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

• Published in: Frontiers in sports and active living Vol. 6
• Main Authors: Wakamiya, Kazuki, Nagamoto, Hideaki, Yamaguchi, Ryusei, Okunuki, Takumi, Maemichi, Toshihiro, Liu, Zijian, Ogawa, Yuki, Kobayashi, Yusuke, Kumai, Tsukasa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 18-11-2024
• Subjects: baseball; movement variability; pitching; release point; tracking data
• ISSN: 2624-9367; 2624-9367
• DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1447665

Introduction This study examined the relationship between ball release points and pitching performance among professional baseball pitchers, with a focus on variability. Methods We 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. Results MLB 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. Discussion These 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.