Ape Index

I could see where long wingspan could make a difference for pitchers. I faced a 6’7” pitcher throwing 93 in the 70’s when the velocity was really bringing it. It felt like he was shoving the ball down my throat. 

It's funny that you said that. PTWoodson is an outfielder but we are a basketball family. We just measured his wing span out of curiosity and because in theory a long reach increases his range in the outfield. His unofficial APE index is +5. 

@PTWood  same with our family.

I now have a legit argument as to why I struggle with bench-press 

This may be true for swimmers too

Is it really called ape index? 

@Dominik85 you are so right! That's pretty bad. I always thought it was an acronym but it isn't. 

@Dominik85   I could be wrong, but I think it originated from competitive rock climbers. The elite of that sport seem to all have really long arms when compared to their actual height. Some people believe that’s why in the NBA some 6’6” guys play like 7’  

I was wondering if maybe I might be on to something. With how technical baseball has become I can see this being a hot topic in a couple years.  I mean how much longer are we going to watch flat 98 get destroyed by MLB hitters before some GM decides to try and mix it up a little???

I can't reach the bottom of my front pockets.

Ape Index -8

@Go44dad posted:

I can't reach the bottom of my front pockets.

Ape Index -8

Just spit my drink out!! Sorry about that 44. Long arms are overrated. 

To @ReluctantO'sFan I think it is an interesting conversation. High Ape score (geez, now I want a new name) is only good with pitchers if they have control (true with velocity as well) and can stay healthy. For position players, being extra long and tall is a liability unless you're short to the ball and can use the leverage that comes from length. Otherwise you can't keep up with fast pitching. Additionally, you need an extra dose of athleticism to be a plus fielder. PTWoodson had high school coaches that told him he was going to have to become a pitcher because of his height... to the point where he downplayed how tall he is on PG/PBR. His write ups for a while were..."frame to dream on, huge power potential if he can time up the levers"... 

Because of all those other factors, I don't ever see it becoming a stand-alone metric or a predictor of success but what do I know?

I think Ape is ok.  It's not gender specific, anyway. 

To all my negative ape brothers...

The dinosaur reminded me of the link below.  I imagine everyone has seen this by now, but in case you haven't it's kind of brilliant.  But fair warning: it's not about  baseball, let alone Ape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix2iidJp1OE

@ReluctantO'sFan posted:

@Dominik85   I could be wrong, but I think it originated from competitive rock climbers. The elite of that sport seem to all have really long arms when compared to their actual height. Some people believe that’s why in the NBA some 6’6” guys play like 7’  

I was wondering if maybe I might be on to something. With how technical baseball has become I can see this being a hot topic in a couple years.  I mean how much longer are we going to watch flat 98 get destroyed by MLB hitters before some GM decides to try and mix it up a little???

 

Ah ok, looked it up and it seems to come from climbing as you said. I thought it sounded problematic because it is used for basketball players and ape used to be a common racist insult for black people.

It definitely can be an advantage for some sports.discus throwers always have long arms, usually the top guys are like 6'6 with an over 7 wingspan.

For hitters super long arms might not be so great as it could make the swing path a little longer and make it harder to stay inside but not sure.