Excessive-quality projectiles designed for automated pitching programs are important for efficient coaching and observe in varied sports activities. These spheres range in design, materials, and development, catering to completely different ability ranges and coaching goals. Examples embody dimpled balls mimicking actual recreation situations, light-weight balls for youth observe, and sturdy balls designed for repeated use in high-velocity machines.
Choosing applicable coaching projectiles considerably influences participant growth, contributing to improved batting method, timing, and hand-eye coordination. Utilizing applicable projectiles contributes to a safer coaching setting by minimizing the danger of damage whereas maximizing ability growth. The evolution of those coaching aids mirrors developments in sports activities know-how, shifting from primary, arduous spheres to specialised projectiles designed for particular efficiency enhancement.
This text will additional study vital components impacting projectile choice, together with materials composition, seam configuration, sturdiness, and suitability for various pitching machine varieties. It should additionally discover main producers and supply steerage on selecting the optimum spheres for particular athletic objectives.
1. Sturdiness
Sturdiness stands as a vital consider deciding on projectiles for automated pitching programs. Prolonged lifespan minimizes substitute prices and ensures constant efficiency all through coaching periods. A sturdy ball withstands repeated impacts from the machine’s throwing mechanism and phone with bats with out important put on and tear, contributing to environment friendly and cost-effective coaching.
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Materials Composition
The supplies utilized in development immediately affect a projectile’s lifespan. Leather-based covers usually supply increased sturdiness in comparison with artificial options, significantly underneath high-velocity situations. Nevertheless, developments in artificial supplies have led to extra sturdy and cost-effective choices appropriate for varied coaching situations. Actual leather-based balls, although usually most well-liked by superior gamers, include the next value level than artificial choices.
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Building High quality
The standard of sewing and inside core development influences a ball’s capability to resist repeated affect. Double or triple-stitched seams, usually present in higher-quality projectiles, improve resistance to ripping and splitting. A well-constructed core maintains its form and integrity, making certain constant efficiency over time. Inspecting these parts can point out a ball’s projected longevity.
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Utilization Frequency and Depth
Coaching frequency and depth affect put on and tear. Common, high-velocity observe periods demand extra sturdy projectiles. Matching ball sturdiness to coaching calls for optimizes lifespan and efficiency. For infrequent observe or slower pitching machines, much less sturdy balls would possibly suffice.
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Storage and Upkeep
Correct storage and upkeep contribute to longevity. Storing projectiles in a cool, dry setting away from direct daylight prevents materials degradation. Cleansing balls after use removes grime and particles that may contribute to put on. Correct care maximizes the lifespan of even much less sturdy projectiles.
Cautious consideration of those facetsmaterial composition, development high quality, utilization patterns, and upkeep practicesenables knowledgeable selections concerning projectile choice. Selecting appropriately sturdy projectiles reduces prices related to frequent replacements and ensures constant coaching situations, finally contributing to a more practical and environment friendly coaching routine.
2. Materials Composition
Materials composition considerably influences the efficiency and suitability of projectiles utilized in automated pitching programs. Totally different supplies exhibit various traits affecting sturdiness, flight trajectory, and general effectiveness in coaching situations. Understanding these traits allows knowledgeable selections aligned with particular coaching objectives and participant growth wants.
Leather-based stays a well-liked selection for high-level coaching and competitors as a consequence of its superior really feel, sturdiness, and constant efficiency. Full-grain leather-based offers the perfect mixture of those qualities however comes at a premium value. Artificial leather-based balls supply a cheap different with enhanced sturdiness in comparison with different artificial supplies. These artificial choices usually swimsuit repetitive observe periods, significantly with high-velocity machines, whereas mitigating the upper price related to real leather-based.
Numerous artificial supplies, together with polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cater to completely different coaching wants and budgets. PU balls sometimes supply a steadiness of sturdiness and efficiency at a mid-range value level. PVC balls symbolize a extra economical possibility appropriate for leisure use or newbie observe. Nevertheless, PVC tends to be much less sturdy than leather-based or PU, significantly when subjected to high-velocity impacts. Plastic or dimpled plastic balls, designed for youth observe or low-velocity machines, prioritize security and ease of use. These light-weight choices scale back the danger of damage throughout coaching drills, making them appropriate for creating basic batting abilities.
