Description:

It’s not a “statistic” per se , but Pitch f/x data can tell us a lot about a pitcher. Using cameras that were installed in every major league stadium circa 2006, Pitch f/x systems collect data on every single pitch thrown during the course of the season. This data includes such information as release point, initial speed, final speed, spin direction, break, etc.

What sort of separation in movement Zack Grienke does get with his pitches?  Did Andy Sonnanstine change his release point at some point during the season?  Which pitcher had the most break on their curveball? These are just a sample of the multiple questions you can answer using Pitch f/x data. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Sample Charts:

These are sample charts taken from Cliff Lee’s player page. First, a look at pitch movement:

And now a chart from one of Lee’s games, looking at swings, whiffs, hits, and takes:

Index of Abbreviations:

FF = four-seam fastball
FT = two-seam fastball
FC = fastball (cutter) – also shown as CT sometimes
FS = fastball (sinker)
FA = fastball (catch-all category, capturing all types of fastballs)
SL = slider
CB = curveball
CH = changeup
SF = split-fingered
KN = knuckleball
XX = unidentified
PO = pitch out

Things to Remember:

- Pitch f/x graphs can be really tough to interpret unless you have a bit of context about how the graphs are normally displayed. If you’re new to Pitch f/x,  Mike Fast’s primer is an excellent resource. Also, many beginner analysts make the same mistakes, so learn what not to do before jumping in.

Links for Further Reading:

Pitch f/x Tool – Brook’s Baseball

Pitch f/x Tool – Joe Lefkowitz

Pitch f/x Tool – Texas Leaguers

How Can I Get My Hand on Pitch f/x Data? – Baseball Analysts

Pitch f/x Diagram