Do pitched baseballs really curve? And if so, do they actually curve as much as they appear to?
This illustration tackles the question in a really interesting way. However, its hypothesis that the shift from peripheral to foveal (direct) vision creates (or magnifies) the impression of a sudden curve applies only to batters. What do catchers, who presumably use only direct vision when catching a pitch*, see?
*Assuming no runners are on base.
(h/t: Chronicle of Higher Education newsletter)
