Ask a Scientist [topic: baseball] March 17, 2008

This Month's Topic: The Science of Baseball

With baseball season just around the corner, whose mind doesn't naturally turn to dreamy springtime thoughts of green grass, peanuts, science, and math? Come hear what our panel of experts has to say about the science of America's favorite pastime. Why is a curveball curved? What makes the sweet spot so sweet? Why do outfielders instinctively run in an arc instead of a straight line? Statistically speaking, are record-breaking players just really lucky? And why have some physicists stated that, at least on paper, hitting a home run is impossible? Come learn the answers to these questions and whatever else you've been wondering about the science and math of baseball. Tonight's event is presented in collaboration with KQED's QUEST Science and Environment Series and Exploratorium. We'll start off the evening by watching QUEST's "Physics of Baseball" video.

Speakers: Linda Shore, Exploratorium Physicist and Director of Exploratorium's Teacher Institute. David Barker, Exploratorium's senior graphic designer and resident baseball fanatic. Mathematician and NPR's "Math Guy," Keith Devlin of Stanford University.


ABOUT THE SERIES: Ask a Scientist is an informative, entertaining, casual science lecture series, held at a San Francisco cafe. Each event features a speaker on a current topic, a short presentation, and the opportunity to ask all those burning questions that have been keeping you up at night. No tests, grades, or pressure…just food, drinks, socializing, and conversation about the universe’s most fascinating mysteries.

Official Website: http://www.askascientistSF.com