Pitching is one of the most important elements of the game of baseball. The pitcher is the one who has the responsibility to throw the ball to the batter and set the tone for the rest of the game. But does a pitcher have to throw overhand? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.
The History of Pitching
Pitching has been a part of baseball since the game’s inception in the 19th century. In the early days of baseball, pitchers threw underhand from a distance of 45 feet. This style of pitching was dominant until the 1890s, when overhand pitching began to take hold. By the early 1900s, overhand pitching had become the standard for the game.
What is Overhand Pitching?
Overhand pitching is the most common style of pitching in baseball. When a pitcher throws overhand, he stands on the pitching mound and throws the ball over his head to the batter. This style of pitching is characterized by its speed and accuracy, as well as its ability to deceive the batter. The pitcher can use various grips, arm angles, and release points to add variety to their pitches and keep the batter guessing.
The Benefits of Overhand Pitching
Overhand pitching has become the standard in baseball for a number of reasons. It allows pitchers to generate greater velocity and accuracy when they throw. This increases the chances of a successful pitch and gives batters less time to react. It also allows pitchers to better control their pitches and add more variety, making it difficult for batters to predict what kind of pitch is coming.
The Drawbacks of Overhand Pitching
While overhand pitching is the most common style of pitching in the game, it does come with some drawbacks. Throwing overhand can put a lot of strain on the shoulder and elbow, which can lead to fatigue and injury. It can also be difficult for some pitchers to learn and perfect, as it requires a great deal of practice and repetition to master.
Alternatives to Overhand Pitching
Though overhand pitching is the most common style of pitching, there are other ways to throw a baseball. One is sidearm pitching, which involves throwing the ball from the side of the body instead of over the top. This style of pitching can be effective in certain situations, such as when the batter is expecting an overhand pitch. The sidearm pitch is slower and less accurate than an overhand pitch, but it can be difficult for the batter to read.
Another alternative to overhand pitching is the submarine pitch. This style involves throwing the ball from below the waist, with the pitcher’s arm almost completely vertical. The ball is thrown with a looping motion, making it difficult for the batter to track the ball. Submarine pitching is often used to disrupt the batter’s timing and can be an effective tool for pitchers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, overhand pitching is the most common style of pitching in baseball, and it has been since the early 1900s. Overhand pitching offers pitchers the ability to generate greater velocity and accuracy, as well as the ability to add more variety to their pitches. However, it can also be difficult to learn and can put a lot of strain on the shoulder and elbow. There are alternatives to overhand pitching, such as sidearm and submarine pitching, which can be effective in certain situations. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual pitcher to decide what style works best for them.