SCIENCE24 - The Science of Baseball's Home Run
There are more and more statistics used in calling Major League Baseball (MLB) games today, including those that measure the efficiency of the teams and the players, almost overwhelming the broadcast. This is particularly true for describing home runs, where it is common to immediately state the exit velocity and the launch angle, followed by the estimated home run distance, and endless analysis. Home runs have always been fascinating to the baseball fan. There are two aspects of home runs that are particularly fascinating to me: 1) What are the factors that determine home run distance and how do they work, i.e., what is the science of the home run, and 2) What is all the ruckus about torpedo bats , that are supposed to increase a batter’s home run proficiency? I’m going to approach this in two parts. This blog will be Part 1 and cover the science of the home run including key factors, and how home run distance is measured today. My next blog,...