PitchGrader AI is a powerful baseball data analysis tool that helps coaches, players, and analysts by providing development metrics targets to use in their pitcher training to develop pitches with proven real game outcomes that you choose to target based on millions of pitch shapes. As good pitching coaches will tell you, it doesn't matter what rating you place on a pitch, batters will let you know how good your pitches are. And that's a lot of the core of Pitchgrader AI, matching pitch shapes with high results for a chosen outcome, and matching within the capabilities of your pitcher.

Quick Start Guide

1. Add Your First Pitcher: Click "Select or Add Pitcher" to create a new pitcher profile with their basic information including name, throwing hand, team, and level.
2. Import or Add Pitch Data: Use the 'Import CSV File' feature to easily add pitchers and pitches in bulk. Or you can manually add individual pitchers or pitches with detailed metrics using the 'Select or Add Pitcher' or 'Select or Add Pitch' buttons.
3. Automatic Pitcher Creation: When importing CSV files, the system will automatically save pitcher profiles for any pitches you choose to import, eliminating the need to manually create each pitcher first.

Managing Pitchers

Adding a New Pitcher

• Click the "Select or Add Pitcher" button
• Fill in the pitcher's information:
  • Name: Full pitcher name
  • Throws: Select "Right" or "Left"
  • Team: Current team name
  • Level: Competition level (College, Complex Pro, A, AA, AAA, MLB)
  • Pitchgrader Pitcher ID: Auto-generated unique identifier assigned to pitchers in only your account
  • Notes: Optional additional information
• Click "Add Pitcher" to save

Editing Pitcher Information

• Find the pitcher in your pitcher list
• Click the "Edit" button next to their name
• Update any information as needed
• Click "Save Changes" to update the record

Automatic Arsenal Detection

PitchGrader AI automatically creates a pitcher's arsenal display based on their saved pitch data. This feature provides valuable insights into a pitcher's repertoire and performance patterns.

How Arsenal Detection Works

• Representative Pitch Types: The system analyzes all saved pitches for a pitcher and identifies the unique pitch types in their repertoire
• Automatic Grouping: Pitches are grouped by type (Fastball, Slider, Curveball, Changeup, etc.) based on pitch shapes rather than pitch names, but will still use the pitch name of the most common within the group
• Statistical Summary: For each pitch type, the system displays key metrics that affect the pitch shape including:
  • Velocity
  • Vertical Break
  • Induced Vertical Break
  • Horizontal Break
  • Spin Rate
  • Spin Axis
  • Horizontal Release Angle
  • Vertical Release Angle
  • Horizontal Approach Angle
  • Vertical Approach Angle
  • Release Side
  • Release Height
  • Extension
• Date Range Filtering: Use the Arsenal Date Range controls to view pitch types from specific time periods

Arsenal Display Features

• Dynamic Updates: The arsenal automatically updates as new pitches are added, existing pitches are modified, or arsenal date range is changed.
• Pitch Type Priority: The system prioritizes AutoPitchType over TaggedPitchType when both are available from CSV imports
• Clean Presentation: Only pitch types with actual data are displayed - empty categories are automatically filtered out
• Real-time Filtering: When you delete pitches, the arsenal count and display update immediately to reflect the current data

Managing Pitch Data

Adding Individual Pitches

1. Select Your Pitcher: Choose the pitcher from your library
2. Enter Pitch Details: Fill in the pitch information including type, velocity, spin rate, and movement data
3. Save the Pitch: Click "Save Pitch" to add it to the pitcher's library

CSV Data Import

PitchGrader AI offers powerful CSV import capabilities for efficient bulk data management:

Single File Import

• Click "Import CSV Files" button
• Select or drag and drop your CSV file containing pitch data
• Select the pitches you want to import, or have it auto choose a set of representative pitches of each pitch type the pitcher has
• Review and confirm the import

Bulk CSV File Import

For processing multiple CSV files simultaneously:

• Click "Bulk CSV File Import" button in the CSV import modal
• Select multiple CSV files at once (or drag and drop multiple files)
• Choose collision handling method:
  • Auto-assign: Automatically resolves pitcher name conflicts
  • Ask for each: Prompts for manual resolution of conflicts
• Monitor real-time progress as files are processed
• Review detailed import results showing success/failure counts per file

iPad App Integration

PitchGrader AI seamlessly integrates with iPad baseball analysis apps and ball tracking systems:

CSV Format Requirements

Ensure your CSV files include these required fields:

• pitcher_name: Full pitcher name (must match existing records or will create new pitcher)
• PitchType: Pitch type name (or AutoPitchType/TaggedPitchType as alternatives)
• RelSpeed: Release velocity in mph
• SpinRate: Spin rate in RPM
• HorizBreak: Horizontal break/movement in inches
• VertBreak OR InducedVertBreak: Vertical movement measurement in inches

