Quantifying underestimation from idealized spin assumptions

Ascertain the magnitude by which the estimated exit velocities and ranges are underestimated due to assuming perfectly aligned backspin (spin vector along the +z axis) and otherwise favorable spin conditions in modeling Mickey Mantle’s May 22, 1963 home run, and provide uncertainty bounds reflecting deviations from these assumptions.

Background

To maintain two-dimensional modeling, the paper assumes the baseball’s spin is solely backspin, which tends to minimize the required initial speed. The authors note that realistic spin could include components off the +z axis, increasing the required exit velocity and altering the trajectory.

They explicitly acknowledge that their estimated speeds are likely underestimates because of favorable spin assumptions, but do not quantify by how much, leaving an explicit uncertainty to be resolved.