Image via Wikipedia

In this I Am Second narrative by Baseball star Josh Hamilton from the I’m A Witness program. All you get is a dark room, a white chair, a spotlight and Josh talking about his past.

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As some of you already know, I was asked over the weekend to be a guest on the up & coming webcast, Pro Rumors TV with hosts Allan and Ted (a Yankees fan). This was my second time on the show with them. The first time I just called in not knowing this was a video webcast (I thought it was a plain podcast). But this time around we conducted the show via Skype.

The episode aired live this past Sunday, May 16th at 7:30pm PST (10:30pm EST). For those who missed it, we are providing you, our loyal readers, the video of the show below.

Be sure to tell me how I did in the comments below!

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1. Listen to Me Tonight on Pro Rumors TV
2. Guest Appearance on BBA Baseball Talk on Blog Talk Radio
3. My Guest Appearance on Pro Rumors TV

At the last minute (ok, it was really yesterday morning) I was asked to fill in as a  guest on Pro Rumors TV tonight at 7:30pm PST (10:30pm EST).

To listen to us live, please go to www.prorumors.com

We’ll be talking Red Sox/Yankees & the AL East and if we get past that, anything is fair game!

It should be a lot of fun as Ted is a Yankees fan…

I hope you’ll be watching!

Related posts:

1. My Recent Appearance on Pro Rumors TV
2. My Guest Appearance on Pro Rumors TV
3. Pro Rumors Podcast Tomorrow Night

Gary Carter Photo by Icon SMI

At 15-13 on May 7, this is the latest in a season that the Washington Nationals have been above .500 since their inaugural season in 2005 when they were 17-13 on the same date.

By comparison, the Nationals didn’t win their 15th game last season until June 2…and by that point, they were already 15-36 and 15.5 games back.

And since I’m calling them the “Washington Nationals”, I’m also reminded of the bitter pill that is Montreal, Canada without baseball.

Throughout my youth and early adulthood, there were always two teams in Canada…the one with a goofy logo on their cap and the Blue Jays. Of the two, I rooted more for the team with the goofy logo on their cap than the one that called Toronto home.

The Montreal Expos had limited success in their 36 years, reaching the playoffs only once back in 1981. But it was that very team that brought us some of the National League’s finest players of the ‘80s…Gary Carter, Tim Raines, Andre Dawson and Jeff Reardon.

So, instead of the normal Friday feature (spoiler alert…you’ll get Carter’s “Friday 5” next week), here’s me and “The Kid” talkin’ some baseball.

HOVG: Certain events in our lives shape the way we go about our business every day. What effect did your Mom’s passing when you were eight years old have on your childhood, playing career…and life in general?

CARTER: The loss of my Mom was a huge impact on my life as we were a very loving family that went to church regularly. I didn’t understand why a loving God would take someone away as dear as her. It helped me to understand how fragile life is. I asked Christ into my life in 1973 at age 19.

Dawson-Carter-Raines Photo by Icon SMI

HOVG: You spent 12 of your 19 seasons as an Expo…what would it have meant to the city of Montreal for you, Tim Raines and Andre Dawson to have brought a World Series championship to Canada?

CARTER: It would have meant the world, maybe to the extent the team may not have ever moved. They are the city of Champions.

HOVG: Personally, what did going back to Montreal in 1992 and retiring an Expo mean to you?

CARTER: It meant a lot because that is where it all started. And now that “The Hawk” (Andre Dawson) is in the Hall of Fame, it’s nice to share the honor with him.

HOVG: You made it into the Hall of Fame on your sixth try…did Dawson ever call you for advice on how to handle the pressures of “will I make it in” or “won’t I”?

CARTER: No. I just kept encouraging him.

HOVG: This July, you’ll be on that stage in Cooperstown when “The Hawk” finally makes his way to Cooperstown. How long until Raines gets his call?

CARTER: It may be a long time or maybe never. He has good numbers but that is a tough call.

HOVG: You’ve had the privilege of playing under some of the game’s great managers…Dick Williams during your first couple of years in Montreal, Tommy Lasorda with the Dodgers and, of course, Davey Johnson while with the Mets. What are your thoughts on each?

