Physics prof is a baseball profit

Professor of Physics John Scofield had his 15 minutes of fame Monday when he was invited to discuss the physics of baseballs on FOX television's live broadcast of an Indian's game.

Scofield, who has taught a course on the physics of sports at Oberlin, discussed the effect of humidity on baseballs.

Scofield said when baseballs move through the air they are slowed down by friction, but less dense air provides less friction, making baseballs move faster and farther.

This affects the distance balls travel at higher elevations. "It's pretty well known that baseballs go farther at high elevations," Scofield said.

But Scofield said the effects of humidity are less intuitive. "Many athletes don't think of more humid air as less dense," he said. Scofield said humid air is less dense than dry air, making baseballs travel farther.

Scofield's appearance was part of a whole day at Jacob's Field. He spent the day with Joel Gunderson, OC '93, who now works in media relations for the Indians. Scofield said Gunderson took his class in the physics of sports while he was a student at Oberlin.

Scofield, who is a big fan of the Indians, said he had a wonderful day. He met Doc Gooden, an Indians pitcher, and saw his team inch further toward the American Central title.