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arXiv · 1009.2549

Corked Bats, Juiced Balls, and Humidors: The Physics of Cheating in Baseball

Alan M. Nathan·Lloyd V. Smith·Warren L. Faber·Daniel A. Russell
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Abstract

Three separate questions of relevance to Major League Baseball are investigated from a physics perspective. First, can a baseball be hit farther with a corked bat? Second, is there evidence that the baseball is more lively today than in earlier years? Third, can storing baseballs in a temperature- or humidity-controlled environment significantly affect home run production? Each of these questions is subjected to a physics analysis, including an experiment, an interpretation of the data, and a definitive answer. The answers to the three questions are no, no, and yes.

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Alan M. Nathan, Lloyd V. Smith, Warren L. Faber, Daniel A. Russell. 2010-09-14. Corked Bats, Juiced Balls, and Humidors: The Physics of Cheating in Baseball. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.3554642

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