As a baseball coach, I face many questions from my students and fans. One of the most heard questions is what are the best pitches to throw in baseball? So, I decided, why not write an article on it?
Undoubtedly, the pitcher in your baseball team is the most critical player. The gameplay stats are counted for winning and losing on the pitcher’s career stats. A magical pitch is always comfortable for eyesights as well.
A great and magical pitch can put a batter’s inning into the end. A quicker hand might pass the speed of eyes, as they say. And they say it better.
There are different types of pitching you will find in baseball.
So, what are the best pitches to throw in baseball?
I cannot claim one pitch as the finest as a baseball player. Instead, I can discuss the pitching styles. Also, I can offer some outstanding pitching examples. This could help you determine the finest pitches according to your choice and playing style.
So, why late? Let’s jump into the deep. Let’s learn about baseball pitches.
What Is Pitch In Baseball?
Simply put, a pitch is the tossing of a baseball by a pitcher to a hitter during a baseball game. You could assume that pitching is simple since there are no intricacies involved. Actually, this isn’t the case.
Every pitch has a set of mechanics that must be followed. You must be technically proficient in order to conduct a good pitch. As a pitcher, it is OK not to understand the pithing technique’s mechanisms. However, in order to make good deliveries, you must first master the skills.
There are a variety of skills that we learned from our predecessors. They are also being produced as a result of the experiment of working a long time. When tossing the ball to your opponent, you must maintain possession of the ball.
Even though every pitching session seems to be the same, there are differences in style and technique. This blog post will go through some of the many pithing methods and styles. I believe that this will aid you in developing your pitching styles.
Top Four Pitching Styles
There are different types of pitching styles in baseball pitching. What are the best pitches to throw in baseball, you think?
Okay, there is no single particular best at all. But, there are some particular styles, you can count them in among the best. The best pitches depend on the situation of the game, pitcher’s skill level, and hitter’s strength and weekneess.
However, the following four are among the top style pitching in baseball.
The list is not documented. I have picked them based on the most popular as well as from my perspective.
Number 01: Fastball
Firstball is the basic and most popular type of pinching in baseball. It is very popular because of its high velocity and minimal spin. So, hitters feel difficult for batters to react quickly. There are different types of Fastball such as four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, and cut fastball.
Every type has its own power to feel hitter trouble.
4 Seam Fastball
Fastball is among the most common type of pitches. The 4 seam fastball is among the two fastballs. It is the simplest pitch and easy to control. The main objective of the 4 seamers is to produce velocity. It will not produce any curve.
Creating backspin, it is thrown with the fingers directly behind the ball. So, the ball goes straight and faster to the hitter.
4 seamers are challenging for hitters because they can produce more than 100 mph velocity. It is among the significant type of pitching that is hardest to the batters.
2 Seam Fastball
Two-seam fastball is also known as sinker. The 2 seam fastball and the 4 seam fastball are almost similar in appearance. However, you may put some work on it to make it more interesting by adding some modifications. As a result, the velocity of these pitches is reduced as well.
Some finger pressure will provide some variety to the pitch, which will make the pitch more challenging for the batters who will see it. Controlling the 2 seamers takes a little getting used to.
Read our detail guide on how to throw 2 seam fastball effectively
Number 02: The Curveball
As a pitcher, I would like to prefer the curveball most of the time. I can mostly fool the batters with this delivery. The batters think and define the ball coming to one place, but they dive into another place. The curveball is an off-speed pitch that has a sharp, downward break.
Primarily, the curveball starts from an upward place and ends downward. A master pitcher can even throw the ball to the batter, which does not curve till the last moment.
Number 03: Slider
It is another off-speed pitch known for its sharp, horizontal movement. The effectiveness of the slider depends on the ability to control the spin and the location at the time of pitching.
Slider is a great weapon for getting batters out and ensuring your win in baseball.
You can read difference between slider and curveball to know more details about
Let’s see some of MLB’s best curveballs’ completion in the following video.
Number 04: The Changeup
The objective of the changeup is to force the hitters to make swings earlier. The changeup disrupts the timing of hitters. You need to pitch the changeup with the same action as the fastball. But you have to change the grip before releasing the ball.
Number 05: Knuckleball
One of the most critical deliveries. The pitchers usually pitch this ball with their fingertips. It is very hard to understand for hitters because of its unpredictability. You need to use your knuckles instead of your fingers.
Most Common Pitches In Baseball
Besides the top pitches, various pitches are also thrown in the baseball game. I will cover a few now to give you an idea about the different styles of the pitches.
You can also compare them to my top four list so that you can determine what are the best pitches to throw in baseball.
Sinker
One of the devastating styles makes a lot of swings. You need to use a three-quarter arm angle to deliver the pitch. This pitch goes from left to right or right to left downward, based on the pitcher’s hand.
Screwball
The screwball is essentially a curveball that has been flipped. You need to lower your arm. Then, while maintaining your body taut, an arch in that direction. You must rotate both your forearm and wrist before releasing the ball.
Forkball
Forkball is almost similar to the 4 seamer fastball. But, it produces a devastating downward action. It is one of the nastier pitches to master.
Slurve
From the name, you may understand the style. It is a combination of slider and curveball. It holds the same velocity as the two pitches. It starts as a slider but reaches the hitter with less speed and more curves.
Cutter
The cutter is also referred to as cut-fastball. It has a curve similar to that of a curveball, but it is not as sharp. The curve occurs at the very end of the process of delivering the pitch. You must grip the ball in the same manner as a two-seam fastball. The cutter, on the other hand, will be made by the other three fingers.
Splitter
Splitter looks like a fastball, but with a devastating downward break. It fools the hitters with an unpredictable swing.
Do you know the difference between baseball and softball swing?
How Can You Distract The Batters With Your Pitching?
When you are pitching to a hitter, it is upon you how you can master the pitching mound. With your styles and variations, you can alter a hitter gets run. You can confuse them with your curve, sometimes pace, or whatever you need.
I can make some suggestions over the pitching for you. So, what are the best pitches to throw in baseball pitching? Let’s make some analysis.
You Can Deliver Something Straight
Your fastball is the most popular approach to divert the hitter’s attention and make him work harder in the strike zone. You should not attempt any bends or slides; instead, you should just utilize your velocity.
Both 4 seam fastball and 2 seam fastball may be used in this situation. However, do not make any changes to the style. Simply increase the velocity of your delivery to a lethal level. Because of the high volume of fastballs being thrown, the batter must be indecisive.
This will assist you in diverting the hitter’s focus and concentration away from taking runs.
You Can Make Use Of Something Squishy
You may also throw the batters off their game. Make an effort to get them to swing early. It is necessary to alter the motion of your throwing in order to achieve this. The changeup style may be the most appropriate option in this situation.
It is possible to utilize a variety of grips, including the straight change, the circle change, the three-finger change, and so on. As a pitcher, I can propose that you employ either the three-finger change or the straight change to shift speeds.
You may also use a slitter to cut through the skin. A forkball and a knuckleball are two more types of squishy balls to consider.
You are the one who has the ability to make choices during playtime that are dependent on the gaming environment of a certain time period.
You Can Use Some Breaking Deliveries
To get a result, you might now unleash your breaking deliveries. 12-6 is the most popular curve one you may use. But, you need to throw them in the correct way.
The curves or slurves make the hitters change the decision immediately, and sometimes they fail to hit but swing. It increases the chances of strikeouts.
5 Best Pitches In Baseball History
Pitching is an art of subtlety. Sometimes it’s something magical, sometimes a storm. The pitchers are the poets of the rhythm of pitching.
However, a pitcher can take his place among the great with his magical and unearthly pitching. Here I am going to the best 5 pitches of the history that the legends made.
By the way, you will find hundreds of pitching legends who pitched legendary pitches in their career. But, it is uncertain to pick them all here. You might have different choices as well. But, I guarantee that you cannot deny my pick to be among the best.
