I’ve seen tests where the speed radar took place just behind the receiver, and it made me think, do, how they measure the majors? In addition, it could be radically different speed results much closer to the catcher, and if so, it would be faster or slower?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Most of the time it’s behind the backstop either to the left or the right of the catcher. The speed output probably wouldn’t change as long as the radar gun is stationary(just like a cop can’t clock you unless he’s still).
under the plate
In the stands behind the catcher
The radar guns are usually behind the backstop. At some games, they are actually held by individuals whose job it is to track pitch speeds. Other ballparks will have a stationary gun discretely hidden.
The proximity of the gun to the pitcher would not affect the speed calculations. Basically, a radar gun emits radar waves, which reflect off of the moving object. The gun then receives the reflected waves, and calculates the speed of the object based on the reflection. However, the gun would be inaccurate if there were multiple objects moving in the radar gun’s “field of vision.”
On a side note, the radar guns at baseball stadiums show the highest velocity of the pitch thrown. Wind resistance and gravity affect the speed of the pitch as soon as its thrown, so the ball travels faster when it is released by the pitcher than when it crosses the plate. You also may notice that stadiums may choose not to display pitch speeds for the home pitcher. Displaying the pitch speeds of a home pitcher who relies on accuracy and changes in velocity (ie. Barry Zito, Jamie Moyer, or Greg Maddux) to get outs could give the visiting team an advantage.
No, the radar gun compensated for distance away. Also the radar gun is almost always behind the catcher, I have never seen it anywhere else.