Classifying batted ball outcomes from Division I collegiate baseball players.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Baseball Analytics
• Performance Optimization

Background:

• Anecdotal beliefs in baseball performance often lack empirical support.
• Modern technology allows for objective measurement of various performance factors.
• Understanding batted ball outcomes is crucial for evaluating player performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify batted ball outcomes using objective data.
• To examine the influence of anthropometry, in-game situation, and technique-based variables on hit likelihood.
• To challenge and verify traditional beliefs regarding baseball performance factors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 1,922 batted ball outcomes from 230 players in 2021 college baseball.
• Independent variables included anthropometry (height, weight), in-game situation (batter side, count, pitch type), and technique-based metrics (exit speed, launch angle, batted ball distance, hang time) measured by TrackMan radar.
• Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significance of independent variables on batted ball outcomes.

Main Results:

• The model, incorporating all independent variables, demonstrated a good fit and correctly classified nearly 75% of batted ball outcomes.
• Significant positive associations with hit outcomes were found for player height, exit speed (ExSp), launch angle (LA), and batted ball distance (BBD).
• Hang time (HT) showed a significant negative association with batted ball outcomes. In-game situation variables were non-significant, and anthropometry's contribution was modest.

Conclusions:

• Technique-based variables measured by TrackMan radar (ExSp, LA, BBD, HT) are significant predictors of batted ball outcomes.
• Player height has a modest but significant impact, while in-game situational factors have a non-significant impact, contradicting anecdotal beliefs.
• Objective data analysis provides a more accurate understanding of baseball performance than traditional assumptions.