A Young Scientist’s Swing
Myla Parker, a seven-year-old student from Rocky Mount, captured national attention by winning the Science of Baseball initiative with a project that examined how bat composition influences distance and sound on impact.
Her experiment compared aluminum, alloy and composite bats, revealing that aluminum models travel farther while alloy bats produce a distinct ping and composite bats offer a quieter, more nuanced response.
Parker, who currently plays shortstop and second base in her local little league, says she hopes to become a pitcher someday, a goal that reflects both her athletic ambition and her analytical mindset.
The award included a certificate, a personalized jersey and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a community game, where she celebrated her victory before teammates and coaches.