A consumer’s guide to the best and worst of sports media and merchandise. Ground rules: If it can be read, played, heard, observed, worn, viewed, dialed or downloaded, it’s in play here.

What: “Amazing Science of Sports”

Where: The Learning Channel

When: Tonight, 9-11

They call boxing the sweet science, but this two-part special focuses on baseball and football. The first one-hour part, “Science of Swing,” takes a look at hitting techniques and examines what is considered one of the most difficult things to do in sports--hit a baseball. The second part, “The Physics of Football,” looks at the state-of-the-art technology in pro football.

Both shows are produced by Dunbar/CBS Productions and hosted by Fox’s James Brown.

Among those interviewed for “Science of Swing” are Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Nomar Garciaparra, Cal Ripkin Jr., George Brett, Mike Piazza and Tony Gwynn. Robert Adair, a physics professor at Yale, and Louis Bloomfield, a physics professor at Virginia, delve into what goes into the swing, why the ball travels the way it does and the physical and intellectual aspects of hitting.

Bloomfield is also featured in “The Physics of Football,” helping answer questions about the intricacies behind kicking, punting, throwing and tackling. He talks about the energy released when two players collide.

Both shows will be repeated Wednesday at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. The other replays are Saturday at 6 p.m.