🚨”The data is conclusive in showing that THE PLAYOFF BASEBALL IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE USED IN THE REGULAR SEASON. But we’re still left with the question of why.” 🚨
Yep. @No_Little_Plans has what may be the biggest story of the postseason. (And yes, I’m on it!)
Yep. @No_Little_Plans has what may be the biggest story of the postseason. (And yes, I’m on it!)
Among other things: “In the last week’s worth of Division Series games, the drag coefficient spiked to a high it hadn’t regularly sat at since 2016.” (Graph via @No_Little_Plans)
“This was an abrupt spike, as well: It’s the largest change in drag coefficient from week to week this season, by a factor of three.” 😳
“...other aspects of the baseball may have changed as well.... [Exit] velocities [were] up this season by about [0.5 mph], but in the playoffs it’s about the same as it was last year. So it may not just be drag that’s different–the ball’s internals could have changed.” 😳😳
“In the past, manufacturing variation was a believable explanation.... But this change is very different. Almost overnight within the SAME SEASON, the ball has been replaced by one with wholly distinct characteristics...”
“It’s hard to believe that MLB, which owns the company that produces the baseballs, would consciously approve a change to their manufacturing on the eve of the most important month of the season, but IT’S ALSO HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT.”
And yes, I PROMISE I’M ON THIS!!! (Btw, h/t to @No_Little_Plans for humoring all those quotes—read the article!—and apologies for way too many all caps. 😋)
