Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Baseball adds state-of-the-art analytics and video software
02/11/2019 | 2:38:00 | Baseball
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois baseball program announced state-of-the-art video, analytics, and facility upgrades today. Baseball head coach Ken Henderson made the announcements at his preseason press conference on Friday.
"Coach Kill has made a commitment to Saluki Baseball unlike anything that's been done in my 29 years, other than the new stadium," SIU baseball head coach Ken Henderson said. "He has stepped up and sent a message to our players, our program, and our fans that he cares about Saluki Baseball. Because of that commitment and the generosity of our donors, we are in the process of doing things that will make a huge impact on recruitment and development."
The Salukis installed six permanent cameras in Itchy Jones Stadium as part of the BATS! video system, the same system used by Major League Baseball teams. SIU hitters and pitchers can receive videos of their performances immediately after practices and games with data analysis breaking down hit location, pitch velocity, swing zones and more.Â
SIU also added FlightScope, a premier analytics software that can give SIU players instant feedback after each pitch. FlightScope tracks spin rates, release points, pitch break, and more for pitchers; and exit velocity, launch angle, carry distance and more for hitters. The portable system is available to SIU players both on the field, in the batting cages, and indoors.Â
Henderson also announced two upgrades to Itchy Jones Stadium, which opened in 2014. Two new light poles, plus additional bulbs on existing poles, is expected to increase the lighting by 50 percent for night games, and new padding was added to the outfield wall. The upgrades put finishing touches on the new facility that was already considered one of the best in the Midwest.Â
The Salukis open the 2019 season on Friday, February 15, at Nicholls. Fans have their first chance to see the upgrades at the home opener March 1 against Western Illinois.Â
"Coach Kill has made a commitment to Saluki Baseball unlike anything that's been done in my 29 years, other than the new stadium," SIU baseball head coach Ken Henderson said. "He has stepped up and sent a message to our players, our program, and our fans that he cares about Saluki Baseball. Because of that commitment and the generosity of our donors, we are in the process of doing things that will make a huge impact on recruitment and development."
The Salukis installed six permanent cameras in Itchy Jones Stadium as part of the BATS! video system, the same system used by Major League Baseball teams. SIU hitters and pitchers can receive videos of their performances immediately after practices and games with data analysis breaking down hit location, pitch velocity, swing zones and more.Â
SIU also added FlightScope, a premier analytics software that can give SIU players instant feedback after each pitch. FlightScope tracks spin rates, release points, pitch break, and more for pitchers; and exit velocity, launch angle, carry distance and more for hitters. The portable system is available to SIU players both on the field, in the batting cages, and indoors.Â
Henderson also announced two upgrades to Itchy Jones Stadium, which opened in 2014. Two new light poles, plus additional bulbs on existing poles, is expected to increase the lighting by 50 percent for night games, and new padding was added to the outfield wall. The upgrades put finishing touches on the new facility that was already considered one of the best in the Midwest.Â
The Salukis open the 2019 season on Friday, February 15, at Nicholls. Fans have their first chance to see the upgrades at the home opener March 1 against Western Illinois.Â
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