The Science of Hitting [Paperback]

Ted Williams (Author), John Underwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 29, 1986

Ted Williams is our greatest living expert on how to hit a baseball -- the last baseball player to hit .400 in the major leagues. Williams's career hitting statistics will stand forever as a monument to his complete mastery of the single most difficult thing to do in sport: .344 lifetime batting average, 521 home runs, 1839 RBI and 2654 hits.

The Science of Hitting has reigned as the classic handbook on hitting since being published in 1971 -- and now it's even better! Ted's hitting advice has been updated, and exciting new color graphics and photos have been added to enhance your reading pleasure. The Gallery of Great Hitters has been expanded to include Ted's choices for the best hitters of the '70s and '80s: look inside to see who made the cut!

You'll still find all of Ted's great advice on how to improve your turn at bat and become the best hitter possible. Learn:

* How to think like a pitcher and guess the pitch

* The three cardinal rules for developing a smooth line-drive swing

* The secrets of hip and wrist action

* Pitch selection

* Bunting

* Hitting the opposite way

And much more!

Whether you play the game or simply enjoy reading about it, you'll find The Science of Hitting an unforgettable addition to your sports library.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

As a boy, all Ted Williams wanted was to be the best hitter there ever was. Through his storied tenure with the Red Sox, he pretty much got his wish. He not only hit, he knew how to hit; there was no keener, more devoted, more articulate student of the art. The Science of Hitting is his comprehensive book of wisdom and anecdote, a baseball bible that offers clear, concise, well-illustrated, fundamental information on how to hit a baseball and, just as important, how to think about hitting a baseball. Williams's first commandment is "Get a good pitch to hit," and, in one of baseball's most dramatic teaching tools--a photograph that divides his strike zone into 77 baseballs, seven wide by 11 high--Williams projects what he would hit at each pitch location, from .230 on the low-outside strike to .400 in what he called his "happy zone," the heart of the plate belt high. In 1941, that happy zone was obviously ecstatic; Williams hit .406 that year, the last to break the magic .400 barrier.

Review

Wade Boggs American League batting champion A major influence on my basic hitting skills through my formative years and a must for learning and knowing the strike zone.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Rev Upd Su edition (April 29, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671621033
• ISBN-13: 978-0671621032
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,202 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Coaching > Baseball
  • #19 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Baseball

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science Indeed, October 13, 2008

By 

Mark - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Science of Hitting (Paperback)

What a fantastic book on hitting by one of the greates all-time hitters, Ted Williams. In a nutshell, its a book designed to teach the reader to hit better by showing them a comprehensive look at the science behind hitting. A few things that seemed to stand out:

-the style of writing is like he's standing there talking to you which makes for an easy read
-the batting advice is pretty thorough leaving no stone unturned
-the battting advice is based on science
-the pictures demonstrating the techniqes are OUTSTANDING and include all angles including some very good overhead shots
-the stories he tells of other baseball players are priceless!

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to hit a ball better, I found it to be a very well-rounded book based on both science AND experience. Also recommend Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff if you have a shoulder problem that interferes with your playing.

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The hitters bible, April 18, 2000

By 

Josh Hanford (Adrian, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Science of Hitting (Paperback)

This book is perfect for anyone looking to expand their knowledge on how to hit a baseball. Everything from pitch recognition to a smooth swing are discussed and analyzed. Ted Williams also includes some of his stories from when baseball was a lifestyle. This book allows anyone to see the time and hard work that must go into becoming a good hitter. Becoming a good hitter does not mean picking up a bat and taking a few swings. It starts before you ever get to the ballpark. He walks you through ways to pick up pitcher tendencies, and stresses patience at the plate. This book provides helpful diagrams, which show what pitches are good ones to take a swing at. But he doesn't stop there, he goes into great detail about what you should try and do with that pitch that is in the zone. Also included are tips for making your stance comfortable yet effective, grip on the bat, and improving your power for maximum effectiveness in every at bat. Ted Williams also provides insight on knowing the situation, and doing what is best for your team. A must read for players of all skill levels. This book will grow with you as your hitting experiences expand. Ted Williams deserves more stars than I am allowed to give him for this book.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on hitting you can buy!, January 13, 2001

By 

Mike (South Pasadena, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Science of Hitting (Paperback)

This is the greatest book anyone an possibly buy on hitting. It is written by one of the top 3 hitters in baseball history, Ted Williams, and he definitely knows what he's talking about. Take it from me, I know. Im a 15 year old baseball player, whenever I get into a slump I can read this book and it will automatically get me out of it. If you read this at the beggining of a season it's possible your batting average could at least increase by .200, depending on how good you are. He explains the importance of having a good swing, stride, and everything essential to being a good hitter. This is a must have for every little leaguer.