Submarine (baseball)

Submarine pitching is a unique pitching style in baseball characterized by the pitcher delivering the ball to the batter with an underhand motion, often with the pitcher's hand coming below the knee at the point of release. This technique contrasts with the more common overhand or sidearm delivery methods used by most pitchers. Submarine pitchers are known for the deceptive angle of their pitches, which can be difficult for batters to read, leading to increased ground balls and challenging at-bats.

History

The origins of submarine pitching are not well-documented, but it has been a part of baseball since the early days of the sport. It gained prominence in the early 20th century when pitchers like Carl Mays utilized it with great success. Over the years, submarine pitching has remained a rarity, with only a handful of pitchers in each generation adopting this distinctive style.

Mechanics

The mechanics of submarine pitching involve a delivery that is drastically different from overhand pitchers. Submarine pitchers release the ball from a point that is not only below their hip but often near their ankle. This low release point, combined with the forward momentum of the pitcher, creates a horizontal movement on the ball that can be difficult for hitters to track. The unique spin and trajectory of pitches thrown by submarine pitchers can lead to an increased number of ground balls, as the ball's movement is not only hard to predict but also tends to stay lower in the strike zone.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The primary advantage of submarine pitching is the deception and difficulty it creates for batters. The unusual angle of the pitch, combined with the potential for increased movement on the ball, can make it hard for hitters to make solid contact. This style of pitching is particularly effective against same-handed batters (right-handed pitchers against right-handed batters and vice versa) due to the angle of the pitches coming in towards their hands or moving away towards the outside of the plate.

However, there are also disadvantages to this style. Submarine pitchers often have a lower velocity on their pitches compared to overhand pitchers, which can make them more reliant on precision and the movement of their pitches. Additionally, the unique physical demands of this pitching style can lead to increased strain on certain parts of the body, potentially leading to injuries.

Notable Submarine Pitchers

Several pitchers have made a name for themselves using the submarine style, including:

• Carl Mays - One of the early adopters of the submarine style who had a successful career in the early 20th century.
• Dan Quisenberry - A prominent relief pitcher in the 1980s known for his submarine delivery and effectiveness.
• Chad Bradford - Known for his very low submarine delivery, Bradford was a key reliever in the early 2000s and featured prominently in the book and film Moneyball.

In Modern Baseball

While still relatively rare, submarine pitchers continue to find roles in modern baseball, often as relief pitchers or specialists brought in to face specific batters. Their ability to induce ground balls and provide a different look compared to other pitchers on the staff makes them valuable assets in certain situations.