ABILENE – A big addition is coming to Crutcher Scott Field. Head baseball coach
Rick McCarty announced Friday the facility will have a new addition installed early next week. The ACU Baseball program will be one of approximately 60 universities with a Trackman unit installed on their campus when they return for the 2020 season. With the addition, ACU will be the only team in the Southland Conference with Trackman capabilities.
What is Trackman?
Trackman is the industry leader in technology that captures the most comprehensive and accurate ball-tracking data during a game, scrimmage, and/or practice. It is a tool used for player evaluation and development by all major league and minor league teams, as well as the top NCAA Division I programs across the country.
Head Coach Rick McCarty
"Our staff is extremely excited about the addition of Trackman and we are looking forward to seeing the immediate impact it has in our program. The data produced by Trackman will enhance our player development and allow us to be at the forefront of analytics and training at the Division I level. We feel like this investment shows our current roster and recruits how much we value player development here at ACU. We expect to see immediate returns on the field from this unit. As we move into 2020 and beyond, every time a pitch is thrown at Scott field, the Trackman unit will provide over 30 points of data. We can utilize the data to provide feedback to our pitchers, hitters, and even the umpire. I am confident that the information obtained will allow our players to have a better understanding of who they are and what separates them on the field. It allows us to track growth utilizing numbers, which will give each player a roadmap toward becoming a better player. We are so thankful for our donor base for allowing this state-of-the-art equipment become a reality here at ACU. It has been great to see how committed they are to elevating our program. With their support, there is not a lid on where ACU Baseball can go."
Experience with Trackman
Coach McCarty is not the only member on the ACU coaching staff with experience with Trackman. Assistant coach
Craig Parry has seen the benefits of the Trackman data prior to joining the staff here at ACU. Coach Parry has been able to see players develop while working at Dallas Baptist University and most recently at the University of Arkansas.
Assistant Coach Craig Parry
"The addition of Trackman to ACU will provide a significant advantage in our player development and game preparation. Now our hitters will be able to gain an enhanced understanding of their hot zones, build confidence from the 'damage' numbers, and understand areas that make pitchers unique and challenging."
How will Trackman help recruiting?
ACU's recruiting coordinator,
Blaze Lambert, will be able to provide valuable insight through the lens of a scout and the professional ranks. Coach Lambert has seen how important the data has become during his four years as a scout in the Cleveland Indians organization prior to joining the staff at ACU.
Recruiting Coordinator Blaze Lambert
"Trackman will benefit us a ton when it comes to recruiting. We will be able to find outliers in players when we host games on our field. We also think this will attract growth-minded players we're actively recruiting. This is a big/exciting deal for us.
When will the installation take place?
Trackman will be installed in the early parts of next week at Crutcher Scott Field, and will be ready by the time the players return from the winter break. The Wildcats open their 2020 season on Friday, Feb. 14 against Utah Valley University in Abilene. The 2020 schedule encompasses 54 games, including 30 Southland Conference games (10 series), and another 24 non-conference games. Overall the team will have 13 games against teams that participated in the 2019 regional field. ACU's First Pitch Dinner will take place Feb. 8, 2020.
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