CARTER: I enjoyed playing for each manager but of those three. Davey Johnson was the most fun. Dick Williams gave me the opportunity to play regularly and I was an extra player when I played for Tommy Lasorda.

HOVG: Williams and Lasorda are, obviously, Hall of Famers. This past winter, Davey Johnson fell well short of Cooperstown in what was his second appearance on the Veterans Committee ballot…does he belong in the Hall of Fame?

CARTER: I believe he does as he was successful at every place he managed

HOVG: In recent years, we’ve seen you go from the diamond to the broadcast booth to, now, coaching. What influence did some of your previous managers have on you?

CARTER: I have taken a little something from each manager I played for and have tried to develop my own style.

HOVG: You’ve managed in the minors and now coached collegiately…is a job in the Majors in your future?

CARTER: Probably at this point, no, unless some great opportunity came along.

Gary Carter recently completed his first season as the head coach of the Palm Beach Atlantic University Men’s Baseball team. Under his leadership, the Sailfish finished the year 17-24…up from 10-36 in 2009.

Carter is regarded as one of the greatest catchers of his generation and has a laundry of awards to show for it. With eleven All-Star Game appearances (ten straight at one point), three Gold Gloves, a World Series ring and a plaque in Cooperstown…he’s accomplished about as much as anyone could ever want while in the Majors.

Carter’s charitable foundation is trying to do its part to get the tools for learning into the hands of disadvantaged youth so they, too, can accomplish everything they want. You can visit The Gary Carter Foundation online HERE.

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1. Was Dawson Hall Worthy?
2. A Case for the Creation of Baseball in Pittsfield, MA from 1791
3. Baseball Reflections From A Lifetime SF Giants Fan

Taken from LinkedIn

Thanks to LinkedIn, which has been a great source finding contacts for previous interviews, writers, etc., we have the pleasure of interviewing Nicole L. Burdett, Stats Supervisor at MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM).

I started out asking Nicole what she did for work before being employed by MLB and how she got the job. She said, “Right out of college, I worked for a small weekly newspaper in Queens, NY and then moved on to Business Wire, a company that edits, formats, and distributes press releases. It was at Business Wire that I met and became friendly with someone who left to work at MLB. I initially interviewed for a part-time position, taking half inning updates for the minors. But, to my surprise, I was offered a full-time position instead.” And when I asked her how she become a Stats Supervisor at MLBAM, what skills are required and she replied, “I started as an Assistant, mainly organizing and ensuring the smooth operations of the logistics behind the Department. You know, dealing with vendors, making sure the phone systems the teams use to communicate with us are up to speed, and various other tasks. Soon, I began to cover Major League Gameday as well. After that first season, several of the Minor League clubs became interested in using Gameday as well, and Gameday’s use expanded into a number of Minor Leagues. At that point, I began working exclusively on Minor League Gameday, and over time became the point person for the IL (AAA), PCL (AAA), Texas (AA) and Southern (AA) Leagues.”

But what does a stats supervisor for MLBAM do daily basis during the season? Does that change during the offseason? “During the season I monitor Minor League Gameday. I work with a stringer at a ballpark, who inputs live pitch-by-pitch data. My job is to making sure that what they’re entering is accurate as it goes out live on our website. We have a coding system for our software, so I ensure that the codes both correctly reflect what happened in the game and match the official scorer’s decisions and official rules about how stats are attributed. Mind you, these two are not always in synch. So, there’s some – there’s a lot of baseball knowledge involved, for sure. But, there’s also a rather strong need for interpersonal skills as well. I perform this role for several stringers, that is several games, simultaneously.

“There are others performing similar roles, as there are many games. As a Supervisor I am also responsible for the other games in my leagues.

“We really don’t have an offseason per se. We cover five leagues during the winter (Mexico, Dominican, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Arizona Fall League), so there is baseball going on for us until about mid-February. Then we have no baseball until Spring Training starts.

“One of my major initiatives in the off season is to train new crops of stringers, who are hired by the teams. There’s a fairly high turnover rate among this group, as many of the stringers are interns, or young people getting started in their careers. So, there’s a fairly robust push to train new people every year – teach them how to use the software, the coding language and so forth. Each team is supposed to have multiple employees capable of operating the software as well.”

