Journal Published Online: 14 June 2007
Volume 35, Issue 6

An Apparatus to Evaluate the Pace of Baseball Field Playing Surfaces

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

During a baseball game, the ball will strike the playing surface at a variety of speeds and angles. The speed at which the ball travels after impact with the playing surface has been referred to as the pace of the surface. Wide variations in pace can reduce the safety and playability of baseball field surfaces. Pace can be quantified by measuring the coefficient of restitution. The coefficient of restitution is defined as the ratio of two velocities; the velocity of a baseball after impact with the surface divided by the velocity of the ball prior to impact. An apparatus was developed to measure the coefficient of restitution of a baseball striking various playing surfaces. The apparatus, termed Pennbounce, uses infrared screens to measure the coefficient of restitution of baseballs propelled at varying angles and velocities. Pennbounce was used to measure the pace of traditional synthetic turf (Astroturf), infilled synthetic turf (Fieldturf), natural turfgrass, and skinned infield surfaces. Baseballs were propelled at the surfaces using two velocities and impact angles. Surface pace was highest on traditional synthetic turf, skinned infield, infilled synthetic turf, and natural turfgrass areas, respectively.

Author Information

Brosnan, James
Dept. of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
McNitt, Andrew
Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Schlossberg, Maxim
Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE100762
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE100762