Part 2/7:
- Pitch Arsenal: The types of pitches thrown by the individual pitcher, which can often be checked on platforms like Baseball Savant.
Being acquainted with common pitches helps fans develop a keen eye for identification during games.
Fastballs: The Cornerstone of Pitching
Fastballs are the most prevalent type of pitch, and there are three primary categories:
Four-Seam Fastball
The four-seam fastball is the quintessential pitch in baseball. It is relatively easy to identify because from most angles, it seems to travel in a straight line, exhibiting minimal vertical drop. The ball's high backspin contributes to this phenomenon. Speeds exceeding 90 mph typically denote a four-seamer, which may visually appear to rise.