Choosing the suitable materials relies on a number of components, together with coaching depth, participant ability stage, and price range constraints. Understanding the inherent traits of every materials ensures applicable projectile choice, optimizing coaching effectiveness and participant growth. Failing to think about materials composition can result in suboptimal coaching outcomes, elevated prices as a consequence of frequent replacements, and potential security considerations. Subsequently, evaluating materials composition stays vital in selecting the optimum coaching projectile.
3. Seam Kind
Seam sort considerably influences the aerodynamic conduct of projectiles used with automated pitching programs, immediately impacting coaching effectiveness. Totally different seam configurations generate various levels of air resistance and turbulence, affecting ball motion and the event of essential batting abilities. Understanding the connection between seam sort and ball trajectory permits for tailor-made coaching regimens targeted on particular pitch recognition and batting methods.
Raised seams, distinguished in conventional baseballs and a few coaching projectiles, create extra air resistance, leading to higher motion throughout flight. This motion simulates the complexities of real-game situations, permitting batters to observe in opposition to curves, sliders, and different breaking pitches. Flat seams, usually discovered on coaching balls designed for youthful gamers or low-velocity machines, decrease air resistance, leading to straighter trajectories. These balls are useful for creating basic hand-eye coordination and timing with out the added problem of unpredictable ball motion. Dimpled balls, sometimes made from plastic, present a special sort of air resistance, usually used for machine pitching observe as a consequence of their sturdiness and cost-effectiveness.
The selection of seam sort ought to align with particular coaching goals. For superior gamers, raised seams supply sensible pitch simulation, enhancing their capability to learn and react to completely different pitch varieties. Rookies profit from flat-seamed balls, specializing in creating foundational batting abilities earlier than progressing to extra complicated pitch variations. Choosing the suitable seam sort facilitates focused ability growth, permitting gamers to progressively refine their method and adapt to numerous recreation conditions. Overlooking seam sort can result in ineffective coaching and probably hinder the event of important batting abilities. Understanding the affect of seam configuration on ball flight allows knowledgeable projectile choice, maximizing coaching outcomes and fostering participant growth.
4. Weight
Projectile weight considerably influences coaching outcomes and participant security when utilizing automated pitching programs. Applicable weight choice relies on components corresponding to participant age, ability stage, and coaching goals. Utilizing projectiles of inappropriate weight can hinder ability growth and probably result in damage. Lighter projectiles are usually appropriate for youthful gamers or these specializing in creating basic batting abilities. The diminished mass permits for simpler bat management and minimizes the danger of pressure or damage. Heavier projectiles, sometimes regulation weight, are applicable for superior gamers in search of to simulate recreation situations and develop energy and bat velocity.
Selecting the right projectile weight permits gamers to develop correct swing mechanics and timing. Utilizing a ball that’s too heavy can result in an inefficient swing and potential damage, whereas a ball that’s too gentle could not present enough suggestions for correct method growth. As an illustration, youth gamers utilizing regulation-weight balls could battle to regulate their swing, resulting in poor contact and potential frustration. Conversely, superior gamers utilizing excessively gentle balls could develop poor swing habits that don’t translate successfully to recreation conditions. Understanding the connection between projectile weight and swing mechanics is essential for optimizing coaching effectiveness.
Applicable weight choice is crucial for maximizing coaching advantages and minimizing damage danger. Matching projectile weight to participant capabilities and coaching objectives ensures a secure and efficient coaching setting. Cautious consideration of this issue contributes to the event of correct batting method, improved hand-eye coordination, and elevated bat velocity, finally enhancing participant efficiency.
5. Dimension
Projectile measurement represents a vital issue influencing coaching effectiveness and participant security, significantly inside the context of automated pitching programs. Dimension discrepancies between coaching projectiles and regulation recreation balls can result in the event of improper batting mechanics and hinder efficiency. Moreover, utilizing inappropriately sized projectiles can pose security dangers, significantly for youthful or much less skilled gamers. Regulation-sized projectiles are important for simulating recreation situations and making ready gamers for aggressive situations. Utilizing smaller or bigger balls can negatively affect hand-eye coordination, bat management, and general batting efficiency.