“During the season, I manage a staff of about six. Of course this doesn’t include the stringers who work in the ballparks, but they are all employed through the Minor League teams.

“All of the employees that I manage, help to do what I do, watch the data being inputted by our stringer in the park. We all work one-on-one with stringers to ensure that our data is accurate.”

As a MLBAM stats supervisor, who do you work with (teams or other MLBAM employees)? “I personally work with 48 teams for MiLB Gameday, as well as MLBAM employees. I work with their public relations people. I work with the Human Resources arms at times, to specify our needs. On occasion, I work with the official scorers at games – crazy plays are fairly common in the minors and it’s not totally uncommon that figuring out how to score something is a group effort…

Sometimes we work with MiLB.com’s editorial staff based upon potential storylines in a given game.”

Where do you manage this from seeing that there are 30 MLB teams with up to 15 games going on, triple A games and the Texas and Southern League Double A games you also cover? “Our stats operations are centralized at our offices in New York City. We have additional staff across the country, this includes our stringers.”
Previously we spoke about a program called MLB Gameday, can you explain to our readers what MLB Gameday is? “Gameday is a live pitch-by-pitch application available on MLB.com and MiLB.com. There are stringers at every ballpark who follow the game and enter the pitches and plays in real-time. The codes they enter are translated and the output shows up on your computer at home.”

What type of stats do you work with and are Sabermetrics used or just your basic, run of the mill stats? “On our site, we provide stats from W, L, HR, H, AVG, ERA to OPS and WHIP. We break down league leaders, individual and team accomplishments. We have partnerships with various companies to provide stats to everyone from the novice fan to the club executive. Besides the regular stats provided, we have PITCH f/x data for the Major Leagues. PITCHf/x is a combination of hardware and software that tracks baseballs as they move from pitcher to batter. The system calculates the ball’s trajectory and derives data such as: pitch speed at any point during a pitch, ball location at the front of home plate, and the amount of break (movement). All of these stats are distributed to various outlets.

“For me, Sabermetrics is a philosophy that one applies to their understanding of the game. With that said, raw data and basic stats are used to create a “Sabermetric” stat. Without .SLG or .AVG, you wouldn’t get a stat like ISO (Isolated Power), so in essence the stats we provide, help to determine more intricate ones.”

Well, that concludes my interview with the stats supervisor at MLBAM, Nicole L. Burdett. I’d like to thank Nicole for taking the time out of her busy schedule to do this interview with us and to say that if she ever needs a reliable employee from the Boston area, I just might be available! I hoped you all learned to appreciate what goes on behind the scenes of MLB Gameday after hearing what she had to say about it & the constant turn around she has to deal with on her job. I know I do.

Related posts:

1. An Intro to a Baseball Book: “Beating About the Bushes”
2. Interview With An (female) Umpire Part 1
3. The Complete Interview with Pitching Legend Tommy John

Dr. John D'Acquisto

A few weeks ago, I connected with former pro baseball player turned doctor, John D’Acquisto, D.Sc. When asked about his professional playing days, when he earned his doctorate and the field he earned it in, he had this to say:

“I played for 16 years of professional baseball I started in 1971 Major League Spring training at the age of 19 with the Giants my first Major League Debut was 1973.  I played 10 season in the Major Leagues with following teams: San Francisco Giants and (Great Fall Rookie League, Decatur, ILL, Fresno Cal league, Phoenix AAA), St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and (Hawaii AAA) also played winter baseball in Mexico for Tijuana Potros in Pacific Coast League of Mexico 1977-78, Montreal Expos, California Angels and (Salt Lake City AAA), Atlanta Braves and (Richmond AAA), Oakland A’s (Tacoma AAA), Chicago White Sox (Denver Bears AAA) Senior League Bradenton Explorers and Port St. Lucie Stars.”

He had earned his doctorate, “After my playing days. I had accumulated my education over a 12.5 year period.” Moreover, my focus was in, “Exercise Science Physiology. I finalized my degree 2004 from an online University and they credited my other educational credits that I had received in the past years.”

