a baseball player swings a wooden bat with tremendous force toward an incoming baseball. The bat connects powerfully with the ball at the exact moment of impact. The baseball compresses and begins flying away from the bat at high speed. Motion lines show the force of the collision as the ball rockets toward the outfield. The catcher crouches behind home plate while teammates cheer from the dugout. Other players in the field prepare to chase the flying ball. the bat striking the baseball with great force