Abat strikes a 0.145 kg baseball Just before
impact, the ball is traveling horizontally to the right
at , when it leaves the bat, the ball is
traveling to the left at an angle of above
horizontal with a speed of . The ball and
bat are in contact for 1.85 ms .

Did you know that baseball’s history is rich and dates back to the 18th century? The game is believed to have evolved from several bat-and-ball games played in England, with baseball rules being officially established in the United States in the 1840s. The first official baseball game in North America was played in 1846, and the sport has since become deeply embedded in American culture, often referred to as “America’s pastime.”

When it comes to real-world application, the physics of baseball can be observed in every game played! Players utilize concepts like force, momentum, and trajectories during every at-bat. Understanding the impact forces on a baseball can help coaches refine a player’s swing for optimal power and direction, informing batting practices, pitching strategies, and even fan engagement through thrilling home runs and spectacular catches.