On why he became a doctor, D.Sc. after his playing days he said,”A friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in working with a company called Ariel Life Systems in La Jolla California. I went to the company back in 1990 and was fascinated on what the Ariel Performance analysis system could do. I worked with Dr. Gideon Ariel for about 3 years and analyzed a number of baseball players, PGA golf pros, Tennis Pros as well as Olympic athletes. I learned the principles of how the APAS system worked from Dr. Ariel and he was instrumental in teaching me biomechanics, along with how the body works in athletics as well as in general human performance. I stayed with the company for 3 years.

I continued coaching and evaluating athletes at the high school level at Eastlake High school in Chula Vista and I coached the United States Navy Baseball team out of San Diego California, which they are now called, The Red, White and Blue tour Military All-Stars. That gave me the opportunities to coach at other levels.

I was working a clinic in San Diego for the Perfect Game USA and ran across a company called Motion DNA. 3 years later, that same person contacted me; his name was Raul Martinez, who was the National Director of Sales and Marketing for the new company called JZZ Technologies, Inc. He asked if I would be interested in working for JZZ Technologies. I went in for my interview, they did a background check, and I had to disclose my past problems that I ran into. They were perfectly Ok with it and were happy to see that I was doing something constructive with my life. I have been a consultant for JZZ Technologies, Inc. for three years.

During those 12.5 years, he also had other jobs, “I was a Banker, a Trustee for a Trust, I worked in the banking industry as far back as 1973 with Bank Americard Visa in their athletic management training program. A number of athletes worked in this program. Such as Bob Babich, Ron Cey, Sal Bando, Dave Elmendorf,  Jack Youngblood and others to name a few.

I worked in the banking industry for many years I the off season, with Bank of America, Sun Savings and Loan Association Loan Officer, Great American Savings Bank, First Commercial Bank out of Sacramento and, Doubleday Trust, DFG, Inc.

I have done a number of jobs and one of the most unique job I did was as a Fire Fighter while working for the Federal Government through San Bernardino Fire Department Boron Station 52 squad 52 search and rescue (when I was in minimum security Prison). That is were I continued my education and decided that I should do something better with my life and focus on what I really loved to do, which was Biomechanics. I attended classes through Cerro Coso Community College in Fire Science and EMT training as well a Hazmat First responder courses. After my release I worked in construction as a crane operator and supervisor, I coached Varsity baseball division 1 as a pitching coach for Eastlake High School were we won three consecutive Championships.  I coached United States Navy Baseball team for 2 years as a volunteer; I continued my quest for betterment while continuing my education and completing my education and achieving my degrees in Exercise Science and Physiology, while working. Through those efforts, I was able to gain a position as Director of Research and Development for a company called Sorganics, Inc. We maintain affiliations with numerous industries including farming, aquaculture, golf, real estate, entertainment, manufacturing, distribution, sales as well as small deployment firms around the world in addition to its relationships with Major Corporation buying groups. These entities work together as a kind of virtual marketing and management firm, utilizing modern communications technologies.

We offer domestic and non-domestic “green” companies a reliable high quality alternative to in-house resources for new sales and business ventures on a worldwide scale.

My sole proprietorship JD Sports Consulting and Analysis is related to the work I do with E-Factor and E-fitness, ROM Tech (Range of Motion) technologies as a consultant.”

When asked about the company where he currently works and how it came into being, John told me that it “is a consulting firm, a sole proprietorship. There were numerous people requesting me to do analytical studies and consult to them on baseball primarily. It has since branched out into other sports. I also work with others in this field of analysis and injury prevention as a team. One in particular is Joe Hippensteel, a Master in Physio-Kinesiology; Joe focuses on Ultimate Human Performance (UHP) at the highest levels. Whether you play sports on the professional, high school, or collegiate level or you are just a weekend warrior, Joe can take your game to the highest level with his Ultimate Human Performance program.

