[New Paper] VR Technology Reveals the Science Behind Baseball Pitch Selection
Discovery: Pitch Selection Ability and Executive Function Independently Contribute to Batting Performance
Research Overview
Lecturer Genta Ochi and Kodai Kato (Class of 2023) have developed a novel method to scientifically assess baseball batters' pitch selection ability (the ability to distinguish strikes from balls) and demonstrated that this ability is closely related to actual batting performance. The research findings were published in the international journal "Sports" on October 17, 2025.
Background and Objectives
In baseball, "pitch selection" is a crucial factor that affects batting performance. Batters with excellent pitch selection not only increase their chances of drawing walks but also improve their batting average by choosing pitches in favorable locations. However, methods to objectively measure pitch selection ability and apply it to training have not been established until now.
This study developed a method to quantitatively assess pitch selection ability in a realistic environment using VR (Virtual Reality) technology.
Research Methods
Measurement Items:
- VR Pitch Selection Task: Presented 80 actual pitch videos captured with a 360-degree camera through a VR headset and had participants judge strikes and balls
- Spatial Stroop Task: Evaluated executive function (spatial interference processing ability) by having participants judge consistency between arrow direction and position on screen
- Batting Performance Analysis: Compiled batting average, on-base percentage, walk rate, etc. from official games from Fall 2020 to Fall 2023
Main Research Findings
- Relationship Between Pitch Selection Ability and Batting Performance
- VR pitch selection task accuracy showed significant positive correlations with on-base percentage (r = 0.57) and walk rate (r = 0.82)
- Strike judgment accuracy was found to be particularly important
- Relationship with Executive Function
- Players with faster spatial Stroop task (vertical direction) reaction times had more accurate strike judgment (r = -0.67)
- Discovered that cognitive processing speed supports part of pitch selection ability
- Independent Contributions
- Mediation analysis demonstrated that pitch selection ability and executive function each independently contribute to batting performance
Significance and Future Directions
This study established a groundbreaking method to scientifically evaluate baseball "pitch selection," which has been considered a black box until now. By using VR technology, it is now possible to easily recreate actual pitching situations and objectively measure players' pitch selection ability.
Future developments include creating VR-based pitch selection training programs and comprehensive batting ability improvement programs combining cognitive training. This has the potential to significantly contribute to enhancing baseball players' competitive performance.
Research Information
Paper Title: Pitch Selection Ability and Spatial Executive Function Independently Predict Baseball Batting Performance
Authors: Yoshitaka Morishita¹²³*, Genta Ochi¹²†, Daiki Takahashi², Kodai Kato², Wataru Uchiyama⁴, Yasuyuki Nishihara²
(*First author, †Corresponding author)
Affiliations:
- Institute of Exercise and Medical Science, Niigata University of Health and Welfare
- Department of Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Osaka University of Economics
- Niigata Sogo Gakuen
Journal: Sports
Research Funding: JSPS KAKENHI 22K11644 (PI: Yoshitaka Morishita), 22K17739 (PI: Genta Ochi)