The Secret of the Curveball

Is the break of a curveball mostly just an optical illusion? Check it out.

Thanks for reading this.

Sincerely,
Mr. Wizard

over 2 years ago Higz 12 comments 0 recs |

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Sorry

Here is the direct link to the illusion

RIP Nick Adenhart, #34

by Higz on May 14, 2009 10:55 AM PDT reply actions

Are you trying to tell me Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?

Whatever dude.

by Mayheminthehood on May 14, 2009 11:06 AM PDT reply actions

Jesus, yes

Garett Anderson, no

RIP Nick Adenhart, #34

by Higz on May 14, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions

No, you need Jobu for that

Angels fan since '67

by red floyd on May 14, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

If the ball was smooth that's what would happen

it also has to do with air pressure and E=Mc squared, and some other stuff, but it moves alright.

by eyespy on May 14, 2009 11:17 AM PDT reply actions

Yeah, the CURVE is real

What the scientist is saying is that the sharp break is an illusion generated by the curveball shifting from peripheral vision to head-on.

But yeah, you’re right he didn’t account for the stitching.

RIP Nick Adenhart, #34

by Higz on May 14, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions

Beacause batters aren't looking directly at the ball?

Play Wood already. Willits sucks.

by hauldog on May 14, 2009 11:21 AM PDT reply actions

Hmm

Well, I guess the hypothesis is that at a certain point the arc of the ball travels into peripheral vision and suddenly looks exaggerated

RIP Nick Adenhart, #34

by Higz on May 14, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions

The seams of the ball and its micro-pocked surface of the animal hide cover create an immeasurable number of variables that thwart pure scientific testing, let alone the almost infinite range of possibilities of who is throwing the ball and under what conditions.

IF it were a precision sphere, that would change everything about the ability to measure what it does under certain circumstances. But the ballpark is NOT a laboratory.

by Rev Halofan on May 14, 2009 11:54 AM PDT reply actions