Expert: Rick Bundy - 8/28/2008

Question
Hi, I am a graduate student and for my thesis I am studying the effects of a proper warm-up on pitching accuracy and velocity, both before a game and in-between innings. So for my data collection I need to quantify velocity and accuracy. Velocity I will simply be measuring with a radar gun, but I am struggling to come up with a good approach to measuring/quantifying accuracy and figured I would ask if anybody might be able to suggest one. Thanks.

Answer
Ian:  Good study!

Accuracy could be measured by the ball to strike ratio, for pitches thrown.

To be more accurate, and viable, it would need to be in a controlled environment whereby the pitches were thrown at a stationary strike zone and a strike or ball determined by locating the ball within that stationary, marked zone.  

That would eliminate an umpires determination of ball or strike.

Pitchers throw simulated games in the bullpen, generally for rehab work.  You could substitute the fixed stationary target for the catcher, throw game situation innings w/wo warm-up, measuring velocity on your gun and accuracy w/ ball to strike ratio.

It is possible to designate zones within the overall strike zone target, allowing for more refined accuracy determinations.

This would allow you complete control over the environment.  It may, however, not be as scientific as you need it to be.

I hope this helps with your project!  It is an interesting study.

Yours in baseball,

Rick