The Baseball Hall of Fame said Bruce Sutter died in Cartersville, Georgia. It's an off-speed pitch. In other words, because I'm a righty, I'd throw two-seamers inside to right-handed batters and four-seamers away. A lot of his saves were 2 to 2 1/3 innings. data-styled.g154[id="newsletterLogostyle__NewsletterLogoContainer-sc-j5dgcz-0"]{content:"bZhBFV,"}/*!sc*/ Like a lot of things in sports, youre desperate and you try a lot of different things and it turned out to work. As it turned out, it proved to be one of the difference-making moves that helped St. Louis win it all in '82. Herzog, who acquired fellow Hall of Fame closer Rollie Fingers from the Padres a day before trading for Sutter, referred to the shaggy-bearded Sutter as a door-slammer." data-styled.g157[id="newsletterOptinstyle__Title-sc-d7sh2p-2"]{content:"ihHuHi,"}/*!sc*/ Bruce Sutter dead: Hall of Fame pitcher for Cubs, Cardinals dies at 69 In addition to Beyond The Box Score, he contributes at Prospect Insider and Gammons Daily. .dLQAwR:not(:last-child){border-right:1px dashed #ccc;}/*!sc*/ button,select{text-transform:none;}/*!sc*/ Sutter posted a 1.38 ERA and 1.031 WHIP with 65 strikeouts in 64 innings in 1974 split between Key West and Double-A Midland, had a similarly good year in Midland in 1975 and after seven dominant games in Triple-A in 1976, was promoted to the Cubs, where he made his MLB debut in garbage time in the ninth inning of a 14-2 loss to the Reds May 9, 1976. This reduces speed and gives you that nice, fading movement to your throwing-arm side of the plate. body.side-nav-open{max-height:100vh;overflow:hidden;overscroll-behavior:none;touch-action:none;position:fixed;top:0;width:100vw;}/*!sc*/ .fuMUTu rect{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open{position:fixed;top:0px;z-index:99992;}/*!sc*/ There was a change of heart right there, Nugent said. If we had a Sunday game and we were off on Monday and didnt play again until Tuesday night, hed knock on my clubhouse office door and say, 'Skipper, if you need me in the seventh, Ill come in and finish it off for you. Hed do that every Sunday and hed finish it out for me. Sutters legacy will forever live on in the split-fingered fastball, which has since become a prominent pitch at every level. Now more than ever, teams are more worried about protecting their pitchers arms. article > section{font-size:1.2rem;font-family:Georgia,serif;}/*!sc*/ .blLcNM{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(12,1fr);grid-gap:24px;font-size:1rem;}/*!sc*/ Theres a lot of occasions I look at one of our pitchers and say, man, if he could throw a split it would really help him out a lot, Balsley said. How To Grip And Throw A Three Finger Changeup. Even though his time with the Braves was mostly marred by injuries -- he had just 40 saves and a 4.55 ERA -- he is still remembered throughout baseball as a selfless person and a strong teammate to those around him. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . h1{font-size:2em;margin:0.67em 0;}/*!sc*/ Bruce Sutter introduced the pitch in. For every pitcher listed here, there could be several others who gave up on the splitter early because it bothered their arm. Bruce Sutters entire career can be boiled down to about an inch of white leather and red stitching. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner::after{display:none;content:'';width:0;height:0;position:absolute;left:auto;right:-1px;top:33%;z-index:calc(99992 + 1);border-color:transparent #ffffff transparent transparent;border-style:solid;border-width:8px;}/*!sc*/ .hHLkAw input:focus{outline:none;}/*!sc*/ A six-time All-Star, Sutter led the National League in saves for five years and won the 1979 Cy Young Award. Herzog, also a National Baseball Hall of Famer and a Cardinals Hall of Famer, credited the addition of Sutter as being the missing piece of St. Louis championship team. He gave up two hits and a walk, but induced a double play and escaped the inning without allowing a run. @media (min-width:768px){.ggWmAj{max-height:60px;padding:16px 32px 16px 24px;}}/*!sc*/ "No," says Bill James, author of the The Neyer/James Guide to Pitchers. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top{background-color:#041E42;}/*!sc*/ Him and Goose Gossage, who I was also teammates with, both had that ability to forget about a blown save. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item{display:none;-webkit-flex:1 1 100%;-ms-flex:1 1 100%;flex:1 1 100%;position:relative;text-align:center;}/*!sc*/ summary{display:list-item;}/*!sc*/ When it did, I didnt think it would affect me or hit me as hard as it did, but it sure did.. Not every team in the league is shying away from the splitter. But as the years wore on and more pitchers adopted the splitter, it started to become apparent that it could have significant consequences. .XOHMa{bottom:0;left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container__primary.resizing{overflow-y:hidden;}/*!sc*/ Another early look at the Cubs 2023 Opening Day roster. *{box-sizing:border-box;}/*!sc*/ .cWQXyp{display:inline-block;width:100%;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ with the fingers spread farther apart to change the rotation and add break. .hUHmCp > article > aside{display:none;}/*!sc*/ Splitter-heavy pitchers who have developed shoulder and elbow problems include Bryan Harvey, Rod Beck and John Smoltz, who took a break from throwing his splitter after experiencing elbow pain. ST. LOUIS -- Bruce Sutter, the Hall of Famer who revolutionized the closer position and the split-fingered fastball and clinched the St. Louis Cardinals' 1982 World Series title 40 years ago this week, passed away at the age of 69 near his home in Cartersville, Ga., on Thursday. .mHQYb .p-search__list--multiple-type .p-search-item--team.p-search-item--es:first-of-type:before{content:'Equipos';}/*!sc*/ It's in the women's section where fingernail polish is found, of course. