MS Thesis Defense: Ms. Jerianne Bonaguidi

Proving a Softball Pitch Can Rise Under 60mph Through Mathematical Modeling

Jerianne Bonaguidi
Graduate Student
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Many softball coaches claim that a pitcher cannot actually throw a rise ball under 60mph; they claim it is just a “high fastball.” This project tests that theory with a live pitcher, calculus, and physics equations. The major claim is that if a pitcher has a high enough spin rate, the ball can still rise throughout its whole entire trajectory, even if thrown under 60mph.

Advisor:
Dr. Gabriella Pinter

Committee Members:
Dr. Craig Guilbault
Dr. Lijing Sun