Kagan: The phyics of being hit by a pitch

From SABR member David Kagan at The Hardball Times on December 10, 2018:

The 2018 season represented the last of 16 seasons of professional baseball for Chase Utley. The “Silver Fox” had become known as “Dad” during his time with the Dodgers. When he announced his retirement, it seems he became “Grandad,” as his teammates presented him with a rocking chair.

Utley will be remembered most for his years with the Phillies, particularly his role in the team’s five straight division titles starting in 2007. During four of those years, he was named an All-Star. It could be argued that despite his more well-known teammates, he led the Phil’s to their 2008 World Series victory.

He will also be known for the “Utley Rule,” which was put into effect after he made a hard slide into Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada during the 2016 Division Series. The collision broke Tejada’s leg. The Utley Rule cleaned up the traditional rough-and-tumble play previously allowed–and even encouraged–around second base.

Read the full article here: https://www.fangraphs.com/tht/the-physics-of-being-hit-by-a-pitch/