How to Calculate Baseball Pitch Speed
Professionals typically use a radar gun to measure the speed of a pitched baseball. However, you can also calculate the speed of a baseball pitch with equipment you have at home. This procedure will measure the average speed of a baseball in feet per second as it travels from the pitcher's mound to home plate. You'll typically convert this value to miles per hour for greater convenience.
A baseball pitcher throws a fastball. (Image: Joseph Abbott/iStock/Getty Images)Step 1
Measure the distance from the pitcher's mound to home plate with the measuring tape. This distance should be 60.5 feet for a major league baseball diamond.
Step 2
Time the baseball's pitch from the time that it leaves the pitcher's hand until it reaches the catcher's glove. For example, assume that the baseball's travel time is 0.47 seconds.
Step 3
Compute the baseball's average speed in feet per second with the formula S = D / T. The baseball's average speed is "S," the distance that the baseball traveled is "D" and the time of the baseball's travel is "T." If the distance is 60.5 feet and the time is 0.47 seconds, then the speed of the baseball is 60.5 / 0.47, or 129 feet per second.
Step 4
Multiply the speed of the baseball in feet per second by 0.682. This will convert the speed to miles per hour (mph). For example, a speed of 129 feet per second is equal to 129 x 0.682 = 88 mph.
Step 5
Calculate the speed of the baseball directly from its travel time in seconds. The equation S = (60.5 / T) * .682 = 41.3 / T will provide the baseball's speed in miles per hour, where "T" is the time in seconds. Assuming that the distance is 60.5 feet, a travel time of 0.47 seconds indicates a speed of 41.3 / 0.47 = 88 mph.
Things You'll Need
Measuring tape
Stopwatch
Tip
Pitches take a fraction of a second to reach home plate. To be sure your timing and calculations are accurate, measure the speed of several pitches.
Warning
If it's your pitching speed you are calculating, be sure you are properly warmed up to avoid muscles strains and pulls.
