Quick Start

Your first simulation in 3 minutes

Step 1: Open the Simulator

Go to baseball.skill-vis.com. The simulator runs entirely in your browser — nothing to install.

Step 2: Search for a Pitcher

In the left panel, type a pitcher’s name (e.g., “Ohtani”) in the search box and press Enter. Select the pitcher from the results.

Searching for a pitcher by name

Step 3: Pick a Game

A list of game dates appears. Each entry shows the date, number of pitches, and pitch types thrown. Click a game to load its pitches.

Game list and pitch selection

Step 4: Pick a Pitch

The pitch list shows every pitch from that game. Each row shows:

• Pitch type — color-coded badge (FF = four-seam, SL = slider, etc.)
• Speed (mph)
• Spin rate (rpm)

Click a pitch, then click Simulate.

Step 5: Watch the Trajectory

Simulation result — 3D trajectory with left panel parameters

The 3D view shows:

• Orange line — the ball’s actual path (with spin effects)
• Gray line — where the ball would go with no spin (gravity only)
• Gap between the two — this is the movement created by spin
• Animated baseball — rotating at the real spin rate, with the spin axis arrow

Drag to rotate the view. Scroll to zoom.

Step 6: Try Batter’s Eye

Click the Batter’s Eye button in the toolbar. The camera moves to the batter’s box, showing you the pitch from the hitter’s perspective. You can toggle between Track: Ball (camera follows the ball) and Track: Pitcher (camera stays fixed).

What’s Next?

• Compare two pitches: Turn on Overlay mode, simulate a second pitch, and see both trajectories stacked
• Try different pitch types: Use the filter buttons (FF, SL, CH, etc.) above the pitch list
• Enter your own data: Switch to Manual Input or Rapsodo Input
• Understand the physics: Read Spin & Movement to learn what backspin, sidespin, and gyrospin mean for pitch design