Pitching Techniques: What is a fastball? Why is it the most common pitch in baseball?

Welcome to our series on Baseball Techniques and Positions! Within this collection of articles, we will delve into the various skills, positions, and strategies that contribute to the excitement of baseball as a sport. Whether you are just beginning to explore the game or seeking to enhance your understanding of its intricacies, these articles will help illuminate the finer aspects of America's pastime. Today, we will initiate our discussion with the most fundamental pitch in baseball: the fastball.

What Is a Fastball?

A fastball is, as the name suggests, a pitch delivered with maximum velocity. When a pitcher executes a fastball, their primary objective is to send the ball soaring toward the catcher's glove with as much force as possible. At the professional level, fastballs typically travel between 85 and 100 miles per hour, although some exceptionally skilled pitchers can achieve even greater speeds.

Picture yourself standing at home plate while a baseball approaches at 95 miles per hour. You would have less than half a second to determine whether to swing! This illustrates the formidable challenge batters encounter when a pitcher throws an effective fastball.

Types of Fastballs

There is not just a singular fastball; pitchers employ several distinct variations:

Four-Seam Fastball

This variant is regarded as the straightest and typically the fastest type of fastball. The pitcher holds the ball with their fingertips across the seams (the stitches on the baseball). This pitch exhibits minimal movement and travels directly toward the intended target.

Two-Seam Fastball

Commonly referred to as a "sinker," this pitch is gripped with the fingers along the seams. While it is slightly slower than a four-seam fastball, it displays more movement, often sinking and tailing away from the pitcher's throwing arm as it crosses the plate.

Cut Fastball

Referred to as a "cutter," this pitch resembles a standard fastball but features a sharp, late break. When Mariano Rivera played for New York, he became renowned for having one of the most effective cutters in baseball history. Many batters were aware it was coming, yet they often found themselves unable to make contact.

Why Fastballs Are the Most Common Pitch

Speed Creates Problems for Hitters

The faster a pitch travels, the less time a batter has to react effectively. If a pitcher possesses the ability to throw hard, they immediately gain a significant advantage. Consider a student taking a test: would you prefer to have an hour to complete it, or merely 10 minutes? Batters experience similar pressure when confronted with a high-velocity pitch.

Accuracy Is Easier

When young players first begin to learn pitching, they typically start with fastballs because they are generally easier to control. For instance, envision a ten-year-old named Tommy practicing in his backyard. He can usually throw a fastball precisely where he intends, but when attempting a curveball, it might veer off course and end up in the neighbor's yard!

Foundation for Other Pitches

A strong fastball enhances the effectiveness of other pitches. If a batter is aware that Justin can deliver a 95 mph fastball, they must be prepared for it. Consequently, when Justin subsequently throws an 80 mph changeup that closely mirrors the fastball's motion, the batter may swing prematurely.

Energy Efficiency

Throwing breaking pitches, such as curveballs and sliders, exerts more strain on a pitcher's arm compared to throwing fastballs. Many pitchers opt to predominantly utilize fastballs in order to safeguard their arms and maintain their health throughout the grueling season.

Real-World Examples

During his time with New York, Jacob deGrom frequently showcased a fastball that reached up to 100 mph. Batters were aware of its impending arrival yet often found themselves unable to hit it due to its remarkable speed and precise placement.

Aroldis Chapman gained recognition for delivering some of the fastest recorded pitches in baseball history, occasionally exceeding 105 mph. When he entered games as a relief pitcher, spectators would eagerly watch the stadium’s radar gun, anticipating how fast he could throw that day.

The fastball continues to reign as baseball's most critical pitch, serving as the foundation upon which diverse pitching strategies are constructed. Whether observing professionals on television or witnessing young athletes at the local park, you will encounter fastballs more frequently than any other pitch, underscoring the notion that often, the simplest approach prevails as the most effective.