Radar Guns in Baseball: From Guesswork to High-Tech Pitch Tracking
If you have ever searched for the best radar gun for baseball or wondered when radar guns were first used in baseball, you are in the right place. This article walks through the complete history of baseball radar guns, explains when MLB started using radar guns, and finishes with our top picks for the best radar gun for baseball pitching today.
Quick Picks (with buy links)
- Best overall + video data: Pocket Radar Smart Coach — app, video overlay, history.
- Best compact / no app: Pocket Radar Ball Coach — pocket size, ±1 MPH, hands-free mode.
- Best hands-free budget: DRM Hands-Free Radar — tripod + voice callouts.
- Best simple point-and-shoot: Bushnell Velocity — classic pistol grip, big LCD.
- See all picks: Full radar gun guide
Baseball Radar Gun Timeline (Cheat Sheet)
- 1940s: Doppler radar developed for military; early civilian speed guns follow.
- 1950s–60s: Police radar guns adapted for baseball experiments.
- 1975: JUGS Gun launches — first purpose-built baseball radar gun.
- Late 1970s: MLB clubs adopt radar guns widely.
- 1980s–1990s: Velocity becomes a core scouting data point.
- 2000s: Stalker guns become pro standard; full flight tracking.
- Today: Radar + high-speed cameras + systems like TrackMan/Hawk-Eye for spin/movement.
Early Days: Baseball Without Speed Tracking
Before radar guns entered the game, baseball coaches and scouts relied completely on the eye test and box-score performance. A pitcher was labeled “hard-throwing” based on reputation, not an actual miles-per-hour reading. There was no accurate way to quantify pitch velocity.
In the early 20th century, a few creative experiments tried to measure pitch speed. In 1912, one test compared a thrown baseball to a motorcycle traveling at a known speed. In the 1930s, Dr. Harold Edgerton used early high-speed photography to estimate ball velocity. These methods were fascinating, but they were too complex and impractical for everyday baseball use.
When Were Radar Guns Invented?
The first radar-based speed measurement systems were invented in the 1940s for military purposes during World War II. These devices used the Doppler effect to calculate the speed of moving objects such as planes. Shortly after, radar technology moved into civilian life and law enforcement, where radar guns were used to measure vehicle speeds on highways.
When Were Radar Guns First Used in Baseball?
Radar guns started appearing around baseball in the 1950s and 1960s when coaches and engineers realized that the same devices used for cars could measure pitch speed. These early attempts worked, but the equipment was bulky and not built specifically for sports.
The true breakthrough for baseball came in 1975 with the release of the first purpose-built baseball radar gun: the JUGS Gun. Created by JUGS Sports, this handheld device was accurate, portable, and instantly useful for tracking pitch velocity during games and bullpen sessions.
When Was the Radar Gun Invented for Baseball?
While general radar guns existed earlier, the radar gun invented for baseball is widely associated with the JUGS Gun in 1975. It was the first widely adopted radar gun specifically marketed and engineered for measuring baseball pitch speeds, and it quickly became standard equipment for coaches, scouts, and training facilities.
When Did MLB Start Using Radar Guns?
Major League Baseball began consistently using radar guns in the late 1970s. By the 1980s, nearly every MLB team relied on radar guns for scouting and player development. Pitch velocity readings soon appeared on stadium scoreboards and television broadcasts, and fans became familiar with how hard their favorite pitchers were throwing.
The Rise of Radar Guns in Scouting and Player Development (1980s–1990s)
Once radar guns became standard throughout MLB, they quickly transformed how pitchers were evaluated. Organizations invested heavily in radar technology and began tracking pitch speeds at every level, from high school showcases to Triple-A.
- Improved Accuracy – Newer radar guns delivered consistent, reliable readings from pitch to pitch.
- Greater Portability – Devices became smaller and lighter, making it easy for scouts to travel with them.
- Data-Driven Decisions – Velocity became a core data point in scouting reports, draft decisions, and prospect rankings.
The Technological Boom: 2000s to Today
In the early 2000s, Stalker Radar Guns emerged as the industry standard for professional baseball. These advanced radar guns could track velocity from the pitcher’s release point all the way to home plate, helping teams understand how much speed a pitch lost on its way to the catcher’s glove.
Today, radar is just one piece of a broader tracking system. Modern baseball combines radar with high-speed cameras and sophisticated software to analyze every pitch in incredible detail.
How to Choose the Right Radar Gun (Coach/Parent Checklist)
- Accuracy & range: Look for ±1 MPH accuracy and ranges that cover your sport (baseball/softball 25–130+ MPH).
- Handheld vs. hands-free: Hands-free/tripod is great for bullpens; handheld is best for games and travel.
- Data & video: App video overlay (Smart Coach) helps with mechanics; LCD-only (Velocity) is fine for simple reads.
