What Is A Screwball In Baseball?

A screwball is a ball pitched in baseball that is thrown with a reverse spin, making it curl in the opposite direction of a curveball.

Definition of a Screwball

A screwball is a baseball pitch that is thrown with a spin toward the batter that causes the ball to dive down and away from a right-handed batter, or inside and down to a left-handed batter.

A screwball is a type of baseball pitch

A screwball is a type of baseball pitch thrown with a spin toward the batter that causes the ball to move in the opposite direction of a fastball. Because of the unique way the ball moves, it can be tough for hitters to make solid contact. Screwballs are typically thrown by right-handed pitchers to left-handed batters and by left-handed pitchers to right-handed batters.

A screwball is thrown with a particular grip

A screwball is a type of baseball pitch that is thrown with a particular grip. The screwball grip is achieved by holding the baseball so that the thumb is on one side of the ball and the index and middle fingers are on the other side, with the middle finger nearest to the thumb. When thrown properly, the screwball will break in the opposite direction of a curveball.

How a Screwball Moves

A screwball is a type of baseball pitch that is thrown with a spin similar to that of a fastball, but instead of moving straight, it breaks in the opposite direction of a fastball. A screwball is also known as a “reverse slider” because of the way it breaks.

A screwball moves in a particular way

A screwball is a type of baseball pitch that is thrown with a motion that is different from other pitches. The pitcher throws the ball with a spin that makes it move in an unexpected way. This makes it difficult for the batter to hit the ball.

A screwball can be difficult to hit

A screwball is a type of baseball pitch that is thrown with a cupped hand and wrist action that imparts topspin on the ball. As the ball approaches the batter, it appears to drop, or “screw” in toward the strike zone. hitters often have difficulty making solid contact with a well-thrown screwball, especially if it is thrown by a pitcher with good control.

There are various grip used to throw a screwball, but they all involve holding the ball in the fingertips of the fingers and cupping the hand. The most common grip is similar to that used for a fastball, but with the thumb and index finger touching to form an “OK” sign. The wrist is then cocked so that the back of the hand faces toward first base before being snapped down just before release. This action imparts topspin on the ball and causes it to break in (or screw) toward a right-handed hitter from a right-handed pitcher, or away from a left-handed hitter from a left-handed pitcher.

While some pitchers are able throw both a fastball and a screwball with equal effectiveness, most specialize in one or the other. Hideo Nomo was one of the few pitchers in recent years who was known for his successful use of both pitches.

Famous Screwball Pitchers

A screwball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a spin similar to that of a slider or curveball, but it is thrown with the opposite (counterclockwise) spin. Screwballs break from low to high and tend to be thrown with less velocity than a fastball. As such, they are sometimes thrown as “change-ups” to disrupt the timing of the batter. Some of the most famous screwball pitchers in baseball history are:

Christy Mathewson

Christy Mathewson was one of the most famous pitchers in baseball history. He played for the New York Giants from 1900 to 1916 and was a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also known for his screwball pitch, which was a popular pitch in baseball at the time.

Warren Spahn

Warren Edward Spahn (July 2, 1921 – November 24, 2003) was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 363 games, more than any other left-hander in MLB history, and he is recognized as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Cy Young Award winner Spahn was named the Major League Baseball Pitcher of the Year twice and was a 13-time All-Star. He led the league in wins eight times and in earned run average seven times. Spahn also pitched two no-hitters. He is noted for his longevity, winning at least 13 games for 17 consecutive seasons between 1942 and 1958. By the time he retired at the age of 42, he had compiled over 3,000 strikeouts, then a NL record.

Spahn won 20 or more games eight times in his career; a nine-time winner of 20 or more games remains one of baseball’s rarest feats (listing all nine below). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973; he received 83.8% of the votes (287 out of 345 ballots cast), making him one of only four pitchers elected in their first year of eligibility. The Warren Spahn Award, given to the Major League Baseball pitcher with the best record, was named after him following his death.

Spahn is widely considered to be one of baseball’s best ever screwball pitchers; throwing a screwball was his trademark pitch throughout his 21 year career:

“Of all the great left handed pitchers,” wrote Bill James in The New Bill James Historical Abstract, “the three most effective screwball pitchers were Radical Lefty Leverett Sallee, Allie Reynolds and Warren Spahn.”

Whitey Ford

Whitey Ford was a left-handed starting pitcher who played his entire 18-year MLB career with the New York Yankees. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. Ford is a 10-time All-Star and 6-time World Series champion. He is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

Ford was born in Queens, New York, on October 21, 1928. He grew up a Yankees fan and idolized Yankee greats Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Ford signed with the Yankees in 1947 and made his MLB debut in 1950. He quickly became one of the best pitchers in baseball, winning the World Series in 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, and 1958. Ford was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1950 and the AL Cy Young Award winner in 1961. He also won two Gold Glove Awards and three World Series MVP Awards.

Ford retired from baseball after the 1967 season with a record of 236-106 and a 2.75 ERA. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.