Pitch f/x
Description:
It’s not a “statistic” per se , but you can do a heck of a lot with Pitch f/x data. Using cameras that were installed in every major league stadium circa 2006, we are able to collect data on every single pitch thrown during the course of the season. This data includes such information as release point, initial speed, final speed, spin direction, break, etc. Think of it as an uber specific and accurate scouting report on a pitcher, their mechanics, and their pitches.
Want to know how the movement on Scott Kazmir’s slider compared with other sliders thrown around the league? Want to see the amount of separation in movement Zack Grienke gets on his pitches? Want to see if Andy Sonnanstine changed his release point at some point during the season? Want to know who had the most break on their curveball? These are just a sample of the multiple questions you can answer using Pitch f/x data. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Things to Remember:
- Pitch f/x graphs can be really tough to interpret unless you have a bit of context about how the graphs are normally displayed. Please refer to the link “Understanding Pitch f/x Graphs” below for a clear and concise explanation of Pitch f/x graphs.
- If you are interested in evaluating Pitch f/x data on your own, try the first two links below. They are excellent resources for exploring Pitch f/x graphs and data.
Links for Further Reading:
Pitch f/x Tool – Brook’s Baseball
Pitch f/x Tool – Joe Lefkowitz
How Can I Get My Hand on Pitch f/x Data? – Baseball Analysts
Understanding Pitch f/x Graphs – Beyond the Boxscore
Pitch f/x Thread – Viva El Birdos
Pitch Identification Tutorial – Hardball Times
How Fast Should a Fastball Be? – Hardball Times
Searching for the Game’s Best Pitch – Hardball Times
Fastball, Slider, Change-Up, Curveball – Hardball Times
The Eye of the Umpire – Hardball Times
Pitch Sequencing – Hardball Times
Anatomy of a Player: League Average Pitcher – Hardball Times
