Junkball Home Run Challenge

Combines Physics and Aerodynamics

Not only does Home Run Challenge provide everything you need to set up a baseball field that's ready for action with any number of players (1 to 18), but, Junkball baseballs apply scientific principles from both physics and aerodynamics to produce pitches you can throw that truly baffle a batter!

In the early 1950's scientists were able to use strobe photography and wind tunnel tests to prove that baseballs really did curve when pitched. Curveballs, screwballs, and sliders were not optical illusions!

From the time baseball was invented, pitchers looked for advantages over hitters. Along with inventing new pitches, they soon discovered that baseballs with scuffs, cuts, or nicks to their covers spun differently when thrown towards home plate. These cuts disrupt the airflow around the ball-air resistance is increased on the cut or scuffed side of the ball and this causes the ball to move in the opposite direction.

A junk ball pitch is a trick pitch usually thrown by pitchers who do not have an overpowering fast ball or a breaking curve ball. How does our Junk Ball work?

Real baseball pitchers make use of the stitches or seams of a baseball and a wide variety of throwing grips to put spin on the ball. If a baseball were smooth it would always travel in a straight line towards the batter. Only the forces of gravity would have an effect and cause the ball to drop towards the ground as it approached home plate.

The baseball seams plus a pitcher's throwing motion causes the ball to spin against the wind as it travels through the air. There is a difference in the resistance of air around the ball and the ball moves in the direction of least resistance toward the direction it is spinning (The Bernoulli Principle). Speed has an effect on the ball's movement. The slower the ball is thrown the more spin can be put on the ball and more spin equals more curve.

Hint: When you throw a JunkBall, vary your speed. A slower pitch may make the ball curve even better!

Base markers, pitcher's mound, home plate, and more are all included. This complete kit is perfect for any baseball fan from child to adult.

Also see the JunkBall Ghost Runner Electronic Homeplate.