Influence of a humidor on the aerodynamics of baseballs

In summary: Influence of a humidor on the aerodynamics of baseballsEdmund Meyer, John Bohn17 pages, 6 figuresIn summary, the authors investigate the aerodynamic properties of baseballs stored in either a humidor or at room temperature, and they find that a drier ball is expected to curve slightly more than a humidified one. The drier ball is also likely to travel slightly less far when batted. These results have consequences for baseball played at Coors Field in Denver, where baseballs have been stored in a humidor at 50% RH since 2002.
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http://arxiv.org/abs/0712.0380
Influence of a humidor on the aerodynamics of baseballs
Edmund Meyer, John Bohn
17 pages, 6 figures
(Submitted on 3 Dec 2007)

"We investigate whether storing baseballs in a controlled humidity environment significantly affects their aerodynamic properties. To do this, we measure the change in diameter and mass of baseballs as a function of relative humidity (RH). We then model trajectories for pitched and batted baseballs to assess the difference between those stored at 30% RH versus 50% RH. The results show that a drier baseball may be expected to curve slightly more than a humidified one, and that the drier ball will also likely travel slightly less far when batted. We discuss consequences of these results for baseball played at Coors Field in Denver, where baseballs have been stored in a humidor at 50% RH since 2002."

I would surmise that drier balls favor the pitcher,
if they indeed take a curve better and, when hit, don't go as far.

Conversely, damper balls might be supposed to favor the batter.

EDIT: I got the effect backwards. Pitchers like the damper balls.

I was under the impression that humidors were originally invented to store cigars, back in the days of serious cigar-smoking. Here is another use for humidors.
 
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Surprising they didn't measure the elasticity...
 
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Elasticity/resiliency is one property/factor affected by humidity, the other is likely surface roughness.
 
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I would have assumed the humid ball would be softer, therefor absorbing more of the impact from the bat, which would result in the ball not traveling as far as a harder, dry ball.

I assume the balls are kept in a humidor to prevent the leather from cracking?

Edit: Ah, the story behind the ball humidor, a pair of leather boots.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/rockies/2007-10-09-humidor2-coors_N.htm
 
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Pretty interesting story in Evo's link. They mention that the older balls stored at the park before humidors were actually falling under regulation weights due to the drying! I wouldn't have thought they would have THAT much water content in the balls. It makes you think that maybe storage conditions should be standardized across all parks. There are enough other variables that the storage of the balls shouldn't be one of them when it's something much easier to control (and how many of the team owners would be storing their cigars alongside the balls? :biggrin:)
 
  • #6
The elasticity as a function of humidity had already been studied, in The Physics Teacher, Vol. 42, p.89 (Sept. 2004).
 

1. How does a humidor affect the aerodynamics of a baseball?

A humidor can affect the aerodynamics of a baseball by altering the moisture content of the ball. A drier ball will have a lower air resistance, resulting in a faster speed and longer distance when thrown. On the other hand, a humid ball will have a higher air resistance and shorter distance.

2. What is the ideal moisture level for a baseball to achieve maximum aerodynamic performance?

The ideal moisture level for a baseball to achieve maximum aerodynamic performance is around 50%. At this level, the ball will have a balance of air resistance and weight, resulting in the optimal speed and distance when thrown.

3. How does air density affect the aerodynamics of a baseball in a humidor?

Air density plays a significant role in the aerodynamics of a baseball in a humidor. A denser air will have a higher air resistance, slowing down the ball's speed and decreasing its distance. In contrast, a less dense air will have a lower air resistance, resulting in a faster speed and longer distance.

4. Can a humidor affect the spin rate of a baseball?

Yes, a humidor can affect the spin rate of a baseball. A drier ball will have a lower spin rate, while a more humid ball will have a higher spin rate. This is because the moisture level affects the friction between the ball and the air, which ultimately impacts the spin rate.

5. Are there any other factors besides humidity that can impact the aerodynamics of a baseball in a humidor?

Yes, besides humidity, factors such as temperature and altitude can also affect the aerodynamics of a baseball in a humidor. Higher temperatures and altitudes can result in a lower air density, which can decrease air resistance and result in a faster speed and longer distance for the ball.

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