The key to Mr. Hippensteel’s success is the “most advanced INTEGRATION” of all of the aspects of UHP as well as detailed understanding and use of the knowledge of Physical Therapists, Chiropractic, Myopractic, Massage Therapy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, kinesiology and visualization techniques, along with the most advanced methods of training and Injury Elimination Techniques developed by Joe called the Hipp 86TM Method. Joe has coached many elite athletes at several universities and the Olympic Training Center, has worked for Nike and has many professional athletes as clients.

I also work with a person named Bill Peterson of RPM Pitching Mechanics. Mr. Peterson demonstrates a unique ability to teach proper pitching mechanics with great results. RPM™ youth baseball pitching and throwing training programs designed to quickly and easily teach fundamentals of safe pitching and throwing mechanics. Learning and mastering skills takes time. RPM™ Advantage Baseball Programs provide fun benchmarks for youngsters to strive for and helps coaches teach these skills. (Please click here to see a note of caution about youth pitching and youth baseball pitching and throwing injuries.)

In his introduction to the LinkedIn Group we are both members of (Baseball Industry Network), John mentions an integral tool he uses with JD Sports Consulting and Analysis (JD Sports C & A) called E-Factor. Not knowing what it was or does I simply asked him about it and asked what he used before E-Factor.
“The E-Factor system was created by Jason Bodine of Rough Edge Software; LLC It is not exclusive to JD Sports Consulting and Analysis. I use this preferred system now. Before I used the Ariel Performance analysis system which is video motion capture, back in 1990 to 1993 were the E-Factor system is 3-D motion capture with motion sensor capabilities.

E-Factor is designed to provide a science-based physical assessment and biomechanics based training program to youth and adult athletes.  Athletic Trainers, Coaches, Recruiters, Sport Specific Training Facilities, and Physical Therapists use this tool to enhance sports training programs, personal training programs and identify limitations and latent injuries that had previously hindered their client’s performance and quality of life.

E-Factor also provides health professionals with easy to use tools to accurately assess therapy needs for their clients.  Practitioners are able to produce consistent, comparable range-of-motion readings every time a screening is completed.  These tools remove the variability associated with the subjective observations by multiple practitioners and provide a practical means to validate therapy programs.”

Those answers lead me to my next question concerning motion capture. I have an idea of what it might be, but I thought it would be best to ask the good doctor.  I then asked him how E-Factor was different from other motion capture systems.

“Motion capture has become a valuable tool in evaluating and improving biomechanics and technique.  E-Factor takes it significantly farther by identifying physical limitations that are causing or will cause pain or injury and adversely impact biomechanics and technique.  This information used is to recommend an exercise or treatment program to reduce the risk of injury, provide rehabilitation that is more effective and improve performance.

The majority of motion capture systems on the market today are video or camera based.  While they are excellent tools, the more affordable systems still only offer a subjective view of the athlete’s motion.  E-Factor is a truly objective tool.

• E-Factor uses sensors placed on the body to capture actual positional change as the individual moves.  The measurements generated by the hardware used are accurate to within 1/10^th of 1 degree and 1/100^th of a millimeter.
• E-Factor can generate an EFI Report within minutes of capturing the motion data.  The report includes the EFI Score (EFI = Efficiency Factor Impact) and an analysis breakdown of key factors in the motion.
• E-Factor is completely portable and is active in a matter of minutes.

E-Factor provides real time, comprehensive information that can be reviewed by your Doctor, Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, or Personal Trainer.

E-Factor Eliminates Guesswork by providing solutions for:

Preventing injuries

Identifying physical limitations

Diagnosing pre-existing injuries related to biomechanics

Improving physical performance

(Formatting done by Dr. D’Acquisto)

The following are a few images, links and reports generated by E-Factor

http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B8YpmzrLG2cKYjI2M2QxYjQtZjIxYy00NWNiLWI4NjYtMjkxZDUxZWYyNzNl&hl=en

http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B8YpmzrLG2cKZjExZGM3NmEtMTNlNi00Y2NiLTgzN2EtYTI4M2VlZGMyN2E2&hl=en

http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B8YpmzrLG2cKMjE5MTgwZmItNDhjNy00YzhkLTkwZGEtZjVmNjg3MzM5MTRj&hl=en

http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B8YpmzrLG2cKYTQxNjI5NDYtNjk3Mi00NTRlLThiNDMtMTIzYTcwNDdmMDkz&hl=en

http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B8YpmzrLG2cKODc5OTJkMjctNGIwZC00MjA4LWE4N2MtODJiZDM4MGU1MmM2&hl=en

Next, I had to ask how motion capture and E-Factor helps JD Sports C & A to assess an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, how it applied to the athlete and what kind of data are they recording? “E-Factor is a software program that Captures and evaluates biomechanical Efficiency in sports motion, exercise Technique, running, or other physical Activity.

