The Physics of a 500 foot Mark McGwire Home Run
by Nathan Ayotte
November 14, 2004
PHYS 211X, F03
http://www.onlinesports.com/images/stks-100-029.jpg
On September 8, 1998 Mark McGwire conquered the previous home run record set in a single season by Roger Maris in 1961. The event was memorable to most fans when he defeated Roger Maris, and finalized baseball's new season record of 70 home runs. Mark McGwire was a powerful man and he was known for his ability to smash baseballs great distances. However, many disagree that he was able to launch a baseball 500 feet and beyond. No doubt, this is a great distance to project a baseball. Many years ago during the era of Babe Ruth, another powerful hitting legend, there were articles written claiming that he blasted a hit that carried further than 600 feet, let alone 500 feet. However, many journalists falsified the truth exaggerating the distance. Many critics today simply do not believe that a distance of 600 feet could be achieved, and without historical proof, it remains a myth. In 1991, Cecil Fielder was credited with slamming the only confirmed home run traveling 502 feet according to a new distance system that was developed. We will examine many equations and calculations that govern the projection of objects such as a baseball. Through these calculations we will scrutinize the variables involved that causes this type of projection (Jenkinson 1996).
Page created by Nathan Ayotte on November 14, 2004.