- Multi-sport modes: If you coach tennis/lacrosse/volleyball, pick a multi-sport unit.
- Power & portability: Check battery type (AAA/AA vs. rechargeable) and whether it fits in a pocket or bag.
Placement Tips for Accurate Readings
- Line up with the ball’s flight: Behind the catcher/plate for pitching; behind hitter for exit velocity.
- Distance matters: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended distance/angle; too close or far can drop reads.
- Hands-free setups: Tripod behind net/plate for consistent angles during bullpens.
- Avoid obstructions: Netting/backstops can interfere; clear line-of-sight is best.
Mini Comparison: Radar Types & Best Uses
| Type | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| App + video | Data-driven bullpens, recruiting clips | Pocket Radar Smart Coach |
| Pocket LCD | Point-and-shoot in games; travel ball | Pocket Radar Ball Coach |
| Hands-free voice/LED | Bullpens, cages, serve speed practice | DRM Hands-Free, NetPlayz |
| Budget pistol grip | Simple readings for parents/rec teams | Bushnell Velocity |
Integration with Modern Pitch-Tracking Systems
Current radar guns work alongside powerful pitch-tracking platforms such as:
- TrackMan – A radar system used throughout MLB that measures velocity, spin rate, vertical break, and horizontal movement.
- Rapsodo – A radar-and-camera hybrid often used in training facilities to optimize pitch design and efficiency.
- Hawk-Eye – The multi-camera tracking system used for MLB broadcasts, umpire review, and detailed pitch analytics.
Best Radar Gun for Baseball and Pitching (Top Picks)
Whether you are a coach, parent, or pitcher, choosing the best radar gun for baseball pitching depends on your level of play and budget. Here are the top options that are widely trusted across the sport:
- JUGS Sports Radar Gun – A classic baseball radar gun and a favorite for high school, travel ball, and training facilities.
- Pocket Radar Smart Coach – The most popular portable option. It connects to your phone, records video with pitch speeds, and is perfect for players who want instant feedback.
- Pocket Radar Ball Coach – A more streamlined version designed specifically to capture quick and accurate velocity readings for pitching, hitting, and throwing.
Each of these radar guns provides reliable readings and helps players track progress over time, making them excellent choices if you are shopping for a radar gun for baseball pitching.
How Radar Guns Changed Baseball Strategy
- ⚾ Velocity Emphasis – Pitchers throwing 95+ mph are now considered high-upside arms, and velocity plays a major role in scouting reports.
- 📊 Injury Prevention & Workload Management – Sudden drops in velocity often signal fatigue or mechanical issues, allowing coaches to step in before injuries occur.
- 🏆 Scouting & Recruitment – High school and college pitchers who reach elite velocities gain more attention from MLB scouts and college recruiters.
- 🎥 Fan Engagement – With pitch velocity displayed on every MLB broadcast, fans now track mph numbers just like they follow home runs and strikeouts.
The Future of Baseball Radar Technology
Radar guns will continue to evolve as technology advances. The next generation of baseball radar technology may include:
- Wearable radar sensors that track velocity and arm speed during bullpen sessions.
- AI-powered scouting tools that combine radar data with biomechanics to predict injury risk and long-term potential.
- Augmented reality overlays that display live pitch velocity and movement in smart glasses or mobile apps during games.
Baseball Radar Gun FAQ
When were radar guns first used in baseball?
Radar guns began appearing in baseball in the 1950s and 1960s, when early police radar guns were adapted to measure pitch speed. Widespread use took off after the JUGS baseball radar gun was released in 1975.
When did MLB start using radar guns?
MLB clubs started regularly using radar guns in the late 1970s. By the 1980s, most organizations relied on radar guns for scouting, player development, and in-game analysis.
When were radar guns invented?
Radar speed devices were first developed in the 1940s during World War II. They were later adapted for civilian use in traffic enforcement and eventually for sports like baseball.
When was the radar gun invented for baseball?
The first widely adopted radar gun invented for baseball was the JUGS Gun, launched in 1975. It was specifically engineered to measure baseball pitch velocity accurately and conveniently.
What is the best radar gun for baseball pitching?
For professional or college programs, the Stalker Pro II+ is often considered the best radar gun for pitching due to its accuracy and durability. For travel ball, high school, and personal training, the Pocket Radar Smart Coach and JUGS Sports radar guns offer outstanding performance at lower price points.
Final Thoughts
From World War II radar experiments to modern MLB tracking systems, radar guns have completely transformed baseball. They turned guesswork into data, helped scouts find hidden talent, and gave pitchers a concrete way to measure improvement. As technology continues to improve, radar guns and pitch-tracking tools will remain at the heart of player development and game strategy.
Looking for the best radar gun for baseball right now? Explore our hand-picked selection of top-rated models in our Radar Gun Collection and find the perfect radar gun for baseball pitching, training, and game-day use. ⚾📈