E-Factor’s sport specific tests identify imbalances or weaknesses that cause an athlete to be biomechanically inefficient creating a higher risk of injury.  This information is used to assign an efficiency rating, or EFI Score, to the athletes motion and provide suggestions for improving his or her score through strengthening, conditioning, and or stretching the impacted areas.  Using E-Factor and the EFI Score to create targeted training programs will help athletes become stronger, more consistent, and physically healthier.

E-Factor is used in physical therapy and occupational therapy settings to help refine and validate therapy programs.  From basic range of motion to complex functional capacity evaluations, using E-Factor and ROMTech provides an objective, repeatable means to evaluate and validate progress. E-Factor uses the Liberty system by Polhemus, which gathers the data at 240 Hz per second.

The LIBERTY™” is the leading cost-effective solution for 6 Degree-Of-Freedom tracking and 3D digitizing. It is an expandable system that can accommodate one to sixteen sensors, making it perfect for a wide array of applications, from head tracking, biomechanical analysis and computer graphics to cursor control and stereotaxic localization, delivers a sweet spot combination of performance and value.

A quantum leap in 6 Degree-Of-Freedom tracking technology, LIBERTY is the fastest and most accurate electromagnetic tracker available. With scalable support for up to 16 sensors, it’s the indisputable forerunner in tracking technology. State-of-the-art digital signal processor (DSP) electronics, an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) and a host of the most advanced technical features available make LIBERTY the professional’s choice hands-down.

Unprecedented Speed, Stability and Resolution
Exclusive advancements in digital signal processor technology have enabled Polhemus to develop the world’s fastest tracker. LIBERTY tracks objects at a speed of 240 updates per second. Regardless of how many sensors are in use, the update rate remains constant, with LIBERTY outputting a clean data stream. For applications requiring less data, LIBERTY also has 120Hz update rate.

LIBERTY’s blazingly fast 240Hz update rate makes it the perfect system for tracking high-speed events such as a golf swing or an athlete’s fast-paced movement. For virtual reality applications, LIBERTY performs real time head and body tracking. With virtually no latency, LIBERTY is the highest quality solution for military and simulation applications.

LIBERTY’s DSP technology works in conjunction with the system’s AC magnetics to deliver improved signal-to-noise ratios. Increased range, stability and resolution are realized. LIBERTY offers remarkable accuracy of .03 RMS for X, Y and Z position and .15° RMS for orientation.

Designed for Ease of Use and Power
LIBERTY includes a streamlined and intuitive Windows® 2000/XP user interface that’s stocked with useful tools. Four independent user-definable profiles allow setting system parameters such as filtering, output formats, coordinate rotations and more. This valuable feature makes LIBERTY the preeminent tracker for accommodating multiple users or applications. An integrated motion box provides navigable points of view for visualization and is also capable of displaying text data. Additional features include data recording and playback, plus rapid data exporting via Microsoft™ Named Pipe.

Polhemus understands that creating groundbreaking solutions requires the right tools. That’s why LIBERTY includes a comprehensive and straightforward software developer’s kit (SDK). The SDK features API libraries that facilitate easy integration into custom applications.

LIBERTY connects to any PC via an RS-232 or USB connection. Within moments after unpacking the LIBERTY system, it will be up and running. LIBERTY’s environmental calibration software allows rapid calibration, two Systems in One…

The optional stylus expands LIBERTY’s already robust capabilities by converting it into a 3D digitizer. With the stylus, you can collect dimensions of artifacts, archaeological items and museum sculptures, or compile measurements of anatomical features, body volumes, joint relationships or body contours. Capturing data with the ergonomically designed stylus is as simple as pressing a button.

