There is an artistry in sports. The physics-defying Michael Jordan hanging in the air in the NBA. The dizzying jukes of Barry Sanders weaving through defenders in the NFL. The graceful moves of Wayne Gretzky on a breakaway.
There are a lot of beautiful things about baseball, but one of the most aesthetically pleasing things to watch is a beautiful swing. I love a swing that looks effortless, yet generates tremendous power. And why is it always a left-handed hitter that looks so graceful?
Some of the best swings I ever saw include Will Clark, Don Mattingly, Tony Gwynn, and Rafael Palmeiro. From the right-side, I’ll give a lot of credit to the devastating power of Albert Pujols and Manny Ramirez. I always loved watching Ichiro hit. And while I saw him when he was in his later years, you can’t talk about sweet swings without talking about Royals Hall of Famer George Brett.
But the best swing I ever saw was The Kid, Ken Griffey Jr. We all mimicked him in our cul-de-sac – even though we were right-handers. One quick swoop, an effortless cut, and the ball was gone.
So who gets your vote? Was it a smooth lefty like Griffey? A picture-perfect technician like George Brett? Or someone more recent whose swing just looks right every time they step in the box? What’s the sweetest swing you ever saw?