As a baseball enthusiast and a sports analyst, I've always been fascinated by the physics behind the game. The speed at which a baseball can be hit is a question that intertwines the realms of physics, biomechanics, and the sheer talent of the players. Let's delve into the factors that contribute to this impressive feat.

**Step 1: Understanding the Ball and the Bat**
The Major League baseballs, as you mentioned, have an average mass of 5.125 ounces (about 145 grams). This might not seem like much, but when you consider the speed at which it travels, even a small mass can exert a significant force. The bat, on the other hand, is a tool finely crafted for maximum efficiency in transferring energy to the ball. Bats are typically made of wood (like ash or maple) or aluminum, and they are designed to have a certain level of flexibility known as the "sweet spot" which minimizes energy loss during the swing.

Step 2: The Physics of the Swing
When a batter swings at a pitch, the force exerted on the ball is a result of the bat's speed at the moment of contact. A 90-mph fastball is quite fast, but it's not the limit of what a batter can achieve. The speed at which a ball can leave the bat, as you've noted, can be 110 mph or more. This increase in speed is due to the kinetic energy transferred from the bat to the ball.

**Step 3: Newton's Second Law and the Collision**
Newton's second law of motion states that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). In the context of a baseball collision, this law helps us understand the force exerted on the ball.
Russell's extrapolation suggests that in a collision that lasts less than one-thousandth of a second, the average professional swing can impart 4145 pounds of force to the ball. This is an extraordinary amount of force, considering the brief duration of the contact.

Step 4: The Role of the Player
The player's skill and strength are paramount. The ability to generate such high force is a result of the player's technique, the timing of the swing, and the physical strength in their arms and core. Training and practice allow players to refine their swings, ensuring that they can generate maximum force with each hit.

**Step 5: The Record and Exceptional Performances**
While the average speeds and forces mentioned are impressive, there are always outliers. Some batters have been recorded hitting baseballs at speeds exceeding 120 mph. These exceptional performances are a testament to the athletes' abilities and the ongoing evolution of the sport.

In conclusion, the speed at which a baseball can be hit is a complex interplay of the physical properties of the ball and bat, the laws of physics, and the skill and strength of the player. The 4145 pounds of force mentioned is a remarkable figure that underscores the power behind a professional baseball player's swing.

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Major League baseballs have an average mass of 5.125 ounces, and a 90-mph fastball can leave the bat at 110 mph. Extrapolating Newton's second law of motion, Russell determined that, in a collision lasting less than one-thousandth of a second, the average pro swing imparts 4145 pounds of force to the ball.Dec 17, 2009read more >>