The document outlines the history and development of the BLAST hitting system created by Jim Schwanke while coaching at Oklahoma State University. Some key players that found success using the system include Pete Incaviglia, who set NCAA records in 1985, and Robin Ventura, who set an NCAA record for consecutive games with a hit in 1987. Schwanke later brought the system to LSU, where it helped the team win national titles in 1996 and 1997, during which LSU set numerous team home run records. The document then details the components and strategies of the BLAST system.

2. Brief History Jim Schwanke, the creator of the BLAST system developed this extremely effective system working under legendary coach Gary Ward at Oklahoma State during the 80’s. Coach Schwanke while at OSU, which was known as “Hitters U” took all of the knowledge that he gained and eventually developed the BLAST hitting system.

3. Pete Incaviglia In 1985 Oklahoma State Outfielder Pete Incaviglia set the NCAA record by hitting 48 HR’s in a single season. That year he also set the NCAA record for RBI in a season with 143. These records still stand.

4. Robin Ventura In 1987 Robin Ventura under the tutelage of Coach Jim Schwanke at OK State, set the NCAA Div. 1 Baseball record for consecutive games with a hit at 58.

5. LSU Years After leaving OSU, Schwanke took his hitting system to Louisiana State where his hitting system helped the Tigers to 2 consecutive National Titles (1996-1997). In 1996 LSU set the SEC record for homeruns by a team belting 131 homeruns that year. They followed that season up in 1997 by hitting 188 homeruns which is the NCAA record for homeruns hit by a team in a single season.

6. Warren Morris In 1996, LSU Second Basemen Warren Morris under the tutelage of coach Schwanke hit a Walk-off Homerun to win the College World Series.

7. Brandon Larson In 1997, LSU Shortstop Brandon Larson under the tutelage of Schwanke hit 40 Homeruns to lead the SEC. He also won MVP honors at the College World Series after hitting .438 with 3 HR’s.

8. 319 Round Trips Over that 2 year span (96-97), LSU hit 319 Homeruns which is the most hit by a team in any 2 year period. In 1997 the Tigers also hit at least 1 Homerun in every game played during that season. That is also an unprecedented achievement.

9. 1997 LSU Baseball

10. B ase L everage A rm Action S peed T iming

11. Base The base is the most important element of any hitting system. A batter must lower himself by flexing the knees, and at the completion of the stride the hitter should be in a more balanced, athletic position than he was in his stance and also in a position where both heels of his feet are slightly off the ground. The hitter balances on the balls of his feet and feels pressure on the two cleats at the front of his shoes.

12. Base

13. Leverage The back leg can be used to deliver leverage on every pitch to hit balls harder. The key points to consider are the back leg turn, hitting behind the ball, utilizing the ball of the foot properly and thrusting like a boxer when he delivers a punch while maintaining balance all the way to follow through.

14. Leverage

15. Arm Action The movement of relaxed hands from a launch area to the lag position and point of barrel release. 1)The keys are to keep a closed front shoulder 2) Bring the knob of the bat to the ball then unveil the barrel to the ball 3) Remember to keep back shoulder in the slot and hands close to body 4) Be as quick to the ball as humanly possible 5) Roll the wrist at contact with the ball

16. Arm Action

17. Speed Velocity of the barrel moving the last 90 degrees from lag to contact. Maximizing bat speed at contact can be accomplished through drills such as the hammer-a-tire drill. Make a conscious effort to maximize the speed of your swing in the hitting zone.

18. Timing The rhythm of the swing should never change. Timing starts at the beginning of the swing, strike zone discipline and adjustments to the fast pitch versus the slow pitch.

19. Drills Mirror Drill (Base) Wall Drill (Leverage) Tire Drill (Arm Action & Speed) Soft Toss/Live Hitting (Timing)

20. Strategies Start Early Work Late

21. Start Early The batter is moving his hands back in an effort to ready for the Fastball before the pitcher even releases the ball. This phase of timing is used when facing pitchers that throw Fastballs early in the count or don’t throw the breaking pitch well. Eliminate the outside fastball (unless you can reach it) and don’t swing at ANY OFF SPEED PITCHES.

22. Attack the Fastball!

23. Work Late This phase is to be used when facing pitchers that can effectively throw the breaking pitch for a strike early in the count and for pitchers that can locate the Fastball on the outside corner. Eliminate the inside fastball and focus on the fastball away. By looking to let the outside pitch travel deeper to be able to hit it, the hitter will be right on time for the breaking pitch. If the breaking pitch starts high… go for it… if it starts low, let it go!

24. Working Late

25. Ratings Key (evaluation) 8 – Outstanding (Baller) 7 – Very Good 6 – Above Average 5 – Average 4 – Below Average 3 – Weak 2 – Poor (In need of Miracle)

26. Statistics Batting Average (Hits divided by # of at bats) RBI (Runs Batted In) Singles, Doubles, Triples, HOMERUNS Slugging % (Total bases / official at bats) Total Bases (1B’s + 2B’s + 3B’s + Home Runs) On Base % Hits + Walks + Hit By Pitch + On Base By Interference + On Base By Dropped 3rd Strike + On Base By Fielder's Choice / Official At Bats + Hits + Walks + Hit By Pitch + On Base By Interference + On Base By Dropped 3rd Strike + On Base By Fielder's Choice + Sacrifices

27. The 10 Commandments of The BLAST System (Rules)

28. The 10 Commandments Thou shall not divert from the “script” KISS Fastball 1 st . Then everything else. Don’t get cheated. If You over think, You stink Be Mentally aggressive & Physically Relaxed (Fight paralysis by Overanalyzes) Do not step in the bucket Stay inside the baseball NEVER SURRENDER

29. X. “If you aint first, You’re Last!”