Tag Archives: Pitcher

How to Choose Baseball Batting Cages

Posted on by
Reply

Baseball batting cages are covered and closed cages where baseball lovers practice batting. These cages can be built outdoors or indoors if space permits. They are normally rectangular in shape. Some also come in cube shapes.

There are three commonly used types of cages. The most popular is used for leveled floors. Herewith, everything is manually done. A pitcher throws the ball onto a waiting player. The batter hits the ball at will. The ball is picked once it hits the ground. This is accomplished by either player or a tertiary member of the practicing team.

The second type involves a sloped floor base. The floor is intentionally sloped. This allows the balls to automatically roll back to an oncoming machine. The machine pitches the balls for the batter to hit.

The last cage is completely automated. A machine for pitching the balls is still present. But additional mechanical devices automatically are also used. These picks up the balls and load them to the pitching machine.

Sizes of baseball batting cages vary according to its purpose. In general, average cages are measured at 13 feet in height, 16 feet in width, and 55 feet in length. In terms of usage, length is determined based on usage. These are for different leagues like Pony, Bronco, Little League, Mustang, and Pinto. Secondary, Collegiate, and Pro Baseball Leagues also follow a specified measurement. For the latter group, cage lengths used are often at 60 up to 70 feet. While the former ranges from 38 to 54 feet in length.

Major components of baseball batting cages are stands, frames, screens, and nets. Stands and frames maybe made from iron and steel. These are often galvanized to protect from damage. This can be caused by weather and environmental conditions.

Screens are often L-shaped. Some are also shaped as squares. L-shaped screens are pitcher friendly. Square-shaped ones protect third party personnel which operates pitching machines used. Screens can be connected to frames and stands or can stand alone by themselves. There are portable, handy screens which can be carried around easily.

Nets are knotted in either braided or twisted forms. Twisted types are stronger and more resistant from breaking. Braided or knitted types on the other hand are less abrasive. Nets are often made from nylon or polyurethane. They can be attached permanently or temporarily to the screen.

This is a preview of How to Choose Baseball Batting Cages. Read the full post (433 words, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)

A Pitcher’s Guide to the Top Pitches in Baseball

Posted on by
Reply

There are a variety of pitches in the game of baseball. The number and types of pitches in a pitcher’s arsenal can contribute significantly to the performance on the mound. Each pitch is unique and can be used in combination with other pitches to dominate opposing batters. Use the below guide to get a basic understanding of the most popular pitches in the game of baseball.

Fastballs

1. Four-seam fastball – The four-seam fastball is the most common fastball. The four-seam fastball typically has little side-to-side movement and it maximizes a pitcher’s velocity. To throw a four-seam fastball, the pitcher grips the ball with his index and middle fingers with the seams perpendicular to his fingers.

2. Two-seam fastball – The two-seam fastball is slightly less popular than the four-seam fastball but is still a very common pitch. The two-seam fastball is slower than a four-seam fastball and it has a slight downward movement. To throw a two-seam fastball, the pitcher grips the ball with his index and middle fingers on the ball where the seams are closest together.

3. Cut fastball (cutter) – This pitch is used when a pitcher wishes to have slightly more movement than a two-seam fastball. The cutter has a small break just before reaching home plate which often can result in a ground ball if the hitter does make contact. To throw this pitch, the pitcher grips the ball similar to a two-seam fastball but applies slight pressure with his middle finger during release.

4. Split-finger fastball (splitter) – The splitter is a fastball that is thrown to maximize fastball movement. When thrown, this pitch appears to be a normal fastball to the batter. However, as this pitch approaches the plate, it has big and sudden downward movement. To throw this pitch, the pitcher grips the ball with his index and middle fingers on either side of the ball thereby “splitting” them. The ball is thrown with a lot of force, but because of the grip, the velocity is slower than a two or four-seam fastball.

Changeups

1. Circle-change – The circle change is the most common type of changeup. This pitch has movement from left to right with a right-handed pitcher. To throw this pitch, the pitcher grips the ball with his middle, ring, and pinky fingers, and makes a “circle” with his index finger and thumb on the side of the ball. This pitch is thrown with the same arm motion as a fastball, but by taking the index finger off the ball, the velocity is reduced significantly.

This is a preview of A Pitcher’s Guide to the Top Pitches in Baseball. Read the full post (784 words, estimated 3:08 mins reading time)