A study by SeatGeek — in collaboration with ESPN — does just that: it combines seat locations with where home run balls land to determine where fans should sit if they want to catch a home run ball. To determine if a home run was “catchable,” SeatGeek overlaid data from ESPN’s Home Run Tracker with their custom seating charts to figure out an approximate location of where each ball landed. Stadiums that have spots where fans are not sitting weren’t included in the catchable total. SeatGeak, which sells tickets to sports and entertainment venues, then created a measure to determine what sections will give you the best chances of catching a ball for the lowest average ticket price.
baseball
Planet Money: Peanuts and Cracker Jack →
On today’s show: The secret world of ballpark vendors. It’s a game of weather forecasting, ruthless efficiency, sore thighs, and swollen vocal chords.
What They Teach You at Umpire School →
You’re defending the thin line between order and chaos, enforcing the rules. You’re nobody’s friend, and you take guff from all sides. You’re expected to perform perfectly from day one. You’re dressed in a uniform that signals authority but also makes you a target of derision and hostility.
First Pitch →
On October 30, 2001, President George W. Bush stepped to the mound at Yankee Stadium to throw out the first pitch at Game 3 of the World Series, just six weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. That night the first pitch meant more than just “play ball.”
The 22 Rules of Backyard Wiffle Ball →
Just in time for your July 4th game of wiffle ball.
- It’s not a real Wiffle ball game unless you can break a window. Or windows.
- Skinny yellow bats only…
- Yes you can throw your super-awesome curve ball. But throw it fat and slow over the plate. Like a 2011 Astro.
Creativity of a Sports Cameraman →
A great video of the extensive power in the camera’s and lenses used in television broadcasts as well as some insight as to what is required of a cameraman during a game.