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Rounding the Bases Faster, With Math

An anonymous reader writes "The fastest route around the bases, mathematicians show, is one that perhaps no major-league ball player has ever run: It swings out a full 18.5 feet from the baseline, nearly forming a full circle. 'I would definitely experiment with it,' says former American Major League Baseball outfielder Doug Glanville, who last played with the Philadelphia Phillies. 'There's no question in my mind that runners could be more efficient.'"

4 of 212 comments (clear)

  1. 1st page of the proof: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    1st page of the proof:
    Consider a spherical runner in a frictionless vacuum.

    1. Re:1st page of the proof: by Tablizer · · Score: 5, Funny

      Consider a spherical runner...

      Baseball players are approaching that these days.
         

  2. Re:only if you know you're in-route to a home-run. by martin-boundary · · Score: 5, Funny

    Of course if you're only trying to get to first, a straight line might be advised.

    Huh? You're trying to get to who?

  3. Re:Hitting the brakes slows you down. by Vegemeister · · Score: 5, Funny

    It is thus obvious that this rule should be repealed, and, furthermore, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" should be replaced in all occurrences with "Yakety Sax".