it's tougher than you think

[rone]

Carl Hall at the SF Chronic brings us a very cool article about the physics behind "splash hits" at SBC Park.  Thanks to _z_ for the link.

Comments

[iayork.livejournal.com]

SBC isn't the only big-league stadium where home runs literally exit the ballpark.

The first year Manny Ramirez played for Boston, he hit a home run not only out of hte park, but onto I-90, the interstate that runs beside Fenway Park. Sadly, it bounced off and didn't get stuck in a truck's radiator, or I could honestly say that Manny hit one out of the state.

There's a red seat in Fenway, 502 feet from home plate, where Ted Williams is supposed to have hit a home run. Manny hit one off the light tower in 2001 that someone estimated would have travelled 501 feet. Manny himself says the longest he's ever hit is 450 feet, in batting practice; but he's a big sweet dumb galoot who probably can't count that high anyway.

I'm not a fan of Bonds, but I hold him in awe anyway.