Ball Trajectories

Abstract

The sight of a baseball or softball flying through the air evokes different responses in different people. If the ball is headed toward the batter then the batter will be frantically trying to figure out what the ball is doing and where it is going. If the ball is headed toward one of the bases then the player running to that base will be wondering whether he will make it in time. If the ball is headed toward the fence then some of the spectators will be cheering and some will be moaning. These are the sorts of emotional reactions that make the game what it is. It is the combined effect of the importance and the uncertainty of the outcome that keeps players on their toes and spectators on the edge of their seats.