This is the only picture I could find that shows what I wanted to discuss.  Here’s the batter with the highest lifetime average of all time and notice how he holds the bat.

Why do we as coaches insist that kids hit with their hands together?

What are the advantages or disadvantages of doing either way?

If you’re attempting to learn to place the ball where you want to, split hands are a great way to learn it.  Even if you revert back to batting with them close together, splitting them while practicing will help you learn how the hands interact.  It does detract from power, in fact when Ty Cobb wanted to hit it harder, he’d bring his hands together as well.

This kind of refers back to our discussion as to having singles hitters or home run hitters a few days back.  Hit for average or for power

Have you seen someone hit this way? Do you think it would work today? Let me know your thoughts.

The picture CREDIT: American Tobacco Company. "Ty Cobb" 1909-1911. Baseball Cards, 1887-1914, Library of Congress.