im just wondering, but is it better for a baseball player to use dumbbells rather than bench pressing?..if it makes any difference, i play short.

Do a bench press motion, but use dumbells. Make sure to keep your palms facing each other during the motion.

Muscle balance is the biggest reason why I use dumbbells.

Use both.

oh okay. thanks, that's all i needed to know.

Properly performed both versions are fine.

The prblem is it's virtually impossible to keep perfect technique when loads get heavy with the barbell version.

I suggest staying with dumbbells and staying in a neutral hand position for maximum safety.

Due to the scapula being pinned to the bench and unable to move through their normal range of motion when the hands are locked on the same bar. I don't even bother with barbell anymore. Too much stress on the shoulder. I really dont see any advantage to a barbell bench press. Dumbells work the stabilization muscles more, allow full range of motion, allow different hand positions and you don't need a spotter as badly as you do with a barbell.

Barbell is for show and powerlifting as far as I'm concerned.