The word “rivalry” barely comes close to describing what happens between these two teams. This matchup has become virtual warfare on the field and in the media. Many feel that the hatred between these two teams is at an all-time high. Let’s take a look at the history behind this rivalry and some key moments that have added fuel to the fire of the Yankees and Sox war.

• You must first understand how valuable Babe Ruth was to Boston. The Babe played for the Red Sox from 1914 to 1919, and played primarily as a pitcher. The Red Sox captured the 1918 World Series behind Ruth’s 0.87 ERA. The next year Ruth sported a lofty .322 batting average.

• You should know exactly how Ruth became a New York Yankee. The owner of the Red Sox, Harry Frazee, sold Ruth to the Yankees for a $300,000 loan and $125,000 in cash. He used the money to open a musical called “No, No, Nanette.” The Babe went on to have great success with the Yankees, and a rivalry was born.

• The Red Sox were never able to recover from losing Ruth, and “The Curse of the Bambino” was born. From 1923 to 1932 the Red Sox finished last every year except two, and lost 111 games that final year. Meanwhile in New York, Ruth smacked a then record 60 homers in 1927, a record that stood for 34 years. The Babe ended his career with the Boston Braves in 1935. His home run total while in Boston was 26, while he smashed 688 in the Yankee pinstripes.

• Save for the last eight seasons, there is a stark contrast between each team’s World Series successes. From 1936 to 1962, New York took home 16 World Championships. The Red Sox would reach the Series four times, in 1946, 1967, 1975 and 1986, losing each time. By the time the 21st century was upon us, the Bronx Bombers had 25 championships, while the Red Sox were still searching for their first title since 1918.

• Bear in mind that Babe Ruth wasn’t the only superstar the Red Sox have let get away that ultimately found their way into Yankee championship history. Roger Clemens was a multiple Cy Young award winning superstar for the Red Sox, only to have the Red Sox let him walk away and become a member of the Blue Jays. He went on to win two Cy Young awards as well as the pitcher’s version of the Triple Crown with the Jays. The Rocket moved on to the Bombers and won his first championship as a member of the Yankees in 1999.

Don’t give up on this rivalry just because the Red Sox have won a few World Series and broken the dreaded curse. This rivalry will live on for as long as these two organizations are putting teams on the field.

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Article source: Red Sox/Yankees Rivalry Still as Strong as Ever

Batting, is an essential part of the game whether for a home run, bunt or even a sacrifice fly. But unfortanately, not all players have that athletic gift that made players like Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez and Babe Ruth score legendary home runs and reach monstrous home run records reaching up to 700. It may even take a lifetime duplicating such feats for less gifted athletes.

However, there are practical techniques that can be observed in order to increase batting speed.  Nevermind, all that performance-enhancing drugs. True, it will help improve performance and produce more muscles. But these steroids,  in the long run will just do more harm than good. It can cause suicidal depression and can elevate sleeping blood pressure, change LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio, or cause enlargement of the heart’s left ventricular region. And worse, ruin the integrity of the athletes involved which may lead to loss of endorsements or worse, getting banned entirely. In reality, to increase batting speed, you need good position, correct swing, good work ethic and the proper use of the core section and lower body which helps create extra force and bat speed while swinging.

A good core section and lower body are the essentials of  having a good batting speed.  Try to loosen up and relax while waiting for the pitch. Proper posture and balance should be observed while batting, make sure that the heels are firmly planted. A tense shoulders can make muscles tight and can tire it easily. It is important to remember to use the entire body while swinging to create more force and velocity while batting.  Remember to rotate the whole body while keeping the knee perpendicular to the ground when turning.

The proper use of the lower section combined with a strong core can add extra force and increase batting speed.  Always maintain  the side firm and straight with the other front knee.  Use the lower half and the core section throughout the swing, keeping the batting knee turned throughout. Maintain the arms flexed and end up with the bat chest high and above the shoulders when finishing the swing.

A serious player who wants to increase batting speed should take advantage of the sports technology available today. A player must a find a training program suitable for him which will cover every facet of his performance. Today, there are practical tips to increase batting speed, one can use a heavier bat while practising. Swinging as many times during a minute interval is also advisable.

One can also add strength and conditioning or plyometrics to their training regimen. With isometric training, muscles will be isolated and conditioned thus having better reflexes, speed, acceleration and quickness. All of these training exercises can tremendously benefit the player and increase their strength and batting speed. This will definitely help the athlete improve his batting speed.

There are also online training programs available and batting coaches for those who wants a more personalized approach. All of this training can definitely help the player increase batting speed, but without practise it will just be useless. Without passion practice, even the best talent will be outclassed by a mediocre but dedicated player.

Article source: Batting for Speed – How to Increase Bat Speed