Weather is very important to the sport of baseball more so then one would think. Many people think that weather would determine if the conditions were good to actually play the game or not and nothing more than that, but actually, it is not exactly like that at all. Weather actually has an important influence on the sport as to how a game is played in such conditions and how a baseball travels when it is hit. Air pressure, wind, temperature and humidity are important to note. This will discuss on what factors of weather that has an affect on a game in baseball.
First, we will talk about what rain can do in a game. If rain is heavy enough, the umpire can call for a rain delay and then continue the game later once the rain reduces in intensity or ends. The rain though may not quite be heavy enough to delay the game. Rain can produce problems such as getting a good grip on the baseball, having good traction when running the bases and can interfere with seeing and throwing the baseball as well. To counteract these issues a tarp will be placed on the dirt infield portion of the field during rain. A substance that is highly absorbent can also be placed on the dirt portions of the field such as on the pitching mound and in the base running areas to increase traction and reduce the buildup of mud on cleats. Rain can make the grass areas of the field slippery and players can adapt to this by wearing the proper cleats.
Next off is Wind, the most influential of the weather factors.The wind can have a profound influence on a game. In a game, wind can cause the baseball to change course by many feet. Home-runs are much easier when the wind is blowing out as opposed to blowing in. Windy conditions can make the ball more difficult to catch. Wind can make the ball more difficult to field and throw accurately. Windy conditions generally make the game more difficult to play accurately for all players involved. Players can adjust to this by factoring in wind speed and direction as they go after a ball in the air. This is because wind can either amplify or reduce the amount of friction the baseball experiences during flight. Air flowing toward the baseball in flight acts as a force to slow the forward motion. This slows the ball down and reduces its flight path. Wind flowing with the baseball helps it fly longer distances.
Aside from wind, that plays a factor in how the baseball flies when it is hit, air pressure also plays a factor in this field. Air pressure depends on the elevation of a region and the current weather. Air pressure is usually the most important factor in determining how far a baseball will travel in the air when hit, all else being equal. At higher elevations, air has a lower density. When the air density is lower, baseballs can travel further. Air rubbing against a baseball produces a frictional force. The lower the air density, the smaller this frictional force becomes. Air density also changes depending on whether high pressure or low pressure weather is influencing the region.
Temperature can have a great affect on baseball both physically and scientifically. Very hot temperatures can make the game more difficult to play, especially for the pitcher. The pitcher may not be able to throw as many pitches during a hot game. Hot weather can lead to general fatigue for all players thus it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Very cold weather is even more difficult than hot weather. Cold weather can reduce flexibility, decrease reaction time and decrease concentration. Players can counteract this by wearing an extra layer of clothing and warming up in the dugout between innings. Extreme cold is made much worse when it is combined with other factors such as wind and precipitation. Also, in terms of science, temperature can affect the balls flight. When air warms, it expands. This warming and expansion lowers the density of the air. This produces longer flight distances, all else being basically equal.
The sun, believe it or not, also affects how the game is played, especially on the players. The sun in the eyes is the bane of all baseball players trying the catch a ball. Losing the ball in the sun even for an instance can mean the difference between catching and not catching the ball. To counteract this, players (especially outfielders) will wear sun glasses. The caps also help shade the sun. Eye black can be placed under the eyes to decrease the intensity of the sun glare. The stadium lights can also create a similar effect such as when the ball comes from a similar path that the stadium lights are shining toward a player.
The final weather factor that affects baseball is humidity. At the same temperature, air with a higher dewpoint will be less dense. Click here for an explanation of why this is. At a higher humidity, baseballs will travel a little further, all else being equal.
With all of these weather factors in mind, in order to achieve the optimum for long baseball hits would be to have a high elevation, wind blowing out, warm and humid air mass and to get a minimization for long baseball hits, you would have to have a low elevation, wind blowing in, cold and dry air mass. Baseball is a sport that weather has an important tie with. When games are played with indoor stadiums, it has no affect, but when it is outside, it is a different matter. Weather can affect the outcome of the game and decide where the game will take us to reach that outcome. Knowledge of the weather and how it will affect the game can go a long way to enjoy a game when ever they shout out: “PLAY BALL!”
Sources Found:
https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/affect-wind-baseball-game/
http://www3.allaroundphilly.com/blogs/delcotimes/cvito/2008/04/postponements-in-store.html
https://blog.weatherops.com/that-thin-line-on-radar-is-important
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