The “Physics” of baseball has an interesting impact on the game. There is a significant relationship between the bat, the ball and the wealther as well! Sure we know the “basics”, but did you know…………..
A ball that would travel 400 in “normal conditions” would go:
- 6 feet farther if the altitude was 1,000 feet or higher
- 4 feet farther if the temp is 10 degrees warmer
- 4 feet farther if the ball is 10 degrees warmer
- 3 1/2 feet farther if the pitcher is 5 mph faster.
- 30 feet farther with an aluminum bat.
To hit the ball the maxium distance possible the ball has to come off the bat on a a 35 -degree angle? By the way, the furthest a ball could ever travel hit off a bat is 545 feet (unless there is some wacky weather.)
A line drive goes 300 feet in 4 seconds. A fly ball would go 294 feet in 4.3 seconds.
Only a 10 mph wind can push a fly ball back by 30 feet – Homerun Denied!!! For example, a 400 foot hit could be turned into 370 feet. WOW!
When the bat meets the ball the contact only lasts for about 1/1000 of a second!
If you swing 1/100 of a second too soon your ball is in the left field seats. Late into right field seats. You only have 4/100 of a second to react to the pitch. You really need to react fast!