Pitching Speed...?

Torcha

Welcome. Typically the pitching stands use a Speedcheck type device that records the speed of the ball when it reaches (or passes) the unit. That means that it does not record out-of-hand, which generally would produce a faster reading. Also, depending upon the angle that the device is setup will effect the reading as well. So, to answer your question, the readings are usually not as accurate as readings from a gun. I would venture to guess that you were probably throwing a little faster.

Callaway,
I was at an Oakland game where they were using a gun. Of course they had it set up at a 45 degree angle to the people doing the throwing. Fastest reading was low 60s, including some kids who looked like HS pitchers.

The only other setup I'm familiar with is the one they use at Angel stadium where they have a simulated batter on a screen. The speed readings they get on that one are consistent with a fast gun but you're only throwing from about 30 or 40'.

Remember your basic physics too.

The angle you are shooting effects the speed on the gun. That's why the best locations to get a reading on a pitcher are either directly in front of or directly behind a pitcher.

Being 15 degrees off to the side will affect a radar gun by 2 MPH at least.

Basic formula would be:
Gun Reading/Cosine(Angle off) = Actual velo.

Gunned at 80MPH, but held off to the side by:
10 degrees = .98 = 81.6 MPH
20 degrees = .94 = 85.1 MPH
30 degrees = .86 = 93.0 MPH

Obviously, the angle matters. Shooting a gun from the stands just doesn't work. You need to do it from behind home plate, or else, factor in the angle of deviation.

CADad

Good point. I was referring to my experience with the Bomber's and Sandgnat's parks here in Minor League land. I guess that accuracy will be determined by the budgets...

Highhardheat...no offense, but I have used a Stalker for years and never have I had your results. First, why would one gun from 30 degrees off?? Secondly, I and numerous others, including all scouts I know, gun from the stands. I am not sure where you are coming from, but the magjority I know, have never experienced your findings, if so, there would be 100's of inacurrate reading at ever game???

Please explain, I believe you may be misleading alot of people.

Thanks.

Starzz,
If your gun has enough power you can gun from the stands without any problem. In fact if you are off to the side, the further back you are the shallower the angle is going to be. If you are down around 5 degrees off of being in line with the pitcher the difference is going to be less than 1 mph. If you gun from the dugout then you'll get poor readings because of the angle.

That's why the scouts congregate behind home plate when they're getting readings on a pitcher.

Cadad...exactly why I posted...I am always behind the plate as is anyone that the readings mean anything to are. A stalker has more than enough power, and why would someone gun from the dugout that cares/knows anything about readings?? I think we are on the same page??

Starzz,
HHH was just trying to explain that if you try to measure speed from an angle rather than from straight behind the catcher your reading will be off.

I think he mistyped when he said shooting from the stands wouldn't work. I think all three of us are on the same page and trying to say the same thing.

So do you know if mine was accurate or not? I think the radar gun was off to the left of me, which would've been the same disance from the mat as I was. I don't know though. Thanks.

Yea they have these gun stands at the carnivals up here and it said I threw 54 mph. I was like WTF. but when I saw a few more people go everyones said 54 I was like what a scam.