Frederic Bertley, CEO of COSI and an expert in science communication, joins to explore the fascinating intersection of baseball and physics. He discusses how climate change is impacting gameplay, specifically increasing home run distances as pitch speeds rise. Bertley dives into the science of hitting home runs, emphasizing the importance of angle and energy transfer. He also highlights the significance of precision hitting over home runs, drawing intriguing parallels with academic success. It's a must-listen for sports fans and science enthusiasts alike!
The physics of baseball involves principles such as projectile motion and pitch speed, which are influenced by atmospheric conditions like temperature.
Climate change significantly impacts baseball dynamics, increasing the frequency of home runs and faster pitches due to warmer air conditions.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Science and Baseball
The relationship between baseball and science is highlighted through the lens of physics, biochemistry, and anatomy. Baseball offers various scientific principles like projectile motion, notably in the mechanics of hitting and pitching. For instance, the speed of pitches can be influenced by temperature, where warmer air—less dense than cold—allows baseballs to travel faster, impacting game play. This scientific exploration not only enhances understanding but also engages sports fans by introducing complex concepts in an accessible manner.
Impact of Climate Change on Baseball Dynamics
Climate change has a significant effect on the dynamics of baseball, particularly in terms of pitch speed and the frequency of home runs. As temperatures rise, research indicates that faster pitches and longer home runs become more common due to the properties of warm air. This process leads to an exciting interplay where warm air enhances the energy transfer from the bat to the ball, increasing the likelihood of home runs. The implications of climate change thus extend into the realm of sports, affecting how games are played and understood.
Precision Hitting and Batting Averages
Precision hitting is crucial in baseball, as the game is not merely won through home runs but by accumulating runs from hits. A batter's success is reflected in their batting average, which quantifies how often they make contact with the ball and reach base. Exceptional hitters, like Tony Gwynn and Ichiro Suzuki, exemplify this discipline, demonstrating that strategic placement of the ball can be more impactful than the occasional home run. Achieving even a batting average of .333 is remarkable, showcasing the difficulty of consistently hitting a ball thrown at high speeds.
Baseball season is nigh! From Yankee stadium in New York to Dodger stadium in Los Angeles, teams around the country will face off Thursday to mark the start of the 2025 MLB season. And when we here at Short Wave think of baseball, we naturally think of physics. To get the inside scoop on the physics of baseball, like how to hit a home run, we talk to Frederic Bertley, CEO and President of the Center of Science and Industry, a science museum in Columbus, Ohio. In this encore episode, he also talks to host Regina G. Barber about how climate change is affecting the game.
Interested in the science of other sports? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to hear from you.