Fastball

Error creating thumbnail:

20070616 Chris Young visits Wrigley (4)-edit3

Error creating thumbnail:

Four-Seem Fastball

Error creating thumbnail:

Cut Fastball

Fastball is a type of pitch in baseball and softball thrown by a pitcher to try to get the batter out. It is known for being the fastest type of pitch thrown in the game, with speeds reaching up to 100 mph (160 km/h) or more in professional baseball. The primary goal of a fastball is to challenge the batter's timing and hitting ability, making it a fundamental part of a pitcher's arsenal.

Types of Fastballs

There are several variations of the fastball, each with its own unique characteristics and methods of execution:

• Four-seam fastball - This is the most common type of fastball and is known for its straight trajectory. It is thrown by gripping the baseball with all four fingers across the seams, which maximizes velocity and provides a slight backspin that can make the ball appear to "rise" as it approaches the batter.

• Two-seam fastball - Also known as a sinker, this pitch is gripped along two of the seams, which can cause the ball to move downward or tail away from the batter (depending on the pitcher's arm action). It is often used to induce ground balls.

• Cutter (cut fastball) - A variation of the fastball that slightly breaks toward the glove side of the pitcher. It is thrown similarly to a four-seam fastball but with a slight adjustment in grip and wrist action, causing the ball to "cut" slightly as it reaches the plate.

• Split-finger fastball (splitter) - This pitch involves placing the index and middle fingers on opposite sides of the ball, creating a tumbling action that results in a sharp downward movement as it approaches the batter.

Pitching Mechanics

The effectiveness of a fastball is largely dependent on the pitcher's mechanics, including arm angle, grip, and release point. Proper mechanics not only help in maximizing the pitch's velocity but also in reducing the risk of injury. Pitchers spend considerable time refining their technique to ensure consistency and effectiveness in their fastball delivery.

Strategic Use

Fastballs are often used to set up other pitches in a pitcher's repertoire, such as curveballs, sliders, and changeups. By establishing the fastball early in the game, a pitcher can make their off-speed pitches more effective, as the difference in speed can disrupt the batter's timing. Additionally, a well-placed fastball, especially one with high velocity, can be difficult for batters to hit, making it a crucial strikeout pitch.

Famous Fastball Pitchers

Throughout the history of baseball, several pitchers have become renowned for their fastball velocity and effectiveness. Some notable examples include Nolan Ryan, who was known for consistently throwing fastballs above 100 mph, and Aroldis Chapman, who currently holds the record for the fastest recorded pitch in MLB history at 105.1 mph.

See Also

• Pitch (baseball)
• Baseball statistics
• Pitching mechanics
• List of baseball pitches