Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (Nov 2024)

Relationship between ball release point variability and pitching performance in major league baseball

  • Kazuki Wakamiya,
  • Hideaki Nagamoto,
  • Hideaki Nagamoto,
  • Ryusei Yamaguchi,
  • Takumi Okunuki,
  • Takumi Okunuki,
  • Toshihiro Maemichi,
  • Zijian Liu,
  • Yuki Ogawa,
  • Yusuke Kobayashi,
  • Tsukasa Kumai

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1447665
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6

Abstract

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IntroductionThis study examined the relationship between ball release points and pitching performance among professional baseball pitchers, with a focus on variability.MethodsWe used open-source data to compare ball release point variability between Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) players. The relationship between pitching performance and variability was analyzed using multiple regression analysis.ResultsMLB players exhibited smaller ball release point variability compared to MiLB players. The analysis showed that pitching performance was strongly related to ball release point variability, especially in the horizontal direction on the coronal plane. Horizontal ball release point variability was most strongly related to strikeout ability among pitching performances.DiscussionThese results suggest that reducing horizontal ball release point variability may improve pitching performance, particularly by increasing strikeouts and reducing home runs allowed. This study provides a data-driven approach to understanding the mechanics of pitching and can be applied to the development of advanced training methods and technical solutions aimed at improving pitching performance in baseball players.

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