Pitch Sequencing Report

Project Overview

Using R as a tool and Trackman CSVs as my data, I was able to craft a report that analyzes pitch sequencing by investigating how different pitch types perform following specific pitches, revealing strategic patterns and optimal sequencing strategies.

R Programming Trackman Data Sequencing Strategy NCAA Benchmarking

Project Description

When making my pitch sequencing report, my goal was to investigate how pitchers' different pitch types performed following a specific pitch type. This analysis reveals which pitch combinations are most effective and helps identify optimal sequencing patterns for each pitcher's arsenal.

Metrics Analyzed for Each Sequence

Usage %

Frequency of each pitch type following the previous pitch

Strike %

Percentage of strikes thrown in the sequence

Swing %

Overall swing rate

In-Zone Swing %

Swing rate specifically on pitches in the strike zone

Whiff %

Miss rate on swings

In-Zone Whiff %

Miss rate on swings at pitches in the zone

Chase %

Swing rate on pitches outside the strike zone

Swinging Strike %

Percentage of total pitches resulting in swinging strikes

CSW %

Called strikes plus whiffs percentage

Ball in Play %

Rate of contact resulting in batted balls in play

Out % on BIP

Percentage of balls in play converted to outs

Ground Ball %

Rate of ground balls on contact

Line Drive %

Rate of line drives on contact

Fly Ball %

Rate of fly balls on contact

Pop Up %

Rate of pop ups on contact

Avg Exit Velocity

Mean exit velocity on balls in play

Analytical Methodology

Custom Strike Zone Definition

I defined the strike zone based on the spatial axes Trackman uses, allowing for precise classification of pitch locations and accurate calculation of zone-related metrics.

Within At-Bat Sequences Only

The analysis focuses on true pitch sequencing by excluding the first pitch of each at-bat. I did not count the first pitch of an at bat as following the last pitch of the previous at bat because that doesn't help analyze actual sequencing strategy. The data only includes pitches that followed a certain pitch within the same at bat.

Competitive Pitches Filter

The report only includes pitches that are competitive, meaning they are within 8 inches of each corner and from plate level to a foot above the zone. This is an attempt to reduce noise in the data from pitches that are uncompetitive and way out of the zone.

Pitch Type-Specific Tables

The report includes one page per pitcher, with one table for each pitch type showing the results of pitches following that specific pitch type. This organization allows for easy identification of effective sequencing patterns.

NCAA-Benchmarked Color Coding System

For better interpretability, statistics where I felt it would be useful for them to be compared to league averages are automatically color coded on a red to green scale where green is good for the pitcher. The coding is based on the rolling NCAA average and standard deviation for each statistic.

Below Average

Above Average

The color scales are different for each pitch type because, for example, league average whiff percentage for a fastball is lower than league average whiff percentage for a slider. Therefore, each pitch type is color coded based on its custom scale, providing pitch-type-specific context for performance evaluation.

Strategic Applications

This report helps pitchers and coaches understand which pitch combinations generate the best results. For example, it can reveal that a slider is particularly effective after a fastball, or that a changeup following a curveball generates more swings and misses than following a fastball. These insights inform in-game pitch calling and help develop optimal sequencing strategies tailored to each pitcher's strengths.

Example Output: Iowa 2025 Season

This report includes all of the data from the 2025 Iowa baseball season, demonstrating comprehensive team-wide sequencing analysis. The code can be used to analyze any Trackman data, making it adaptable for any team or league.

Iowa 2025 Pitch Sequencing Report

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