Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of players all over the world. It is a game of skill, strategy, and athleticism, and it is a game that has been played by everyone from young children to professional athletes. However, the rules of the game have changed over the years, and one of the most notable changes is the way that female players pitch the ball. In most cases, girls pitch underhand in baseball, and this is a rule that has been in place for many years.
But why do girls pitch underhand in baseball? In this article, we’ll take a look at the reasons behind this rule and why it is important for female players to pitch underhand.
History of Women and Baseball
The history of women and baseball goes back more than a century, with women playing the game as far back as the late 19th century. At the time, women were excluded from the major leagues, so they formed their own teams and leagues. These teams were incredibly popular, and they were able to draw huge crowds, but the games were different from the games played in the major leagues.
One of the main differences between the games played in the major leagues and the women’s leagues was the way that the ball was pitched. In the major leagues, pitchers threw overhand, but in the women’s leagues, they threw underhand. This rule was in place because it was believed that women were not physically strong enough to throw overhand pitches.
Advantages of Underhand Pitching
There are several advantages to underhand pitching, and it is easy to understand why the rule was put in place all those years ago. One of the main benefits to underhand pitching is the fact that it is easier to control. When a pitcher throws overhand, they have to use their body to generate power and accuracy, but with underhand pitching, they can use their arm and wrist to control the ball. This makes it easier for pitchers to be accurate and to control the speed and movement of the ball.
In addition, underhand pitching is much safer for female players. Overhand pitching can put a lot of strain on the arm and shoulder, and this can lead to injuries for female players. Underhand pitching, on the other hand, is much less stressful on the arm and shoulder, and this decreases the risk of injury.
Underhand Pitching in the Modern Game
While the rule is still in effect for female players, underhand pitching is becoming less common in the modern game. In the major leagues, pitchers now throw exclusively overhand, and many of the top female pitchers are now using overhand pitching as well. This has led to a decrease in the number of underhand pitches being thrown in the game, but the rule is still in place for most female players.
The Future of Underhand Pitching
Despite the fact that underhand pitching is becoming less common in the modern game, it is still an important part of the game for female players. The rule is still in place to protect female players from injury, and it is also important to remember that underhand pitching can still be effective. In fact, many of the top female pitchers in the game still use underhand pitching to be successful.
Conclusion
Underhand pitching is an important part of the game for female players, and it has been a rule in place for many years. The rule is in place to protect female players from injury, and it also gives them the ability to control the ball more effectively. While underhand pitching is becoming less common in the modern game, it is still an important part of the game for female players.