What kind of chest protector...

[SAump]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

The distance has (almost) nothing to do with the force the ball imparts. 70 mph is 70 mph, whether thrown from 46', 60', 250'

(Clarification: A ball thrown at 70 mph from 250' will slow down more than a ball thrown at 70 mph from 46'. So, by the time the ball hits the target, it will be moving slower and impart less force. Someone else can do the math. The difference between 46' and 60' is not going to be significant from a practical matter in this case.)

Some folks can fire a cannon that appears to float though the air for longer periods of time than others thrown at the very same speed. Gravity and spin can't explain it all, but drag and lift can.

Now assuming both balls will come to a stop, some folks will say the two balls slow down the same amount, 70mph to 0 mph. But I know what you mean about their deceleration.

In related news, Reds prospect clocked at 105 mph.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big...urn=mlb-265783

[greymule]

I think a pitch does lose significant velocity over those added 14 feet (from 46' to 60'). I can only guess how much, but even a 10 percent reduction would greatly affect the force at contact.

I'm puzzled at the mph estimates, too. Aren't change-ups in MLB in the 70s? (When the catcher flips the ball back to the pitcher, the scoreboard still shows speed in the 50s or 60s.) I thought that while 90 mph might be a decent fastball, 80 mph was just batting practice.

[UmpJM]

greymule,

On average, a pitch will lose 1 mph for every 7' it travels.

JM

[greymule]

On average, a pitch will lose 1 mph for every 7' it travels.

Good to know. Thank you.

[kylejt]

Okay rocket surgeons, let me put a bottom line on this one.

It really doesn't matter the speed of the ball hitting your chest. I got my heart rhythm messed with when getting nailed wearing my waffle protector in a 9/10 game. Little kids almost killed me.

Wear pro gear, and make sure it fits you properly.

Over and out.

Me, I'll wear my Platinum until the new All Star comes out. Although the Schutt looks interesting.

[greymule]

Growing up, when considering careers, I couldn't decide between rocket surgeon and brain scientist and ended up becoming neither.

For what it's worth, I had a more of a problem than most umps with getting hit on the top of the shoulder. Maybe I lean forward more. I found the All-Star to give the best shoulder protection (next to my old 1969 balloon).

Before radar guns, the U.S. Army set up elaborate measuring devices and timed Bob Feller at 98.6 mph (average, not fastest) speed across the 60-foot distance.

[DG]

I don't know so someone tell me. At what point does a radar gun measure the speed, when it leaves the pitchers hand, or when it arrives at the plate, or just some average in between?

Difference between 60.5' and 46' would, I think, be miniscule.

It is all fairly irrelevant, because it appears the ump was hit in the neck ultimately.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by SAump

In related news, Reds prospect clocked at 105 mph.
Report: Scout clocks Reds' pitching prospect Chapman at 105 mph - Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

Hope he gets a season in before its time for ole Tommy John.

[Sven K]

Originally Posted by LMan

Hope he gets a season in before its time for ole Tommy John.

He got in the game tonight - 8th inning in an 8 to 2 game. Struck out the first batter and got two ground outs. Something like 10 out of 11 for strikes. Touched 102 on the gun.

I was listening to the WLW postgame and they were giddy like little schoolgirls over this guy.

Just don't let Chapman watch the video of Zumaya or Strasburg.