https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Uuj1Hyhl0k
In this one, the commentator compares Ruth's and Gehrig's swings, and Ruth's movement doesn't look that extreme, but what I find interesting is that at 1:45 he refers to Ruth's approach as being like a "running start," and that's what I was reacting to. I'll look around some more and see if I can find and post a better example of it -
Tim
Also here at 3:37-5:59
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21FQUxM03zg
Check this footage from 1920 - the forward stride is really a couple of separate steps. I feel like I saw one even more exaggerated than this one, but can't find it now. Maybe his swing motion got a little quieter as his career went on.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/663128746139740