Nolan Ryan’s Fastball
What is the speed you know thrown by a pitcher? Have you ever seen any pitch that crosses 100 mph? Or have you faced it?
If you never faced such a speed, you are lucky. But, Nolan Ryan pitched a ball that crossed 100 mph at his 40s. Also, Nolan’s 5714 strikeouts are the all-time highest in MLB history. His 324 wins are another milestone.
If you are a new baseball pitcher struggling with your speed you must read my tips on How you can increase your pitching velocity by 10 MPH with proven examples.
Mariano Revera’s Cutter
Think, you are on the home plate and facing Mariano. He pitched the ball toward you, you see the ball. No changes from any typical delivery. After facing the ball, you swing your bat and did not able to hit.
Did you get surprised?
No worries. Many legend hitters also experienced this. Hitters know the delivery is coming, but cannot comply with it. This is the specialty of Mariano Revera’s cutter. He completed his career with a 2.23 ERA.
Randy Johnson’s Slider
Randy Johnson was a natural talent with his sliders. His downward action with a three-quarter move was almost unable to play for the right-handers. His 100 mph delivery was challenging to play with confidence.
Sandy Koufax’s Curveball
How do think Sandy Koufax managed a career with 1.95 ERA with 1444 strikeouts? Sandy was able to produce devasting and deadly curves with his pitching. His high to downward delivery was significantly confusing for the hitters.
Trevor Hoffman’s Changeup
Imagine, you are waiting for the ball. It is coming with full velocity, you think. You swing your bat, but you are too fast. Have you really fast, or has something happened to the delivery?
Yes, that was Trevor Hoffman’s changeup for you. Because his pitched ball was a changeup, it refused to reach at the right time. This forced you to lose a strike. Hoffman was the master of a changeup, and he was able to ensure 601 career saves.
If you are a catcher you must want to know about the best catcher gear in the market. Read my Easton Force Catchers Gear review.
Best Pitches In MLB The Show 21: Video Gaming Tips
If you are a baseball game lover, you must have some experience to play MLB the show. A baseball pitcher has extensive nerve because he takes most of the pressure of the game. Even in gaming, a pitcher takes the most responsibilities as well.
To deliver the MLB the show’s best pitches, you need to take some effective steps for the game. Here are tips for you.
- Change your pitching position constantly. Do not throw your pitches in a particular place consecutively.
- Do not throw the ball middle of the strike zone.
- Choose velocity and break both when you up the level of the game.
- Along with fastball and curves, give priority to a slider also.
- Make use of your complete armament of pitching techniques.
- Make sure you find and get the right equipment such as gloves, cleats, and rituals, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Threw The Fastest Baseball Pitch Ever?
According to many trusted sources, the fasted ever pitch is recorded as 105.1 miles per hour. The record also says Aroldis Chapman did this on 25th September 2010, at Petco Park in San Diego. He was then playing for Cincinnati Reds.
But, Sports Illustrated listed a 108.5 mile per hour pitching by Nolan Ryan also. But, It is controversial.
What Is The Most Common Pitch Of Baseball?
Though there are a lot of pitching styles that exist, the fastball is the most common type of pitching style.
What Is The Set Position For A Pitcher?
Set position occurs when a pitcher places his pivot foot against the pitching rubber before tossing the ball to the batter. A lefty pitcher’s shoulders face first base, whereas a righty pitcher’s shoulders face third base at this point.
What Is The Rarest Pitch In Baseball?
Screwball is the rarest throwing method to master in baseball. Style-wise, it is a breaking ball approach. It is intended to be used in the opposite direction of any other breaking pitches.
Conclusion
As I mentioned in the very first post, I have tried to explain the different types of pitching methods. It is uncertain that you can select a particular style as the best one. But you can try to master a particular style for pitching.
Your mastery may lead that style among the best styles. However, summing up the things, the fastball is the most common and one of the best pitching styles. Also, curves, sliders, changeup are among the top list.
So, in your regard, what are the best pitches to throw in baseball? Comment below and let me know your thoughts.
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.