What is Pitch Speed?

Pitch speed, also known as pitch velocity, is the rate at which a baseball or softball travels from the pitcher’s hand to home plate. It is a crucial metric in baseball and softball, used to evaluate a pitcher’s performance and potential. Pitch speed is typically measured in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h), and it can vary greatly depending on factors such as the pitcher’s technique, physical strength, and the type of pitch thrown.

How to Use the Pitch Speed Calculator

Step 1: Select the League

Choose the appropriate league from the dropdown menu. Options include Major League Baseball, High School / College, and Little League. If your specific league or distance isn’t listed, select “Custom” to input a custom distance.

Step 2: Enter the Distance

If you selected a predefined league, the distance will be automatically set. For custom distances, enter the distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate in feet.

Step 3: Input the Time

Enter the time it takes for the pitch to travel from the pitcher’s hand to home plate. Use a stopwatch or radar gun for accurate measurements. Input the time in seconds, using decimal points for fractions of a second (e.g., 0.45 seconds).

Step 4: Calculate the Speed

Click the “Calculate Speed” button. The calculator will process the information and display the results.

Step 5: Interpret the Results

The calculator will show the pitch speed in miles per hour (mph), kilometers per hour (km/h), and meters per second (m/s). Review these results to understand the pitch velocity in different units of measurement.

Step 6: Understand the Calculation

The calculator uses the formula: Speed = Distance / Time. It then converts the result into different units for comprehensive understanding. The explanation provided below the results offers insight into how the calculation was performed.

Step 7: Repeat for Different Scenarios

You can use the calculator multiple times to compare pitch speeds across different distances or times. This is particularly useful for analyzing a pitcher’s performance in various situations or comparing different pitchers.

By following these steps, you can accurately determine pitch speeds for various scenarios in baseball and softball. This tool is valuable for coaches, players, and enthusiasts looking to analyze and improve pitching performance.