Today's paper listed the "All-Observer" Prep Softball team. The three pitchers had the following notes:

29-1, 295 Ks, 0.60 ERA
290 Ks in 166 innings, 0.169 ERA
11-1 with 0.11 ERA; had three no-hitters

These stats would be the envy of any baseball player at any level. What factors combine to make an exceptional fast softball pitcher so difficult to beat?
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06-27-04, 11:16 PM
DorianGreyed
While a softball is slower than an MLB baseball (about 60 mph or so compared to 90+mph), the pitcher is about 15 feet closer. That means a batter has less reaction time than in the majors. Another factor is that, because of the weight and surface area of a softball, it can be made to curve more, and even rise. I know that in the majors, you hear "His heat rises," but that is a fallacy. So far, a human cannot pitch according to MLB rules and make a pitch rise, with the possible exception of a very slow knuckleball thrown into a wind. Really fast pitches don't fall as fast, giving the appearance of rising, but the physics just aren't there. (I fully expect to hear from ball players, former players, and other 'experts' about this, but several university physics departments have shown this. I first read about it in the 1970s. I will NOT research it online; it is too much work.)

06-28-04, 12:00 AM
coldfuse
The Myth of the Rising Fastball from Popular Mechanics

06-28-04, 12:16 AM
DorianGreyed
Thanks to my distinguished colleague, Herr Doktor FusenBlitzen for that link. I rest my case. (It was getting too heavy to carry, anyway; I may have to drink a few bottles to, uh, lighten my load.)

By the way, I had to laugh at Kaat's explanation of the "4 Seamer."
"As the ball is released, the fingertips impart straight backspin, with all four seams rotating." - Jim Kaat from Fuse's link
Forget the argument that there is only one seam on a baseball. Whether there is one seam or 20 seams, if one rotates, they all will rotate.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,