Physics Prof, UIllinois; APS Fellow; ex-nuclear, now baseball physicist; SABR Chadwick Award. Interests: US history; ConLaw; politics; WWI. All views my own.

Champaign IL
Joined June 2009
That's exactly what modern tracking systems ( Pitchf/x, Hawkeye, ...) do. It is well known from these systems that a pitch loses 8-10% of its release speed by the time it reaches home plate home plate.
Replying to @ColeYoungFan
Couldn’t you just measure the frames of the recording and figure out the distance of between release and plate and use basic math instead of random abstract add x mph to get a big number
6
2,562
Today's show is available in Podcast Form NOW! Alan Nathan, Professor Emeritus of Physics at University of Illinois on baseball bat construction and the physical factors that impacted the Home Run Derby HR Derby | Cal Raleigh | MLB Post-All Star | Wimbledon Listen HERE: 👇👇👇 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
2
8
2,020
Maybe we should also have UML do some impact testing
Replying to @pobguy
We should talk! I had a long conversation last week with David Chandler (@authentic_bats) who has been working with the Yankees regarding these bats. I'll be getting some of these for my lab soon so I can do modal testing and affirm the sweet spot location (bending modes)
4
2,873
To what extent is the higher rotational swing speed, due to lower MOI, compensated by shorter lever arm?
Replying to @pobguy
Alan, @sunshinevvn did some analyses that may interest you here: xitter.cf/sunshinevvn/status/190…
1
1
2
4
6,862
Working on it! I am trying to get more info on the mass distribution of the new bat. Once I have that, it will be relatively straightforward to figure out how the new design might impact exit velocity.
Replying to @pobguy
@pobguy how much could these bat changes theoretically impact exit velocities?
1
1
16
3,423
Can anyone out there provide me with some info on the diameter profile of the new bat design. One of my first forays into the physics of baseball was developing a computational model of the bat that allows me to simulate the ball-bat collision. I'd like to try it on this one.
Well this is wild… The Yankees made new bats that moved more of the wood into the label so the hardest part of the bat strikes the ball. They have 8 home runs today.
5
6
1
100
30,786
My parents entire retirement income came from Social Security. It's hard to believe how out of touch this guy is. youtu.be/BwkUSdq7a7w?si=itSB…
1
1,282
I once was a member of the ACLU. Some years ago I let my membership lapse. Today, I am proud to say that I am a card-carrying member once again.
8
2,176
For all my followers in Champaign-Urbana area. Come to the Rally for Democracy, Saturday March 29, 11-noon, Champaign County Courthouse, 101 Main St, Urbana. See you there!
1
1
834
I have owned my Tesla for nearly 4 years. It is the best and most fun car to drive that I've ever owned. I will keep it. But do not interpret that as an endorsement of Musk. It most definitely is not.
3
946
Janet Mills is from Farmington ME, where I once lived, 1st-4th grade. We were the only Jewish family in t own back then. If I could vote in Maine, she would get my vote against Collins.
Maine Governor Janet Mills is reportedly considering a run for the U.S. Senate against GOP incumbent Susan Collins. After taking on Donald Trump today, she’s shown that she has what it takes to win this race. RETWEET if you would support @GovJanetMills for the Senate!
3
1,467
BRAVO to Maine Governor Janet Mills for slapping petty tyrant trump in the face with her calmly defiant "see you in court." THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE. 🔥🔥🔥
5,086
5,084
432
34,122
1,494,168
RETWEET if you stand with Maine Governor Janet Mills against Donald Trump!
9,100
14,670
537
67,989
1,897,634
Maine Governor Janet Mills is reportedly considering a run for the U.S. Senate against GOP incumbent Susan Collins. After taking on Donald Trump today, she’s shown that she has what it takes to win this race. RETWEET if you would support @GovJanetMills for the Senate!
4,203
5,852
300
27,840
607,845
Few coaches developed more lifetime relationships or had the impact on his players and colleagues as the legendary Richard C. “Itch” Jones. Our love and thoughts are with his family. FightingIllini.com/ItchJones
12
73
48
566
147,671
So sad to learn about the passing of coaching legend Itch Jones. We would often get together to talk baseball. I will miss him.
We lost a Legend. I lost my mentor. As a former player and coach I have been blessed to have had Itch in my life for 40 years. He was a true champion. I would not be where I am today without his guidance. A second father and the best human I have ever been around.
1
659
Don't be surprised if the administration announces that Gaza will become the 52nd state and that all the Palestinians will be deported to Guantanamo.
3
607
OK, I'm just saying ... his header photo is of the Chicago Cubs. SIGN HIMMMMMMM!!!!!
Uncatchable Knuckleballs! 😳 Kenny Serwa's uncatchable knuckleballs (up to 88.5mph). @KennySerwa Thanks to @TreadAthletics for the clips.
13
15
2
375
134,289
For my baseball and occasional Twilight Zone posts, follow me on Bluesky bsky.app/profile/pobguy.bsky…
1
1
672
The Masks is in the top tier of my favorite episodes. #TwilightZoneMarathon. Superb writing by Serling.
"You kept your bargain. You wore the masks. Enjoy yourselves, dear ones. I've lived a full life. May God pity you." #TwilightZoneMarathon "The Masks" stars Robert Keith, Milton Selzer, Virginia Gregg, Brooke Hayward, and Alan Sues.
1,497