A Major League Baseball Club Project 2

Faculty Advisor: Prof. Manfred Keil

Project Description:  

The focus of the proposed project is the evaluation of fielding ability in MLB first basemen. One of the most common plays in baseball happens when the batter hits a ground ball fielded by an opposing infielder. To record an out, the infielder must throw the ball to the first baseman before the batter steps on first base. Sometimes, the throw by the infielder will be errant, sailing wide or bouncing in the dirt before it reaches the first baseman. Some first basemen are lauded for their ability to receive these wayward throws, thus salvaging the errors committed by their teammates. The goal of this project is to use Statcast ball tracking data to evaluate MLB first basemen in this particular skill.