Ben Rice Baseball Savant

Ben Rice Baseball Savant: Inside the Mind of a Yankees Slugger

When Ben Rice stepped up to the plate on June 16, 2026, and launched a home run against the Chicago White Sox, the baseball world took notice. The blast was more than a single moment of power; it highlighted the growing reputation of Rice as a true Baseball Savant—a player who blends raw talent with a deep analytical approach to the game. In the weeks that followed, two of baseball’s most respected former players, Mark DeRosa and Cliff Floyd, dissected the swing, launch angle, and pitch selection that led to the iconic homer, providing fans and analysts alike with a masterclass in modern baseball strategy.

What Makes Ben Rice a Savant?

Rice’s rise to prominence is rooted in his relentless pursuit of data-driven improvement. A graduate of the 2025 SABR Analytics Conference, he delivered a student session on Thursday, March 13, titled “Working with PitchLogic and Advanced Metrics.” The presentation showcased his ability to translate complex sabermetrics into actionable adjustments at the plate. By integrating tools such as PitchLogic’s “SIMPLE” code, Rice and his coaching staff can quickly assess pitch types, spin rates, and optimal contact points, allowing him to fine‑tune his approach for each opponent.

Mark DeRosa and Cliff Floyd Break Down the June 16 Homer

After the June 16 game, DeRosa and Floyd joined a live broadcast to evaluate the factors behind Rice’s home run. Their analysis emphasized three key elements:

Launch Angle: The ball left the bat at a 27‑degree angle, a sweet spot for power hitters seeking both distance and a high trajectory.
Exit Velocity: Radar measured a 105.3 mph exit speed, placing Rice among the elite tier of modern sluggers.
Pitch Recognition: Using PitchLogic data, they identified the pitch as a mid‑high fastball with a spin rate of 2,300 RPM—precisely the pitch Rice had been training to attack.

The duo concluded that Rice’s success was no accident; it was the result of meticulous preparation, a hallmark of the “Baseball Savant” mindset.

How PitchLogic’s SIMPLE Code Powers Rice’s Prep

PitchLogic offers a membership platform that provides real‑time analytics for players at all levels. By entering the code “SIMPLE” at PitchLogic.com, users gain access to a suite of tools designed for quick, on‑the‑fly decision making. Rice’s coaching staff leverages these tools to: