【Paper Published】VR Technology Scientifically Elucidates Baseball 'Pitch Selection Ability'

Discovery that Pitch Selection Ability and Executive Function Independently Contribute to Batting Performance

Research Overview

Lecturer Genta Ochi and Kodai Kato (2023 graduate) developed a new method to scientifically evaluate baseball batters' pitch selection ability (the ability to distinguish strikes from balls) and demonstrated that pitch selection ability is closely related to actual batting performance. The research findings were published in the international sports science journal "Sports" on October 17, 2025.

Research Background and Purpose

In baseball, "pitch selection ability" is a critical factor affecting batting performance. Batters with excellent pitch selection ability not only increase their chances of drawing walks but also improve their batting average by selectively hitting balls in favorable zones. However, until now, no method had been established to objectively measure pitch selection ability and apply it to training.

This study developed a method to quantitatively evaluate pitch selection ability in a game-like environment using VR (Virtual Reality) technology.

Research Methods

Measurement Items:

1. VR Pitch Selection Task: Presented 80 actual pitch videos captured with a 360-degree camera through a VR headset, requiring strike-ball decisions
2. Spatial Stroop Task: Evaluated executive function (spatial interference processing ability) by having participants judge matches/mismatches between arrow direction and position on screen
3. Batting Performance Analysis: Compiled batting average, on-base percentage, walk rate, etc. from official game data from Fall 2020 to Fall 2023

Main Research Findings

1. 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
2. Relationship with Executive Function
   • Players with faster reaction times on the spatial Stroop task (vertical direction) had more accurate strike judgments (r = -0.67)
   • Discovered that cognitive processing speed supports part of pitch selection ability
3. Independent Contributions
   • Mediation analysis demonstrated that pitch selection ability and executive function each independently contribute to batting performance

Research Significance and Future Developments

This study established a groundbreaking method to scientifically evaluate baseball's "pitch selection ability," which had previously been a black box. Using VR technology makes it possible to easily reproduce actual pitching situations and objectively measure players' pitch selection ability.

In the future, development of VR-based pitch selection training programs and comprehensive batting ability improvement programs combining cognitive training is expected. This has the potential to significantly contribute to improving baseball players' competitive abilities.

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

(*Lead author, †Corresponding author)

Affiliations:

1. Institute of Health and Sports Science & Medicine, Niigata University of Health and Welfare
2. Department of Health and Sports, Faculty of Health Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare
3. Faculty of Human Sciences, Osaka University of Economics
4. NSG College League

Journal: Sports

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13100367

Research Funding: JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers 22K11644 (PI: Yoshitaka Morishita), 22K17739 (PI: Genta Ochi)