quote:Originally posted by 1baseballdad:
Clearly this is a highly emotional topic. Based on the insults tossed around in this thread alone, there can be no doubt of that.
Lets pull any and all emotion out and deal with a few facts.
Wood = 98mph exit speed
Metal = 105 mph exit speed.
98 mph equates to 143.733 feet per second.
105 mph equates to 154 feet per second.
At 60 feet, the wood batted ball reaches the pitcher @ 60 feet in .417 seconds.
At 60 feet, the metal batted ball reaches the pitcher @ 60 feet in .389 seconds.
That is a difference of just under 3 100's of a second. Say it again. 3 100's of a second.
The pitcher is nailed no matter what. So much for the reaction time myth. These are the numbers. These are the facts. It is what it is.
I am not even factoring in the fact that the pitcher is actually CLOSER than 60 feet when he finishes his motion. Think about the fact that the pitcher is in a prone position when he finishes. Less than 3 100's of a second difference.
Keep saying it. Let that sink in.
An analogy was made elsewhere and it holds very true.
Switching to wood from metal for safety reasons is like switching seats on the Titanic.
To me putting a helmet on a pitcher solves all.
but but but.....