Abstract

This research explores the current state of scouting and player development within Major League Baseball, specifically measuring variables such as throwing velocity. This study observes the differences between three geographical regions: North America, Latin America, and East Asia, and looks at the socio-cultural and biomechanical factors of the development of throwing velocity. Historically, player development within professional baseball has taken a qualitative approach. Due to the rise of technology and data analytics, Major League Baseball has dramatically shifted to a quantitative approach for training, among numerous other factors. Through a series of interviews and looking at previously researched biomechanical reports, I was able to collect information for this study. This research project draws on the globalization of baseball, specifically looking at the World Systems Theory and bringing up the concept of the Latin Americanization of baseball. I also look at Michel Foucault’s theory on biopolitics of the human body and how it relates to the scouting and development processes in Major League Baseball. The goal of this study is to help organizations use a holistic approach to understand the socio-cultural factors of certain geographical regions, which directly impacts the biomechanical factors of throwing velocity, resulting in its enhancement. This chain reaction allows Major League Baseball organizations to comprehend how to scout and develop players in hopes of forming a championship-caliber team.

Advisor

Matsuzawa, Setsuko (Seiko)

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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