Analyzing Max Exit Velocity (2020) In baseball analytics, exit velocity—specifically, the maximum exit velocity—is a critical metric. It measures the speed at which a ball leaves the bat, providing insights into a player’s power and potential impact. I am looking at max exit velocity data from the 2020 season. This visualization offers a clear and […]
Author: RTNM
The Guitar Man (Flash Fiction)
It was one of those nights when Daniel felt the weight of his existence pressing down on him. Everyone in his circle had conspired to make him feel small and insignificant, and he realized they had won. His guitar, a sunburst Telecaster, sat propped against the corner of his cluttered apartment, its wooden body glowing […]
Exploring Arm Strength in MLB (2020-2024): A Positional Comparison
Introduction When I think about baseball, arm strength is one of the first things that comes to mind—especially when comparing players across different positions. Whether it’s a third baseman making a quick throw across the diamond (Brooks Robinson, anyone?) or an outfielder firing a rocket from the warning track (Roberto Clemente was awesome), a strong […]
Even More Catcher Info: 2023 Blocking Data
Catcher defense, especially the ability to block pitches, can often go unnoticed but significantly impact the game. Preventing wild pitches and passed balls can save crucial runs and give pitchers confidence to throw in the dirt when necessary. In 2023, several catchers distinguished themselves as exceptional blockers. Let’s take a look at some of the […]
Pop Time: A Critical Metric for Catchers
In baseball, a catcher’s Pop Time can be the difference between catching a base-stealer and letting them slide in safely. Pop Time measures how quickly a catcher transfers the ball from their mitt to second base, factoring in the catcher’s footwork, exchange, and arm strength. This metric provides a more comprehensive assessment of a catcher’s […]
Whiff Percentages in Baseball: A Little EDA Goes A Long Way
In baseball analytics, understanding a player’s whiff percentage—the rate at which they miss the ball when swinging—can offer key insights into their performance. A higher whiff percentage suggests a tendency to miss pitches, while a lower percentage indicates better contact with the ball. In this post, I explore whiff percentages from both leagues across several […]
Frame This: MLB Catchers (2023)
I took a deeper dive into MLB Catchers for the year 2023. I found lots of interesting stuff. Let’s get to it. In this post, I decided to focus on catcher framing. Some catchers are better than others in fooling umpires that a ball is a strike. That is what catcher framing is all about. […]
The Unopened Letter (Flash Fiction)
The Unopened Letter A soft thud echoed from the hallway. Marie looked up from her computer screen, her glasses slipping down the bridge of her nose. The mail had arrived. She sighed and went to the front door. Bills, advertisements, a postcard from some real estate agent—nothing unusual. But there was one letter that […]
In the Presence of Shadows (Flash Fiction)
In the Presence of Shadows When Jacob first woke, the air in his bedroom felt thick, like a smothering weight pressing down on him. His eyes blinked open to the familiar shape of his bedside lamp, the faint glow of morning just barely filtering through the curtains. But there was something else. Someone was […]
Baseball Has a Strange Math Issue
Baseball Has a Strange Math Issue My last post was about the defensive capabilities of MLB catchers in 2023. I mentioned that there was more to come. As I was researching the follow-up post, I came across something bizarre. As soon as I stop violently shaking my head back and forth, I will show you […]