11.   Teammates say there were nights when Clark could barely grip the bat.

12.   The hitters are pressing, gripping the bats so hard they seemingly turn to ash.

13.   Vaughn said he felt better gripping the bat.

14.   Waldner banged his right thumb on the table while preparing for his Olympic defence and has not been able to grip his bat properly.

15.   Whereas the penholder style was more natural for Asians -- they gripped the bat as though they were using chopsticks or holding a pen.