Fall 2024 Industry Partner: The Tampa Bay Rays

On Thursday, November 19, 20 UF Statistics and Data Science majors presented the results from their baseball research projects to a team of baseball analysts from the Tampa Bay Rays. During the semester the students worked in teams and with the support and advice from their assigned Tampa Bay Rays mentor. This was a wonderful opportunity for these students to work with professional analysts using real-world data. Many thanks to our “team manager”, Elly Weller, Coordinator, Baseball Research and Development, Tampa Bay Rays, who organized this partnership.

Lineup of Presentations

Leadoff – A. Beauge, J. Crawford, D. Fackson and I. Garel

Coach : Michael Model, Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Analyst

To what extent do pre-pitch situational factors like batting count, inning, and pitcher tendencies influence pitch selection?

2nd – N. Glen, E. Hechavarria, Y. Juarez, A. Millian
Coach: Mason Kellett, Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Analyst

The Mechanics of Strikeout Success: Analyzing Pitch Characteristics in Critical Two-Strike Scenarios for Right-Handed Pitchers

3rd – D. Aaron, R. Auman, S. Castillo, B. Wood
Coach: Michael Model, Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Analyst

How do pitch characteristics influence the swing outcome, and how do these features contribute to defining a “good” pitch across four-seam fastballs?

Cleanup – C. Lagro, B. Lang, M. Marquez, A. Williams
Coach: Ben Smith, Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Analyst

Researching the effects of high altitude on MLB pitcher and pitching performance

Closer – J. Kahn, J. Mak, J. Smith, K. Yalch
Coach: Tim Morales, Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Analyst

The ‘Closen’ One: Identifying Prospective Closers