Baseball analytics has always been apart of the game, coaches would track numbers and reflect how the player is playing. This information would be used to help the player make adjustments to improve and compete at their best possible level. Sitting down and tracking information by pen and paper is on its way out thanks to the new innovation; Hittrax.

Hittrax is a device which is set up in a batting cage and can read how the player is swinging and hitting the baseball. This innovative tool can give real time data right in front of the player to give them feedback while they are training. So the way it works is there are two components; the monitor (software) and a sensor. The sensor is set up to read the bat and ball speed, this information is then sent to the software and portrays it through a TV screen that projects the ball flying on a virtual field.

As you can picture in your imagination, this is pretty cool. It gives the hitter a virtual field to be able to see where they are hitting the ball. You can choose from any of the 30 Major League Baseball stadiums to play at, so yes, you Boston fans, you can hit balls over the famous Green Monster.

Here at Plymouth State, we are very fortunate to have this tool. Although it is a very pricey investment, we have seen great results from using this. During the 2019 season, the offense for the Panthers broke all kinds of records; including the home run record for both the team and player. There is no doubt that this tool has helped many ball players of all skill levels.

Sources

Joe.lemire@sporttechie.com. “HitTrax Baseball Simulator Enhances Platform For Mobile, Outdoor Use.” SportTechie, 10 Nov. 2017, www.sporttechie.com/hittrax-baseball-simulator-mobile-outdoor/.

“HitTrax.” HitTrax, www.hittrax.com/.