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav{background-color:#041E42;}/*!sc*/ The middle finger and index finger will be spread out on the outside of the baseball seams that create the horseshoe shape. .mHQYb input[type='search']::-webkit-search-cancel-button{-webkit-appearance:none;}/*!sc*/ He was a conventional pitcher, but it was Fred Martin with the Cubs who came up with the idea [to throw the splitter] because Bruce had big hands and he could really wedge that ball between his fingers, Kaat remembered. Bruce Sutter's Splitter down in the zone Chris Sales/Finest Haders Slider Roberto Osuna/D. Afraid that the Cubs would deem him unable to pitch, Sutter pursued and underwent surgery on his own. article ul,article ol{padding:0;margin:0 0 0 2.5rem;}/*!sc*/ Bruce will be remembered as one of the best pitchers in the histories of two of our most historic franchises. The splitter received a great deal of recognition thanks to Hall of Fame reliever Bruce Sutter, who threw the pitch with regularity. There should be a "gap" or space between the ball and your palm (as shown in the middle picture). [type="search"]::-webkit-search-decoration{-webkit-appearance:none;}/*!sc*/ Everyone was throwing that pitch, said Angels Manager Mike Scioscia, who was a catcher for the Dodgers in the 1980s. That way, you can still get good wrist-snap upon release. .hHLkAw input::-webkit-search-decoration,.hHLkAw input::-webkit-search-cancel-button,.hHLkAw input::-webkit-search-results-button,.hHLkAw input::-webkit-search-results-decoration{display:none;}/*!sc*/ A slider is the third fastest pitch in baseball. .hUHmCp > article .ad-bottom-right-container{margin-top:64px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__input--icon.close-icon:hover{cursor:pointer;}/*!sc*/ The final installment of $9.1 million reportedly was paid to him in 2021. Grip this pitch softly, like an egg, in your fingertips. /*-->*/ During his career, he fought through devastating elbow and shoulder injuries and underwent three surgeries, yet retained his calm demeanor and ability to stay poised under pressure as he became the first pitcher to lead the National League in saves five times. Your wrist should remain stiff. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ He spent the next year pitching in semipro leagues around his hometown before the Cubs signed him as an amateur free agent on Sept. 9, 1971. Sutter asked for $700,000 a huge figure for the time and the arbitrator awarded the higher figure to Sutter. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium.woff2') format('woff2'), url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium.woff') format('woff');font-weight:500;font-style:normal;}/*!sc*/ This is why I recommend that you spend a few weeks preferably during the off-season working on tucking your index finger into the baseball. Proper pitching starts with the right grip on the baseball. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__content,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams{padding:8px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item{width:100%;-webkit-order:0;-ms-flex-order:0;order:0;background-color:#081c3b;border-bottom:1px solid #002867;}/*!sc*/ .blLcNM .content >:nth-last-child(2){border:none;margin-right:auto;padding-right:48px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__status{left:-9999px;position:absolute;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item__link .icon__nav-item{margin-right:5px;width:10px;height:15px;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;}/*!sc*/ A three-finger changeup is a good off-speed pitch for younger baseball pitchers and for those who do not have big hands. .hHLkAw input.right{padding-right:32px;}/*!sc*/ Even though hitters knew it was coming, they still werent able to hit it. They're generally thrown in the same situations that would see a pitcher throw his breaking and off-speed pitches. Sutter's splitter reason for Fame | The Seattle Times data-styled.g170[id="Styles__TimestampContainer-sc-8rwtua-0"]{content:"hedPca,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon{background:none;padding:0px;width:24px;height:18px;position:relative;margin:0px auto;-webkit-transform:rotate(0deg);-ms-transform:rotate(0deg);transform:rotate(0deg);-webkit-transition:0.5s ease-in-out;transition:0.5s ease-in-out;cursor:pointer;}/*!sc*/ Splitters are a relatively uncommon offspeed pitch, but they are still used with some prevalence. Great Split Finger Pitchers Tim Hudson and Carlos Zambrano throw splitters. In 2021, Gausman had a .133 batting average against his splitter with a 46% whiff rate. .jbYgiH{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(12,minmax(0,1fr));grid-gap:24px;margin:0 auto;max-width:967px;}/*!sc*/ Throw this pitch with the same arm speed and body mechanics as a fastball, only slightly turn the ball over by throwing the circle to the target. Henry Cotto, Dan Rohn and Thad Bosley singled to tie the game 1-1, and after Sutter walked Gary Woods to load the bases, Keith Moreland hit a ground ball to third. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .account--logged-in.active::after{background:#057AFF;}/*!sc*/ Sutter and the split-fingered fastball -- a pitch he learned from Cubs Minor League instructor Fred Martin following an arm surgery in 1973 -- became forever linked in the history of the game. Pitching Ninja 125K subscribers Subscribe 153 Share 4.6K views 3 weeks ago Bruce Sutter is one of the greatest relief pitchers in baseball. During the prime of his career, Sutter led the NL in saves for four straight seasons and five times in six years before joining the Braves as a free agent after the 1984 season. Even though hitters knew it was coming, they still werent able to hit it. data-styled.g114[id="sc-bdfBwQ"]{content:"mHQYb,"}/*!sc*/ And it helps to make fingernails a little tougher. OK, now that you've got your grip, hold the baseball deep in the palm of your hand to maximize friction and to "de-centralize" the force of the baseball when the pitch is released. He had another shoulder operation in 1987, returned to pitch in 38 games with a 4.76 ERA and 14 saves in 1988, then retired at age 35. @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-club],.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-microsite]{background-image:linear-gradient(#002867 50%,#081c3b 50%);}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top__nav-items{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}}/*!sc*/ Obviously, this isn't the full picture. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo--mlb a{text-align:center;}/*!sc*/ .fAmXvR{background:#f3f3f3;border-radius:6px;color:#444444;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-weight:500;padding:16px 16px 24px;}/*!sc*/ He finished with a 1.34 (!) @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__leagues{min-width:600px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__divisions{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__divisions > *{-webkit-flex:1 0 200px;-ms-flex:1 0 200px;flex:1 0 200px;margin-left:0;}}/*!sc*/ Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter has died at age 69, the St. Louis Cardinals announced Friday. forbid young players from learning the splitter, average starting pitcher has a 39 percent chance of going on the DL, The Royals are on the verge of returning to relevancy, Morning Mound Visit: Reds sign Tommy Pham to one-year deal, Morning Mound Visit: Ghost runner rule reinstated, Offensive woes will hold back elite pitching in Guardians maiden voyage, Morning Mound Visit: Rockies extend Ryan McMahon. In 1984, though, the Cubs would get revenge, of a sort, when Ryne Sandberg famously hit two homers off Sutter in what would become known as The Sandberg Game. Here are both those home runs: Watch the way Sutter takes the new baseball in his glove after the second homer (at about :42 into the video). .mHQYb .p-search-item__image{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-right:0.5rem;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;width:55px;}/*!sc*/ The pitch not only led him to the Major Leagues, but also made him a Cy Young Award winner with the Cubs and a World Series Champion with the 1982 Cardinals. .jiNMQU{background:#f3f3f3;padding-top:56.25%;position:relative;width:100%;}/*!sc*/ FILE - St. Louis Cardinals ace reliever Bruce Sutter celebrates after the last out in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series at St. Louis, Oct. 20, 1982. "I knew Bruce deeper than just about any other teammate. But we stayed in touch and considered each other great friends. I have placed the long seam of the baseball in between my index- and middle-fingers, and I have put my thumb on the opposite seam underneath the baseball (as shown in the first picture above). Ted Williams once said that a slider was "the best pitch in baseball." It also slightly reduces the speed of the pitch, which is why most two-seamers register about 1 to 3 mph slower than four-seam fastballs. Those guys make a lot of money.. And instead of leverage coming from behind the top of the baseball (as a four-seam fastball), leverage on a curve comes from the front of the baseball. The average speed of all splitters in the majors is 84-85 mph. .mHQYb .p-search-item__container--sm{font-size:12px;height:30px;min-width:150px;}/*!sc*/ You dont see the splitter as much as you used to., Split-Finger Fastball, Once Popular, Is Falling Away, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/sports/baseball/split-finger-fastball-use-of-a-popular-pitch-falls-off-the-table.html. ::-webkit-file-upload-button{-webkit-appearance:button;font:inherit;}/*!sc*/ The pitch that looks like a fastball but falls off the table at the last second was revolutionizing the game, reviving careers and tormenting the unlucky guys standing in the batters box. Martin taught Sutter the split-fingered fastball a variation of the much older forkball which Sutter picked up quickly. Sutter remembered as pioneer of split-fingered fastball, https://www.tiktok.com/@baseballhall?lang=en. Betances Slurve Jim Palmer/Zach Greinkes/Bert Byleven Big Curveball (for Bert/Jim its the 12-6, for Greinke its just the curve) Zach Britton/Orel Hershiser's Sinker up in the zone N. Ryan/B. Feller/Billy Wagner's Fastball But in a Roger Kahn / Bruce Sutter interview in Kahn's book,The Head Game: Baseball Seen from the Pitcher's Mound, he points out that this is not the case. