Distance as a function of Batted Ball Speed by Dr. Michael Ciocco, Ph.D.

Experiments were conducted in order to correlate distance as a function of batted ball speed (BBS). A variety of batters, bats, and balls were used in this experiment. Average batted ball speeds and distances were obtained for a total of 186 batter/bat/ball combinations.   Players from all levels of play were used (Class A down to Class D).

For each batter/bat/ball combination, the highest 3 BBSs and highest 3 distances from at least 10 measurements were used to calculate the average values. The BBSs were measured using a Professional Jugs® radar gun accurate to within ±½ mph. The BBS measurements were conducted inside and line drives were measured. The distances were measured with a Bushnell® laser range finder accurate to within ±3 feet. The distance measurements were conducted outside with temperatures between 65 and 80 ^oF and little or no wind.

The measured average BBSs ranged from 67 to 98 mph and average distances ranged from 282 to 386 feet. A graph, Figure 1, of all the data is shown below along with the linear regression of the data. The resulting regression was: