Last Updated on January 22, 2023
Aren’t you jealous when a pitcher throws a ball and goes slightly off-center? The cutter pitch is an art, in my opinion, and if it is thrown correctly, you can get a batter out in no time. But what is a cutter pitch?
In MLB, cutter fastballs are a common phenomenon. When I was young, Mariano Rivera’s cutter impressed me the most. I still remember when Mariano River retired in 2013, I was upset the whole day.
As a coach, I train my pitchers to throw a cutter fastball. I want them to be a complete pitcher. In this article, I will tell you every aspect of cutter pitch and help you be an effective cutter pitcher.
What Is A Cutter Pitch
A cutter ball shifts away to the opposite side of the pitcher’s throw when released. It is thrown at a high velocity by the pitcher’s throwing arm and travels with a sharp, diagonal, or cutting motion.
Though many big league pitchers do not throw a cutter, for those who prefer a cutter fastball, it is one of the main features.
Cutter fastballs are similar to sinkers in that they both attempt to get the hitter hit a ball or swing the bat without getting the ball hit on it. Your intention to throw a cutter ball is to make the hitter hit the ground out. The cutter is not going to be your strikeout pitch.
The reason a cut fastball is so good is that it has a late break or diverges as it comes to a stop at home plate. They may not hit the ball or break their wooden bat if they can not line up the breaking ball with the bat. This is because the barrel of the bat does not align with the breaking ball.
The big league pitchers spend hours perfecting their cut fastball. And as a coach, I advise that you begin practicing cutter pitch as soon as possible if you want to be one of the world-class starting pitchers.
Many of you call a manager a coach. The managers can be really upset with you. To avoid this situation, you should be aware of why baseball coaches are called managers.
You may prefer adding velocity to your pitch. It will add extra weight to your pitch. You should know how to increase pitching velocity by 10 mph to get started. Then you can add more and more speed to your pitch.
Cutter Pitch
In many cases, while hitting a cutter pitch, the hitter cannot get solid contact and an easy out. The movement of the pitch keeps the ball away from the sweet spot of the bat.
When compared to the four seam fastball, the cutter is generally 2–5 miles per hour slower.
A great cutter pitcher can shatter many bats. Isn’t it amazing?
Cutting pitches go fast into the hands of hitters, whether they are delivered by right handed pitchers to left handed pitchers or vice versa.
For the batter facing right handed pitching, the cutter might seem to be a strike until it breaks away from the batter’s hand. If the batter swings his bat, he is more likely to strike the ball with the smaller half of the handle of the bat, forcing the bat to break apart.
Switch hitters bat from the side of the pitcher’s throwing arm. As a result of the unusual or late movement of the cutter, batters who are facing a pitcher with the opposite handedness are unable to get a good swing at the ball. It helps the batter to deal with the cut fastball easier.
By this time, you know cutter pitch is one kind of pitching. An instructor can just show you how to pitch it. You have to practice pitching alone to get the best cutter most pitchers you see on tv or online throw.
Don't forget to check out our article on the difference between a slider and a curveball.
Cutter Grip
Have you ever wondered how Mariano Rivera throws the perfect cutter? Why are major league hitters so afraid to face his ball? The ideal cut fastball grip is the secret to his success.
A cutter’s secret weapon is deceit. Batters are used to confronting either a four-seam fastball or two-seam fastball that does a horizontal break to the pitcher’s arm side.
Because of this, it breaks in the opposite direction of a two seam fastball, which is why it does so late on its approach to home plate. This action is intended to prevent the batter from being able to smash the pitch directly in the face.
With the cutter grip, which is used by major league pitchers, their middle and index fingers are held together tightly over the seams of the baseball. The ring finger will next be placed on the baseball seams, with the thumb positioned beneath the index finger as well as middle fingers.
A cutter’s secret weapon is deceit. Batters are used to confronting either four seam fastballs or two-seam fastballs that do horizontal break to the pitcher’s arm side.
Because of this, it breaks in the reverse way of two-seamers, which is why it does so late on its approach to home plate. This action is intended to prevent the batter from being able to smash the pitch directly in the face.
With the cutter grip, which is used by major league pitchers, their middle and index fingers are held together tightly over the seams of the baseball. The ring finger will next be placed on the baseball seams, with the thumb positioned beneath the index as well as middle fingers.
The next step is to toss the pitch consistently with the pitcher’s arm. This assists in misleading batters because the late movement can be a regular four-seam fastball. It could land inside the strike zone or just outside of it, depending on the situation.
How to do a cutter grip
Take your typical fastball grip and push it a little to put additional pressure on the baseball’s outer edge. Some young pitchers prefer to use their thumb directly to slip the ball inside. When thrown correctly, a cutter moves like a slider, but faster.
Throw the cut fastball like a fastball. Try not to snap your wrist.
Your arm action should resemble your fastballs. The spin is generated by applying force to the ball.
Throwing cut fastballs is tricky. Hitting them is even more. But it will be easier to hit if you have the best bat grip tape on.
Cut Fastball
When a cut fastball hits the home plate, it breaks to the pitcher’s glove-hand side.
Slider vs. Cut Fastball
There is a big variation in pitch break times and how much.
Both pitches break toward the pitcher’s glove side, although a slider often breaks early and has a considerably bigger break than a cutter. The slider has a considerably larger 2-8 or 10-4 shaped form, the cutter has a much less amount of this shape.
If you are a baseball fan or player I am sure you also want to know how to throw a slider.
Fastball vs. Cut Fastball
When a cutter hits the plate, it is a variation of the fastball that moves a slight amount to the side.
Right Handed Pitcher
If you are a right-handed pitcher, hold the ball slightly off-center to the outer half of the ball and the ball should turn a few inches from the right-handed hitter. It will be enough to keep it out of the bat’s reach.
If you do not have a high arm angle, it will be difficult to learn how to move the ball in the other direction, but you may give it a go. Pitch with a fastball motion by gently shifting your fingertips to the inside.
If it is thrown properly, then the fastball should produce a turn of a few inches of late movement mid-air.
You may be interested to read : How to throw a slider
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a cutter an offspeed pitch?
Fastball cutters are one kind, while off-speed cutters are another. The pitch started out as a fastball variation, but it has now evolved into a distinct pitch.
The cutter or splitter of one pitcher should resemble the cutter or splitter of another pitcher. Typically, it does.
2. Who are the best cutter pitchers in baseball history?
Several notable pitchers have used the cut pitch, including Mariano Rivera. Here are some of the top pitchers with a fantastic cutter in their arsenal.
- Dan Haren
- Mark Melancon
- James Shields
- Jerry Reuss
- Andy Pettitte
- Kenley Jansen
If you want to know more details, the 100 greatest baseball players in baseball history will help you.
3. How many bats has Mariano Rivera broken?
He has crushed 724 regular season bats and 75 postseason bats.
Conclusion
The best pitchers should know what is a cutter pitch is and how to throw one. With proper practice, arm care, and moving your finger slightly, you can master it. Now, start practicing with a proper baseball practice plan. It’s time for you to show the world what you have got.
Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.