The following is a paid advertisement from Rapsodo. Rapsodo is the leading provider of baseball analytics technology, offering simulators that combine high-speed cameras and radar to capture and analyze athlete performance metrics. From pitch velocity and spin rate to launch angle and exit velocity, Rapsodo’s products provide comprehensive data to help pitchers refine their mechanics, hitters improve their swings, and coaches make data-driven decisions to enhance team performance.
In a move poised to reshape the landscape of baseball technology, Rapsodo has officially announced a groundbreaking partnership with baseball’s best two-way player, none other than Shohei Ohtani.
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of sports and technology, revolutionizing player development and performance analytics across all of baseball, from youth to MLB.
Since bringing his talents to MLB, Ohtani has been an advocate for Rapsodo, using the technology to help him develop both on the mound and at the plate.
“I had been using Rapsodo for a few seasons and thought it was such a great tool; I only wished I had started using it earlier,” said the three-time MLB all-star.
At the heart of this partnership lies Rapsodo’s state-of-the-art pitching and hitting ball flight monitors, PRO 2.0 and PRO 3.0, which provide players with valuable insights into their performance metrics.
Rapsodo’s baseball flight monitors deliver real-time data on hitting and pitching metrics like pitch velocity, spin rate, trajectory, distance, exit velocity and more, empowering players to optimize mechanics and take their game to new heights.
Despite being an incredibly gifted player, Ohtani uses advanced data and technology to refine his skills, validate his intuition, and further adjust both his hitting and pitching mechanics.
In an interview with Rapsodo back in February, Shohei talked about how and why he utilizes their industry-leading player development tools:
“Mainly to quantify my growth as a player daily. For example, I check to see if I’m making the correct hit on my swing, making sure I have an efficient pitch, and help me design a pitch that’s difficult to hit. Having the ability to see the data and confirm it connects to my growth as a player.”
In the midst of his rehab from Tommy John surgery, the two-time American League MVP has relied on PRO 3.0 to assist in recovery, consistently tracking performance and ensuring a confident return to the mound without causing further injury.
“Since my pitching rehab started, I check to see if my pitching data matches the intention that I am throwing. I think being able to check the data helps smooth out my rehab process.
While the two-way player rehabs on the pithing side, he has stepped into the role as designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Based on recent comments by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be pitching anytime this year.
“We’ll see how that progression goes,” Roberts said. “If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation in the field. I do know he’s not gonna pitch this year. But right now, our only focus is him being a designated hitter.”
Ohtani has an MLB-leading 36 hits in 115 plate appearances so far as the Dodgers’ DH, good for an MLB-best .364 batting average. So far in the early going, he has six home runs, 14 RBI, and 20 runs scored.
Ohtani embodies the spirit of what Rapsodo stands for. He dares to defy tradition, proving you’re never too young to follow your dreams and play the game on your own terms. He shows the world the power that data and technology has on the game, and with it, anyone can be a record-breaking, two-way force at ANY level of baseball.
“I wish these tools were available to me earlier. I think if I had something like this during my Little League years, how much better could I have been now?” the superstar said.
“When I look at the youth level players and see the tools available, I feel quite envious that they can use them.” He added, “I think they should use these tools for growth and the earlier you start using them, I believe the faster your growth will be.”
Throughout the partnership, Rapsodo will roll out content they captured with Ohtani from their production shoot. Fans can see all of this on Rapsodo’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, and LinkedIn channels.
Every athlete has a story, even the best in the game. Rapsodo is on a mission to tell those stories while providing athletes everywhere the tools they need to play like never before and #PlayWithoutLimits.
If you’re interested in learning more about Rapsodo and their products, click here to visit their website.