Optional Enhanced Fields

Include these fields for comprehensive analysis:

• Time: Pitch timestamp (supports both 12-hour and 24-hour formats)
• Date: Session date
• SpinAxis: Spin axis measurement
• ReleaseHeight, ReleaseSide: Release point coordinates
• Extension: Release extension measurement
• HorzRelAngle, VertRelAngle: Release angles
• HorzApprAngle, VertApprAngle: Approach angles

Arsenal Analysis

The Arsenal Analysis feature provides comprehensive visual analytics of a pitcher's complete pitch arsenal, helping coaches and players understand pitch distribution, effectiveness, and strategic opportunities.

Accessing Arsenal Analysis

1. Select a Pitcher: Choose the pitcher whose arsenal you want to analyze
2. View Arsenal Data: The pitcher's representative pitch types will display in the arsenal section
3. Click "Analyze Arsenal": The orange "Analyze Arsenal" button appears in the arsenal section, positioned for easy access

Arsenal Analysis Features

Date Range Filtering

Control the analysis period using the date range controls at the top of the analysis window:

• Start Date: Set the beginning of your analysis period
• End Date: Set the end of your analysis period
• "All" Button: Quickly reset to show all available data

Comprehensive Pitch Data Display

The analysis shows the same detailed pitch metrics as the main arsenal view, including:

• Basic Info: Pitch Type, Count, Velocity
• Break Metrics: Vertical Break, Induced Vertical Break, Horizontal Break
• Spin Metrics: Spin Rate, Spin Axis
• Angle Metrics: Vertical/Horizontal Approach and Release Angles
• Release Metrics: Release Side, Release Height, Extension

Pitch Type Distribution Chart

The pie chart provides a visual breakdown of pitch usage:

• Percentage Breakdown: Shows what percentage of total pitches each pitch type represents
• Pitch Counts: Displays actual number of pitches for each type
• Color-Coded Legend: Easy identification of each pitch type

Pitch Shape Analysis (Spider Chart)

The spider chart visualizes pitch shape characteristics using Tilt vs Depth analysis:

• Tilt: Represents the ratio of horizontal to vertical break (0-90 degrees)
• Depth: Shows the total break magnitude (combination of horizontal and vertical movement)
• Point Size: Larger points indicate pitch types thrown more frequently
• Pitch Separation: Good arsenals show clear separation between pitch types

Strategic Applications

• Arsenal Balance: Identify if certain pitch types are over or under-utilized
• Pitch Development: Spot gaps in the arsenal where new pitch types could be effective
• Movement Patterns: Understand how different pitches complement each other
• Training Focus: Determine which pitches need more development or refinement

Comp Pitch Analysis

The Comp Pitch feature is the core of PitchGrader AI's analytical power, helping you find reference pitches that can improve your pitcher's performance by targeting specific outcomes.

How Comp Pitch Works

Comp Pitch searches through over 4 million real pitch shapes to find pitch shapes that are similar to your pitcher's arsenal but achieve better results for specific outcomes you choose because of differences in the shape of the pitch. Pitchgrader AI then provides you with target metrics to set as goals during practice to help the pitcher make the correct adjustments to his pitch without guesswork.

Comp Pitch metric targets used in training sessions are Vertical Break, Horizontal Approach Angle, Vertical Approach Angle, Horizontal Release Angle, and Vertical Release Angle. We use those because those metrics together are responsible for the shape of the shape of the pitch we're trying to train to match. We only use those metrics because there are lots of different ways and combinations that a pitcher can affect those metrics. And so different pitchers may have different things they are capable of adjusting that affect those metrics.

The Search Process

PitchGrader AI searches the reference_pitches library using the following criteria in order:

1. Level Selection: Choose the competition level to search within for comp pitches
2. Pitcher Handedness: Matches pitches with the same PitcherThrows as your selected pitcher
3. Batter Side Preference: Select your target batter side:
   1. Left-handed batters only
   2. Right-handed batters only
   3. Both left and right-handed batters
4. Target Outcome Goal: Choose the performance outcome you want to optimize for:
   1. Swing & Miss: Find pitches with the highest whiff rates
   2. Chase: Target pitches that generate swings on balls outside the strike zone
   3. Weak GB Contact: Ground balls under 85 mph exit velocity (default is 85mph, but adjustable from 50-95 mph)
   4. Weak Contact: Any contact under 85 mph exit velocity (default is 85mph, but adjustable from 50-95 mph)
   5. GroundBall Rate: Percentage of contact that results in ground balls
   6. Called Strike: Pitches that generate called strikes (no swing)
5. Tolerance Settings: Fine-tune the search parameters:
   1. Velocity Tolerance: RelSpeed within 1-5% of your pitch (default 1%)
   2. Release Height Tolerance: ReleaseHeight within 1-5% of your pitch (default 1%)
   3. Release Side Tolerance: ReleaseSide within 1-5% of your pitch (default 1%)
   4. Spin Rate Tolerance: SpinRate within 1-5% of your pitch (default 1%)

