Batting averages in professional baseball seem to have a statistical
distribution which ranges from 0.000 to a maximum of about 0.400. What
is it about the physical charecteristics of the game (such as bat dimensions,
fielder's range, field size, ball, etc.) that yields such a batting
average distribution. Do you know the answer or can you direct to a
study which addresses this question?

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Request for Question Clarification by omnivorous-ga on 20 Oct 2004 19:10 PDT

Moedeque --

Excepting pitchers, the real distribution is about .200 to .400, the
.200 batting average level being the minimum skill level for a
professional baseball player.  Pitchers, who bat less often and let
their skills deteriorate, may bat less than .200, but the "minimum
acceptable" number is so well-defined that it even has a name: the
Mendoza Line.

The studies that I'm aware of treat differences between professionals
in these ranges, accounting for differences in visual acuity; hand
speed; batting technique; running speed; etc.  Would that be adequate
to the task?

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

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Clarification of Question by moedeque-ga on 20 Oct 2004 20:34 PDT

I am not sure what it is you want me to clarify. As I indicated in my
question, I presume that the batting averages  are affected by factors
such as field size, fielder running and throwing speed and therefore
coverage range and ball flight speed, as well as the factors you
mention. But first the batter must make contact. Having made contact
the outcome depends on the fielders (except, of course, in the case of
the home run). How fast they cover their position and relay the ball
to the bases etc.
Any studies which analyze these factors as they affect the
distribution of  professional baseball batting averages, would be of
interest.

Any studies?  Yikes.

Start here:
http://www.sabr.org/sabr.cfm?a=cms,c,107,36

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA