The Detroit Tigers and Florida Polytechnic University announced a strategic partnership bringing together sports analytics, academic research, and data science to tackle challenges in player health and physical performance.
The collaboration directly bridges Florida Poly’s STEM expertise in Lakeland with the Tigers’ Performance Science group, which operates out of their Spring Training home at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Embedded Academic Leadership Florida Poly will appoint a full-time associate professor of data science and sports analytics who will be embedded within the Tigers’ Performance Science group. The faculty member will conduct applied research alongside Tigers staff while teaching and shaping curriculum at Florida Poly.
Core Research Focus Areas
- Predictive Injury Modeling: Combining biomechanics, injury histories, and physical capabilities to build risk-prediction systems that guide health monitoring, draft evaluation, and player signings.
- Pitcher Biomechanics Simulations: Developing individualized virtual models to simulate how tweaks to a pitcher’s delivery mechanics impact performance and joint stress before making actual physical adjustments.
The initiative creates a direct talent pipeline and hands-on research exposure for Florida Poly students in sports analytics, data science, and biomechanics.