For instance, training with undersized projectiles can result in an inclination to swing late, whereas outsized projectiles can encourage early swings. These discrepancies in timing can grow to be ingrained, hindering efficiency when transitioning again to regulation-sized balls. The right measurement ensures correct bat management and phone, contributing to the event of efficient hitting methods. Furthermore, utilizing appropriately sized projectiles fosters confidence and permits gamers to deal with refining their abilities with out the added problem of adjusting to unfamiliar ball dimensions. In youth leagues, utilizing smaller or lighter balls can promote security and encourage participation, however transitioning to regulation sizes is essential as gamers develop.
Choosing the right projectile measurement is paramount for optimizing coaching outcomes and making certain participant security. Using regulation-sized projectiles, particularly as gamers progress, promotes the event of correct swing mechanics, improves hand-eye coordination, and prepares gamers for aggressive play. Cautious consideration to this seemingly easy but essential element ensures that coaching regimens successfully translate to real-game efficiency whereas mitigating potential security considerations. Failure to think about measurement can undermine coaching efforts and probably hinder long-term participant growth.
6. Machine Compatibility
Machine compatibility stands as an important consider deciding on applicable projectiles for automated pitching programs. Totally different machines make the most of various throwing mechanismswheels, slings, or compressed aireach requiring particular projectile traits for optimum efficiency and longevity. Utilizing incompatible projectiles can injury the machine, scale back projectile lifespan, and negatively affect coaching effectiveness. For instance, a pitching machine designed for light-weight, dimpled balls could malfunction or exhibit diminished efficiency if used with heavier, leather-covered baseballs. Conversely, utilizing light-weight balls in a machine designed for heavier projectiles would possibly end in erratic pitches and inconsistent coaching suggestions. The hardness of the balls additionally performs an important position; some machines are designed particularly for softer observe balls or baseballs whereas others are made for more durable balls like softballs and even baseballs particularly. This will affect each security and the longevity of the tools. Compatibility ensures constant and predictable ball supply, permitting gamers to deal with ability growth.
Contemplating machine compatibility extends past merely matching ball sort to machine sort. Particular machine fashions usually have advisable projectile varieties and sizes outlined of their working manuals or producer specs. These suggestions replicate components corresponding to wheel velocity, compression settings, and supposed use case. Ignoring these pointers can’t solely injury the tools but additionally compromise participant security. Utilizing over or undersized balls can have an effect on the integrity and operation of the machine. As an illustration, utilizing a ball that’s too small may cause it to get lodged within the machine, probably resulting in malfunctions and even damage. However, balls which are too massive could not feed accurately and will negatively have an effect on the machine’s efficiency and longevity. Moreover, utilizing projectiles which are too arduous or too tender for the machine can enhance put on and tear on important parts, resulting in pricey repairs and diminished machine lifespan. Some machines are geared up to regulate the velocity at which projectiles are thrown, additional enhancing machine compatibility and enabling focused coaching for varied ability ranges.
Understanding and adhering to machine compatibility pointers is paramount for maximizing tools longevity, making certain participant security, and optimizing coaching outcomes. Cautious projectile choice based mostly on producer suggestions contributes to constant, predictable ball supply, permitting gamers to deal with refining their abilities and reaching their coaching goals. Failing to prioritize machine compatibility can result in tools injury, inconsistent coaching experiences, and potential security hazards, finally undermining the effectiveness and effectivity of coaching regimens. Subsequently, consulting producer pointers and deciding on projectiles particularly designed for the supposed machine sort is crucial for making a secure and productive coaching setting.
7. Participant Ability Stage
Participant ability stage profoundly influences the collection of applicable projectiles for automated pitching programs. Projectile traits, together with weight, measurement, seam sort, and materials composition, ought to align with a participant’s developmental stage and coaching objectives. A mismatch between ability stage and projectile attributes can hinder ability development, compromise security, and diminish coaching effectiveness. Starting gamers profit from light-weight, flat-seamed balls, permitting them to deal with basic hand-eye coordination and bat management. As abilities advance, transitioning to heavier balls with raised seams introduces the complexities of ball motion and prepares gamers for more difficult recreation situations.
