Opening Day

Well, it has finally come.  Spring training is over and everyone in Chicago can now enjoy America's past time again -- baseball.  It got me wondering about all the scientific things that are dealt with in the game of baseball.  While I am sure I could find a way to tie in all aspects of science, physics is the probably the most prevalent field of science that is important to baseball.

I am going to look at just one aspect of baseball today that is extremely important to the game and deals with a lot of physics, pitching.

Photo courtesy of howstuffworks.com

There is one pitch that revolutionized the game, the curve ball.  This strange pitch actually curves and throws hitters off and this is exactly why it is so useful.  With a  curve ball there are important factors that allow this pitch to curve - 1. The grip the pitcher has on the ball  2. The air resistance that meets the ball.  Obviously, different pitchers have different grips but the main curve ball grip is where the index and middle finger are lined up together on one of the laces of the ball while the thumb is holding the ball on the opposite side. The grip of the ball is show below.

Photo courtesy of dreamtime.com

Once the grip is in place, the pitcher must snap their wrist while throwing the ball to home plate, putting top spin on the ball.  This topspin affects the way the air travels over the ball which in turn allows the ball to curve.  The actual science behind it is that the air under the ball is flowing faster then the air on top of the ball and this causes lower pressure.  Since there is lower pressure on the bottom of the ball, the ball will then drop or curve.  There are several types of curve ball pitches and they all depend on where the pitcher releases the ball.  If the pitcher wishes to throw a 12 - 6 curve ball they will release the ball at the top but is they want more of a curve ball the travels across the strike zone then they will release the ball at angle across their body.

Here are a few cool links

    -  Video of a 12 - 6 curve ball

    - Article about physics of baseball

    - Another video about physics and how it affects pitching

I will create another post by the end of the week dealing with the best part of baseball - hitting.

Mr. Bean

GO CUBS!

By the way I know you are all on Spring Break, but I have a rugby game this weekend at home.  Game is at 1pm at Wilson Ave. and Lake Shore Drive. I will be posting my whole rugby schedule later for those of you who wish to come see the best game on Earth played live.