Home Run!

It's the end of September, which means that we are in the race to the playoffs for Major League Baseball. I have always loved all aspects of the game. I especially loved to learn the physics behind the game in order to improve my softball performance (and just learn the physics before it was taught in classes). Sure, physics can be used to predict where baseballs will land and tells you whether or not you will hit the ball. Physics is more important than that. Have you ever wondered why a curveball or screwball curves, a sinker sinks, or a knuckleball has such an unpredictable path? Have you ever chased that illusive riseball (softball) and wondered how it seems to defy gravity? Check out this article about how major league baseball players use physics to improve their technique. In the article, professor at University of Illinois, Prof. Alan Nathan, who studies the physics of baseball, is interviewed. Professor Nathan's website, also is full of cool baseball physics. We also have a bunch of other baseball physics links on our website.