Stalker Sport, manufacturer of sports radar technology, has partnered with AWRE Sports, who specializes in multi-angle video, data analytics, and live streaming products for baseball and softball. The partnership will integrate Stalker’s speed and spin rate data into AWRE’s app and live broadcasts.

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While speed is a well-known pitch measurement, spin rate is the measure the amount of spin, in revolutions per minute, of a baseball or softball, which can affect the trajectory of a given pitch. Stalker Sport’s Pro S line is a handheld sports radar capable of capturing this measurement in addition to speed.

With the AWRE partnership, baseball teams using the Pro 3s, Pro 3, or Sport 3 Connect can connect their radar with AWRE’s system, allowing pitch data to be displayed during broadcasts and logged in AWRE’s charting system. 

“At Stalker Sport, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to enhance the value of our technology for players, coaches, and scouts,” said Greyson Jenista, Product Manager for Sports Tech at Stalker Sport. “Partnering with AWRE Sports allows us to bring our trusted data directly into dynamic video and live streaming environments, making performance insights more accessible and impactful than ever before.” 

How do sports radar guns work?

Radar guns for measuring pitch speed rely on Doppler Radar. Microwaves are directed at the ball (or any moving object) and the change in frequency is measured after it bounces off.

As explained by OSU professor Todd Thompson, a radar gun, such as a police radar, “bounces a pulse of microwaves (or infrared laser light) of a known wavelength off a car or truck,” and then it measures the wavelength that is reflected back towards the gun. “The Doppler shift gives the vehicle's speed.”

Measuring spin rate is more difficult, and Stalker boasts having the only sports radar gun that can do it.

According to the company, “measuring ball rotation requires longer tracking of the ball’s flight, followed by a complex calculation determining ball spin.”

A tool for recruiting

The data will also include automated highlight reels that can be shared with college recruiters and coaches, the company says.

“We are constantly seeking opportunities to integrate verified data our clients desire with video. Integrating the Stalker Gun, already a very valuable tool, directly into the AWRE Charting app was a no-brainer,” said Chris Clark, CEO of AWRE. “Stalker plus AWRE now allows coaches and scouts to automatically gather, tag and organize video and verified data. This integration presents a significant advantage for coaches, scouts, players, and prospects alike.”  

“This integration is just the beginning,” continued Jenista. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead to innovate alongside AWRE and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in athlete development, recruiting, and fan engagement.”

Source: Stalker Sport