Detroit Tigers and Florida Poly launch sports science partnership
Florida Polytechnic University faculty will embed directly with the Detroit Tigers’ Performance Science group in Lakeland, bridging the gap between academic data research and professional baseball. This collaboration aims to transform complex biomechanical metrics into actionable insights for player health, injury prevention, and mechanical optimization on the field.
The agreement establishes a full-time associate professor position dedicated to data science and sports analytics. This faculty member will split their time between developing university curriculum and conducting applied research alongside the Tigers' internal performance experts. By moving beyond traditional in-house analysis, the organization seeks to leverage external STEM expertise to solve high-stakes challenges.
Two core research initiatives define the initial phase of the partnership. The first involves building predictive injury models that synthesize historical medical data, biomechanics, and physical capabilities to guide draft and signing decisions. The second project creates individualized virtual models for pitchers, allowing coaches to simulate how mechanical adjustments influence performance and physical stress before implementing them in live competition. Dr. Georgia Giblin, the Tigers’ Vice President of Health & Performance, noted the move strengthens the team's ability to turn research into immediate, practical decisions for its roster.
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