Scalable to Meet Your Needs
Two different base LIBERTY systems are available to meet your needs and budget. The LIBERTY 240/8 system includes four sensor channels. Adding a circuit board to its chassis expands the system to 8 sensor channels. The LIBERTY 240/16 system also natively includes four sensor channels, but can be upgraded to 8, 12 or 16 channels within the same chassis.

LIBERTY includes a system electronics unit (SEU), one sensor and one source. Options such as additional sensors, a longer range source and a stylus are available.

Figures (a) and (b) show details of the sensor connection ports on the back of the LIBERTY chassis.

Advanced AC Technology
Polhemus pioneered AC motion tracking and has refined and perfected the technology through numerous generations. Unlike products based on pulsed DC technology, Polhemus trackers are not negatively affected by the earth’s magnetic field, power outlets or electric motors. Because AC tracking is also more accurate and faster, it’s clearly the superior choice. In fact, Polhemus originated pulsed DC technology, but chose not to pursue it because of performance shortcomings.

Each of LIBERTY’s sensors can independently detect environmental distortion. The user is instantly alerted to make the appropriate changes as required. This advanced feature delivers the ultimate assurance: count on LIBERTY to get the job done right, every time.

There is no need to worry about maintaining a clear line-of-sight between the sensor and source. Unlike sonic or laser devices, LIBERTY is not affected by signal blocking and interference.

Specifications

Aside from the pictured test of a batter, I asked John what other baseball specific tests does he use with E-Factor & why is he using it as opposed to another? He replied, “Pitching and hitting evaluations. Our data is accurate and is objective were other programs are a subjective format.”

I’d like to thank John D’Acquisto, Ph.D. for both his time and cooperation with this interview. Sorry it took so long to put together.

Related posts:

1. The Complete Interview with Pitching Legend Tommy John
2. The Tommy John Interview: Part 3
3. The Tommy John Interview: Part 2

Image via Wikipedia

A recent interview with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr (SS/3B) of the Baltimore Orioles speaks to Ryan Bere of Boston Baseball about his clinic in Boston, his baseball camps in South Carolina and Maryland, and his view on amateur adult baseball and coaching.

Find more videos like this on CheckSwing

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1. Interview With An (female) Umpire, Part 2
2. Interview With An (female) Umpire Part 1
3. Akadema’s Praying Mantis Catcher’s Mitt, Designed by Hall of Famer Gary Carter

Here is the video from my guest appearance on Pro Rumors TV this past Saturday night, 2/20/10. The two hosts are live and they called me up as their guest that night.

By the way, I had topics of interest to go by, but that last question wasn’t on the list they gave me, hence my delay in answering…

Related posts:

1. My Recent Appearance on Pro Rumors TV
2. Listen to Me Tonight on Pro Rumors TV
3. Guest Appearance on BBA Baseball Talk on Blog Talk Radio

Photo by Icon SMI

Our newly acquired friends from the Fantasy Sports Network (FSN) have recently scored an exclusive interview with New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman!

Check out The Mother of All Interviews: NoMaas v. Brian Cashman for an enlightening look into the front office of the Yankees. They discuss the offseason moves, non-moves, the 2010 rotation and CF option and more.

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2. Announcement: Baseball Reflections 1st. Annual Pledge Drive
3. Four Burning Questions Facing The Baltimore Orioles

3B Dave Hollins

I have recently decided that Baseball Reflections will start broadening our horizons just a bit. Call it one of our 2010 resolutions. We will now be bringing you selected videos in a more frequent basis than we have in our previous two years of operation. We hope this ads to your enjoyment of this site! This changed started with last week’s addition of the video on Boston’s captain, catcher Jason Varitek.

This one is on former third baseman, most notably for the Phillies, Dave Hollins, tell his diabetes story in this video interview.

Related posts:

1. Texas Rangers OF Josh Hamilton, His Story in His Own Words
2. The Most Valuable Player in Baseball Might Surprise You
3. Baltimore Orioles Announce Return of Dave Trembley For 2010