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The Troy Trojans will have an added advantage and Riddle-Pace Field will have a different look as the Trojans get ready to begin the 2020 season.

The Trojans began practice on Friday and for the first time got to utilize the newly installed TrackMan system.

The Trojans will be just the second team in the Sun Belt Conference to utilize the TrackMan system. TrackMan uses 3D Doppler radar to measure 27 different pitching and hitting data points.

“TrackMan is a huge benefit to our program and will impact every phase of player development going forward,” head coach Mark Smartt earlier this offseason. “We are committed to helping each player improve and this advanced technology will provide in-depth data to aid in that pursuit. I am convinced the investment with TrackMan will make significant difference in the growth and development of every player in the program.”

The pitchers are able to track their spin rate, release angle, tilt, and vertical and horizontal break and more.

Junior pitcher Levi Thomas has been working on developing his breaking pitches, while at the same time developing an off-speed pitch. The TrackMan system will help Thomas see the progress of those pitches.

“All the new data allows us to better shape our pitches,” Thomas said. “It gives us real-time feedback to see if we are accomplishing something or vise versa. Overall, it’s great information to have. It’s awesome to have.”

On the hitting side, the TrackMan system captures data points including exit speed, launch angle, distance, hang time, point of impact and more.

“Using the feedback that it gives you just helps us know what to work on as a hitter. All together it will make us a better hitter,” said junior outfielder Rigsby Mosley.

The Trojans will continue to tinker with the new technology during preseason practice and hope to utilize it more when the season gets underway in February when they host Northern Kentucky.