Think about a novice youth participant utilizing a regulation-weight, leather-based baseball in a high-velocity pitching machine. The mix of extreme weight, velocity, and unpredictable ball motion might overwhelm the participant, probably resulting in discouragement and even damage. Conversely, a seasoned highschool athlete coaching with light-weight, dimpled plastic balls wouldn’t expertise sensible recreation situations, limiting the event of superior hitting abilities. A collegiate baseball participant specializing in enhancing hitting in opposition to curveballs would profit from a pitching machine throwing curveballs utilizing actual leather-based baseballs. This specificity enhances the observe expertise. This tailor-made strategy facilitates ability growth and promotes a secure, productive coaching setting.
Matching projectile traits to particular person ability ranges optimizes coaching effectiveness and promotes participant growth. Light-weight balls with minimal seam motion permit freshmen to develop foundational batting methods with out pointless complexity. As abilities progress, heavier, extra complicated projectiles problem gamers to refine their timing, bat management, and pitch recognition. Understanding the connection between participant ability stage and projectile choice is key to making a coaching routine that maximizes particular person potential whereas prioritizing participant security and long-term athletic growth. This knowledgeable strategy ensures that coaching efforts translate successfully to on-field efficiency and foster steady enchancment.
8. Coaching Goals
Coaching goals immediately affect the collection of optimum projectiles for automated pitching programs. Totally different coaching objectives necessitate particular projectile traits to maximise ability growth and obtain desired outcomes. A transparent understanding of coaching goals permits for knowledgeable projectile choice, making certain that coaching regimens successfully deal with particular person wants and workforce methods.
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Enhancing Batting Common
For gamers targeted on enhancing batting common, projectiles that promote constant contact and bat management are important. This would possibly embody light-weight balls for freshmen or regulation-weight balls with barely flattened seams for extra superior gamers engaged on making strong contact. The main target right here is on creating a constant swing and enhancing timing, not essentially on hitting for energy.
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Enhancing Energy Hitting
Creating energy hitting requires projectiles that problem a participant’s power and bat velocity. Regulation-weight balls, probably even barely heavier coaching balls, are applicable for this goal. The added weight encourages gamers to generate extra bat velocity and energy by means of their swing, contributing to elevated distance and stronger hits.
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Creating Pitch Recognition
Enhancing pitch recognition necessitates projectiles that mimic the motion and velocity of various pitch varieties. Balls with raised seams, permitting for higher motion within the air, are perfect for this function. Pitching machines able to delivering varied pitch varieties, corresponding to curveballs, sliders, and changeups, additional improve pitch recognition coaching. The emphasis right here is on coaching the batter’s eye to discern pitch trajectory and velocity, enabling faster response occasions and extra knowledgeable hitting selections. The precise sort of machine required can also depend upon the extent of the athlete and their coaching necessities.
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Rising Bat Velocity
Rising bat velocity requires a mix of coaching methods and applicable projectile choice. Barely lighter or heavier balls, used strategically, can contribute to improved bat velocity. Lighter balls permit for sooner swing speeds, whereas heavier balls present resistance coaching to construct power and energy. The collection of weight relies on the participant’s present bat velocity and coaching program. Constant observe with the suitable projectiles facilitates improved muscle reminiscence and sooner swing mechanics.
Aligning projectile choice with particular coaching goals ensures that every observe session contributes meaningfully to participant growth. Whether or not the main focus is on batting common, energy hitting, pitch recognition, or bat velocity, selecting the right projectile sort maximizes coaching effectiveness. Cautious consideration of coaching goals, coupled with an understanding of projectile traits, empowers coaches and gamers to create focused coaching regimens that translate to improved on-field efficiency.
9. Price range Concerns
Price range concerns play a major position in deciding on projectiles for automated pitching programs. Whereas high-quality, sturdy projectiles usually contribute to more practical coaching, price stays a sensible constraint for a lot of people and organizations. Balancing efficiency advantages with budgetary limitations requires cautious consideration of projectile materials, development, and supposed utilization. Prioritizing sturdiness and longevity can decrease long-term prices by decreasing the necessity for frequent replacements. Nevertheless, the preliminary funding for extra sturdy projectiles could also be increased.
As an illustration, actual leather-based baseballs, identified for his or her superior really feel and efficiency, sometimes command the next value than artificial options. Whereas leather-based balls would possibly supply enhanced sturdiness and a extra sensible coaching expertise, budget-conscious shoppers would possibly go for artificial leather-based or PU balls that present a steadiness of efficiency and affordability. Equally, dimpled plastic balls, ideally suited for youth observe or low-velocity machines, symbolize a cheap possibility for primary coaching drills. Selecting reusable projectiles, even at a barely increased preliminary price, can supply long-term financial savings in comparison with disposable choices, significantly for frequent coaching periods. Evaluating the trade-off between preliminary funding and long-term price financial savings is essential for making knowledgeable buying selections. One would possibly think about components just like the frequency of use, the extent of gamers concerned (skilled, novice, youth), and the precise coaching objectives to find out probably the most cost-effective selection.
Successfully managing budgetary constraints requires a strategic strategy to projectile choice. Analyzing coaching wants, participant ability ranges, and out there assets permits for knowledgeable selections that maximize coaching outcomes with out exceeding budgetary limitations. Prioritizing sturdiness, exploring cost-effective options, and contemplating long-term worth contribute to a fiscally accountable strategy to projectile acquisition, making certain that coaching regimens stay each efficient and sustainable. Understanding the interaction between projectile high quality, price, and coaching goals empowers knowledgeable decision-making, finally maximizing the return on funding in coaching tools.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the choice and utilization of projectiles for automated pitching programs. Understanding these key facets contributes to knowledgeable decision-making and optimized coaching outcomes.
Query 1: How does one decide the suitable projectile weight for a selected participant?
Projectile weight choice relies on components corresponding to participant age, ability stage, and coaching goals. Youthful or much less skilled gamers usually profit from lighter projectiles, whereas extra superior gamers sometimes use regulation-weight or barely heavier projectiles for power and energy growth. Consulting with a coach can present tailor-made steerage based mostly on particular person participant wants.
Query 2: What are the important thing variations between leather-based and artificial projectiles?
Leather-based projectiles supply superior really feel, sturdiness, and constant efficiency, usually most well-liked by superior gamers and in skilled settings. Artificial projectiles present a cheap different, with various levels of sturdiness and efficiency traits relying on the precise artificial materials used. Artificial choices usually suffice for observe and leisure use.
Query 3: How does seam sort affect projectile trajectory and coaching effectiveness?
Seam sort impacts air resistance and ball motion. Raised seams generate higher motion, simulating real-game situations and difficult superior gamers. Flat seams decrease motion, aiding freshmen in creating basic batting abilities. Dimpled balls supply a special sort of air resistance appropriate for machine pitching observe.
Query 4: What components contribute to projectile sturdiness and longevity?
Materials composition, development high quality, utilization frequency, and correct storage all affect projectile lifespan. Excessive-quality leather-based or sturdy artificial supplies, strengthened stitching, and applicable storage practices contribute to prolonged use and decrease substitute prices.
Query 5: Why is machine compatibility essential in projectile choice?
Utilizing incompatible projectiles can injury pitching machines, scale back projectile lifespan, and negatively affect coaching effectiveness. Totally different machine mechanisms require particular projectile traits. Consulting producer suggestions ensures optimum efficiency and security.
Query 6: How do price range constraints affect projectile choice?
Price range limitations usually necessitate balancing efficiency advantages with price concerns. Prioritizing sturdiness can decrease long-term prices by decreasing the necessity for frequent replacements. Exploring cost-effective artificial options or dimpled plastic balls can present appropriate choices for budget-conscious coaching applications.
Cautious consideration of those factorsplayer ability stage, coaching goals, machine compatibility, and budgetempowers knowledgeable projectile choice, optimizing coaching outcomes and selling participant growth.
The following sections delve into particular product suggestions and supply additional steerage on deciding on the best projectiles for numerous coaching situations.
Optimizing Coaching with Applicable Projectiles
This part offers important steerage on maximizing coaching effectiveness by means of knowledgeable projectile choice for automated pitching programs. Cautious consideration of those suggestions ensures optimum efficiency, participant security, and environment friendly useful resource allocation.
Tip 1: Prioritize Sturdiness for Lengthy-Time period Value Financial savings
Investing in sturdy projectiles minimizes substitute prices over time. Whereas the preliminary funding could also be increased, sturdy supplies and development face up to repeated impacts, decreasing the necessity for frequent purchases and making certain constant efficiency all through prolonged coaching durations. Search for options corresponding to strengthened stitching and high-quality covers.
Tip 2: Align Projectile Weight with Participant Ability and Coaching Objectives
Projectile weight ought to correspond to participant age, expertise, and coaching goals. Lighter projectiles profit youthful or much less skilled gamers, selling bat management and minimizing damage danger. Heavier projectiles problem superior gamers, facilitating power and energy growth.
Tip 3: Think about Seam Kind to Improve Pitch Recognition and Batting Method
Seam configuration influences ball motion and trajectory. Raised seams present sensible pitch simulation, benefiting superior gamers training in opposition to breaking balls. Flat seams facilitate basic batting ability growth by minimizing unpredictable motion.
Tip 4: Guarantee Machine Compatibility to Optimize Efficiency and Longevity
Projectile choice should align with the precise pitching machine’s design and working parameters. Utilizing incompatible projectiles can injury tools, scale back projectile lifespan, and negatively have an effect on coaching outcomes. Seek the advice of producer suggestions for steerage.
Tip 5: Match Materials Composition to Coaching Wants and Budgetary Constraints
Materials composition influences projectile sturdiness, efficiency, and value. Leather-based presents superior really feel and sturdiness however comes at a premium value. Artificial supplies present cost-effective options, with efficiency traits various based mostly on materials sort. Dimpled plastic balls supply a secure, economical possibility for primary coaching.
Tip 6: Consider Coaching Goals to Decide Optimum Projectile Traits
Clearly outlined coaching goals drive projectile choice. Enhancing batting common necessitates projectiles selling constant contact. Enhancing energy hitting requires heavier, more difficult projectiles. Creating pitch recognition advantages from projectiles with sensible motion and ranging velocities.
Tip 7: Usually Examine Projectiles for Put on and Tear to Guarantee Security and Efficiency
Common inspection identifies potential security hazards and efficiency points. Broken projectiles ought to be promptly changed to keep up coaching effectiveness and forestall damage. Constant upkeep and correct storage practices prolong projectile lifespan.
Adherence to those pointers ensures optimized coaching outcomes, participant security, and environment friendly useful resource utilization. By fastidiously contemplating projectile traits in relation to particular person wants and coaching objectives, athletes and coaches maximize the effectiveness of automated pitching programs for ability growth and efficiency enhancement.
The concluding part synthesizes these key factors, providing a concise abstract of greatest practices for choosing and using projectiles in pursuit of enhanced batting efficiency.
Optimizing Baseball and Softball Coaching by means of Strategic Projectile Choice
Optimum projectile choice for automated pitching programs constitutes a vital issue influencing coaching effectiveness, participant growth, and tools longevity. Cautious consideration of projectile characteristicsmaterial composition, seam configuration, weight, measurement, and compatibility with particular machine modelsensures alignment with particular person coaching goals and participant ability ranges. Prioritizing sturdiness minimizes long-term prices, whereas price range constraints necessitate strategic analysis of efficiency advantages versus affordability. Matching projectiles to coaching objectives, whether or not enhancing batting common, creating energy hitting, or enhancing pitch recognition, maximizes observe effectivity and promotes focused ability growth. Common inspection and correct storage practices contribute to projectile longevity and preserve secure coaching situations.
Strategic projectile choice empowers athletes and coaches to optimize coaching regimens, translating observe efforts into tangible efficiency enhancements. This knowledgeable strategy to tools choice represents an important funding in participant growth, contributing to enhanced batting efficiency, elevated participant security, and the environment friendly utilization of coaching assets. Additional analysis and growth in projectile know-how promise continued developments in coaching methodologies, additional refining the pursuit of peak athletic efficiency in baseball and softball.
