Birdie Droppings - 1.18.07

Pittsburgh Sports Guys has plenty of authors and there is always room for more. Some of the greatest sports minds in Pittsburgh do not have the time or the opportunity to regularly share opinions here and are therefore left off the authors list. A man, nay, a great man falls into that category. We often share introspective conversations about sports. My thoughts on topics that this "Little Birdie" has inspired deep discussion on will often be featured in "Birdie Droppings".

The Pirates’ acquisition of Adam LaRoche, who arguably has the sweetest swing in the game today, sparked this question from my friend, “who is the owner of the sweetest swing in baseball history?” Let’s be certain to define “sweetest swing” as “a smooth, effortless swing that appears destined to drive the ball”. The men who own a sweet swing handle the bat so quickly and eloquently that it appears to be weightless.

I think you’ll have to excuse me if my list is dominated by players in my generation. I certainly know and respect the game, but without video evidence it is tough to deem a swing “sweet”. On to the list:

1. Ken Griffey Jr. – If a baseball swing was poetry, Junior’s swing must be read by James Earl Jones
2. Ted Williams – The “Spledid Splinter” is the owner of second best career OPS
3. Albert Pujols – A right handed hitter should not be so fluid and quick to the ball
4. Darryl Strawberry – the high leg might be what his swing is known for, but his swing path is identical to Griffey’s
5. Barry Bonds – Fast. Compact. Powerful. The swing isn’t enhanced by steroids.
6. Will Clark – Will the Thrill could stick.
7. Rafael Palmeiro – I once thought his swing was so perfect that every swing could generate a HR. Apparently it needed the help of steroids.
8. Alfonso Soriano – The perfect combination of Jeff Bagwell and Mark McGuire
9. Joe Dimaggio – (see picture above) the word most often used to describe the Yankee Clipper is Graceful
10. Edgar Martinez – a hit machine

The gentleman that sparked this topic did not even make my list. This might come as a surprise to the Little Birdie as well as Braves’ coach Bobby Cox, who said of Adam LaRoche, “…you know we're not looking to trade him. That's for dang sure. Not with a swing like that." Other players that did not make the list, but should be mentioned are Mickey Mantle, Big Pappi Ortiz, and Todd Helton.

Left handed hitters hold a monopoly on sweet swings. Left handed power hitters traditionally have a long, lengthy swing that is a result of a more upright stance and a dominant left hand, the hand in a swing that generates power. The finished result of these swings is a grand follow-through, usually one handed, that leaves the hitter posing post hit like Jordan leaving his hand up after securing the 97-98 NBA Championship with a shot over Byron Russell of the Jazz. A lefty’s swing is picture perfect, why else would a lefty be chosen as the MLB Official logo?

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Kudos to the Little Birdie for bringing this article about the new Pirates' player Jamie Romak's draft day to my attention. The piece of the article I love the most is what Romak said about what team might draft him, "...But I wanted to be a Brave, I really did. I was afraid Pittsburgh would step up because they'd shown the most interest. I was so happy to go to Atlanta . . . . Incredible! It hasn't sunk in. Fourth round to the Braves, I couldn't ask for anything more." I think he still could ask for nothing more. He is now on a team void of prospects and has a much clearer path to the majors.