Curveball
From SoSH
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Overview
The curveball is a pitch with significant break, thrown by the pitcher to put maximum spin on the ball. The pitch is typically much slower than a fastball (for a pitcher throwing 90mph, his curveball may be around 75-80mph). The difference in speed and the "break" of a curveball (where it moves as much as several feet from expected target) make the pitch difficult to hit. A good curveball will often break hard and late, such that the hitter has little time to react.
The curveball almost always breaks from the pitchers throwing hand across the plate. From a right-handed pitchers viewpoint, the curveball will break from the right-hand side to the left-hand side. Occasionally, a curveball will "back up," which means that it goes in the opposite direction, usually due a pitcher throwing it incorrectly. The break of the curveball still tends to differ widely depending on the pitcher, grip, throwing motion, etc. Some pitchers throw a slower version, the 12-to-6 curveball, that breaks straight down.
The use of the curveball and the slider (similar to a curveball, but the break is more horizontal) are why many pitchers are better when throwing to batters who bat from their throwing-hand side (e.g, if both are right-handed). The angle of the breaking ball can be harder to hit for such hitters. In addition, if the breaking ball is heading towards their body, some hitters will freeze, thinking that the pitch will hit them.
Grip
Action
Best Curveball (All of Baseball)
- Tom Gordon, Philadelphia Phillies
- Mike Mussina New York Yankees
- Barry Zito, Oakland Athletics
