hitting book. Doesn't provide any science on how to swing a bat. Just talks about hitting off the tee and how good he was as a hitter. He doesn't talk about the hitting sequence and what should be where during different parts of the swing.

When i bought this book I was expecting to learn all of Mr. Gwynn's inside secrets and tips. I got some of that but not a lot. He talked a lot about his life and career. He also talked about how to get out of slumps and his knowledge of the game. But the secrets of hitting and the basic skills and what exactly I should be doing at the plate for each pitch in as many situatuions as possible were no where to be found. I liked the book but I think Mr. Gwynn needs to write another book, more on the lines of "How to Hit a Baseball"

The book that all baseball players and enthusiasts should have is The Art of Hitting by Tony Gwyn. This book gives great instructions and tips to getting the best swing for baseball. Tony Gwyn, eight-time batting champion in the MLB, explains the methods that he used to achieve that accomplishment. Gwyn tells everything, from what to look for from a pitcher to the basics like opening your hips to gain power and speed on the swing. The Art of Hitting also talks about Gwyn's life as a Minor and Major League player. The Art of Hitting is a great book for the beginning and advanced baseball player, and also for the fan.

I do agree with the reader from Kansas City to a certian extent. The interwoven commentary weakens Tony's message. But this book is great for the beginner and veteran of baseball alike. He explains his position on everything from the paint job on his bat [the "Gwynn Finish"] to Scott Radinsky. A fun book to read.

I have all the respect in the world for Tony Gwynn, and don't regret purchasing this book for one minute. But, if you're looking for anything that could compare to "The Mike Schmidt Study," or Ted Williams' "The Science of Hitting," or even Charlie Lau's "The Art of Hitting .300," I'm afraid this book is not the answer.

It's basically a short biography/autobiography, with a few pages on hitting technique, and multiple portions on philosophy. Buy it because you're a Gwynn fan, or because you're a completist, and want a library of every book that discusses hitting, or everything by Hall-of-Famers, or whatever. But if you're really looking for hitting instruction, and you're only going to buy a handful of hitting books, this one, unfortunately, shouldn't make the cut.

Tony Gwynn is an outstanding hitter and an excellent communicator. Unfortunately his co-author and editors couldn't stay out of his way enough so that he could create a successful book.

The format of interwoven commentary along with Gwynn's own thoughts serves to weaken Gwynn's message. And the book contains far too much extraneous material. Is it a book about hitting? Or is it about Gwynn's life? Or maybe about his philosophy? I still don't know.

Gwynn's hitting tips are outstanding. His description of his approach to hitting is very lucid. He explains his use of a batting tee and wiffle balls beautifully. I just wish the book had focused more on the other aspects of hitting. How did he learn to recognize different pitches? Why does he draw perpendicular lines in the batter's box at every plate appearance? Does he try to think along with the pitcher? Does he alter his mental approach in different situations ala Ted Williams.

The book also contains numerous careless inacuraccies - "Danny" Neagle instead of "Denny" - is just one example.

Please, Mr. Gwynn, take another swing with a co-author, editor and publisher who care more about hitting and the grand old game.

Tony Gwynn is #1.If you are a Padres fan, baseball fan, or a Tony Gwynn fan than this is the right book for you. In this book, Tony Gwynn teaches you the art of hitting. Having seen him in person, I know that Tony Gwynn is no doubt the greatest Padre ever and one of the greatest baseball players of all-time. If you do not agree with me, look at all the records that he has acheived:

3141 HITS
9287 AT-BATS
.338 CAREER BATTING AVERAGE
.459 SLUGGING PERCENTAGE
2 WORLD SERIES
15 TIME ALL-STAR
MULTI BATTING TILES
MULTI GOLDEN GLOVES
A FUTURE HALL OF FAMER
ETC.
So I highly recommend you to buy this book. I am absolutely sure that you will like it.