Practical Example

Key Benefits

• Realistic Targets: Only finds pitches within your pitcher's physical capabilities
• Outcome-Focused: Targets specific performance improvements rather than generic changes
• Data-Driven Training: Provides concrete metric targets for practice sessions with measurement devices
• Massive Database: Searches through millions of real game pitch shapes for optimal matches

Training Applications

Once you find an optimal comp pitch, use the target metrics during training:

• Set the target metrics listed in your comp pitch to display on your ball tracking system live display
• Adjust training based on matching the listed comp pitch metrics
• Save training session data and import the CSV file to have Pitchgrader AI track progress towards matching the comp pitch.
• Track progress toward comp pitch metrics over time

Performance Analysis Features

Pitch Library Management

• View All Pitches: Browse complete pitch history for any pitcher
• Edit Pitch Data: Modify existing pitch information as needed
• Delete Pitches: Remove incorrect or duplicate entries
• Filter by Type: View pitches by specific type or date range

Data Validation

PitchGrader AI includes built-in validation to ensure data quality:

• Velocity ranges are validated against realistic baseball standards
• Spin rates are checked for physical possibility
• Movement measurements are validated within expected ranges
• Duplicate detection helps maintain clean data

Troubleshooting & Tips

Common Issues

Best Practices

• Regularly backup your data using the export features
• Use consistent naming conventions for pitchers and teams
• Validate data accuracy before importing large datasets
• Keep detailed notes for unusual or significant performances
• Review and clean data periodically to maintain quality

Sub-User Account Management

PitchGrader AI supports sub-user accounts, allowing main account holders to create additional user accounts under their subscription. This is perfect for teams, organizations, or facilities that need multiple users to access the same data.

What are Sub-User Accounts?

Sub-user accounts are additional user logins tied to your main subscription account. Key features include:

• Shared Data Access: All sub-users can access pitchers and pitches created by the main account and other sub-users
• Individual Logins: Each sub-user has their own email and password for secure access
• Controlled Duration: Sub-user access cannot exceed your main subscription end date
• Centralized Management: Only the main account holder can create, edit, or delete sub-users

Setting Up Sub-User Accounts

Step 1: Access Sub-User Management

1. Log in to your PitchGrader AI account
2. Go to "My Account" from the top navigation menu
3. Click the "Manage Sub Users" button (only visible to main account holders)

Step 2: Create a New Sub-User

1. Click the "Add New Sub User" button
2. Fill in the required information:
   • First Name: Sub-user's first name
   • Last Name: Sub-user's last name
   • Email Address: Unique email for the sub-user login
   • Password: Secure password for the sub-user
   • Access End Date: When the sub-user's access expires (cannot exceed your subscription end date)
3. Click "Save Sub User" to create the account

Step 3: Managing Existing Sub-Users

From the Sub-User Management page, you can:

• Edit Sub-Users: Click the "Edit" button to modify name, email, or end date
• Delete Sub-Users: Click the "Delete" button to remove access (this cannot be undone)
• View Status: See if accounts are Active, Expires Soon, or Expired

Sub-User Experience

Once created, sub-users can:

• Log in using their email and password at the normal login page
• Access all pitchers and pitches created by the main account
• Add new pitchers and pitches (which will be shared with the main account)
• Import CSV data and use all PitchGrader AI features
• View their account information but cannot manage other sub-users

Data Sharing & Security

• Shared Access: Main account and all sub-users see the same pitcher library and pitch data
• Secure Separation: Sub-users cannot see or manage other organizations' data
• Audit Trail: All sub-user management actions are logged for security
• Data Ownership: All data remains tied to the main subscription account

Admin Visibility

System administrators can identify sub-users in the admin panel:

• Sub-users are marked with a "Sub User" badge
• Parent organization information is displayed
• Sub-user expiration dates are tracked separately from main subscriptions

Best Practices for Sub-User Management

• Plan Access Duration: Set realistic end dates based on your team's needs
• Use Descriptive Names: Include role or position in names for easy identification
• Regular Review: Periodically review active sub-users and remove unused accounts
• Secure Passwords: Ensure all sub-users use strong, unique passwords
• Communication: Inform sub-users about their access duration and any changes

Support & Contact

Need additional help? Our support team is here to assist you:

• Technical Support: Contact Us
• Training Resources: Additional video tutorials and documentation available upon request
• Feature Requests: We welcome suggestions for new features and improvements