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Sutter remembered as pioneer of split-fingered fastball Its a pitch we really try to shy off of.. @media (min-width:768px){.epHHrr.youtube iframe{width:500px;}}/*!sc*/ Former Cardinals pitcher Bruce Sutter dies at 69 .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__team{width:100%;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}/*!sc*/ Sutter settled in the Atlanta area after retirement and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006 in his 13th year on the ballot. He resurfaced for a brief part-time coaching stint in the Cardinals organization, but eventually chose to leave baseball for his wife and children. Nastiest Pitches in MLB The Show 19 : r/MLBTheShow The key with the slider is to hold the ball slightly off-center (on the outer third of the baseball). @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos{width:100%;-webkit-order:-1;-ms-flex-order:-1;order:-1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container{-webkit-order:0;-ms-flex-order:0;order:0;-webkit-flex-basis:80%;-ms-flex-preferred-size:80%;flex-basis:80%;}}/*!sc*/ Odds & lines subject to change. Overall, 24 out of 62 pitchers landed on the DL, That number might look high, but it matches up exactly with Jeff Zimmerman's finding that the average starting pitcher has a 39 percent chance of going on the DL. .hspSPq{height:32px;padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px;font-size:13px;-webkit-transition:0.2s;transition:0.2s;border-radius:5px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#057AFF;border:none;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ This pitch generally is thought of as a "movement pitch" (as opposed to the four-seam fastball, which is primarily thought of as a "straight pitch"). There are a lot of good ones -- and Im not knocking [Rich] Gossage or anybody else -- but when I warmed him up, if I didnt use him that inning, hed still pitch the next inning. He was just an amazing relief pitcher [who] was so good.. Explore my pitching workouts and throwing programs for players who work hard and don't make excuses. Sutter is most remembered for the iconic moment on Oct. 20, 1982, when he struck out Brewers slugger Gorman Thomas and caught leaping catcher Darrell Porter in his arms at the mound. Concerns over its effect on pitchers' arms have overhadowed its effectiveness. Seven Cubs pitchers combined on this gem against the Padres. .HQoYx{border:0;padding:0;text-align:center;}/*!sc*/ ","type":"markdown"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2022-10-14T18:45:46.055Z","description":"MLB Tonight reflects on the life and career of Bruce Sutter after he passed away at the age of 69","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:02:49","mp4AvcPlayback":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2022/2022-10/14/5fd2ae3c-3b06190f-19f3684e-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","slug":"sutter-s-mlb-career-remembered","tags":[{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"teamid-138","title":"St. Louis Cardinals"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"teamid-112","title":"Chicago Cubs"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"teamid-144","title":"Atlanta Braves"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"playerid-123004","title":"Bruce Sutter"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"mlb-network","title":"MLB Network"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"mlbn-mlb-tonight","title":"MLB Tonight"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"no-pre-roll","title":"no pre-roll"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"tribute","title":"tribute"},{"__typename":"Tag","slug":"classic","title":"classic"}],"templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/ayogwo55gknjmpu3unc2","title":"Sutter's MLB career remembered ","type":"video","url":"/video/sutter-s-mlb-career-remembered"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"I think he was sort of a precursor to what Mariano Rivera did with the cutter -- Bruce did it with one pitch and that was the split-fingered fastball, Hall of Famer and 1982 teammate Jim Kaat told MLB.com on Friday. .hHLkAw input::-ms-clear{display:none;}/*!sc*/ The Chicago White Sox and the pitching coach Don Cooper say it is all about throwing it with the proper technique. @media (max-width:1023px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-side__nav-items{font-size:14px;}}/*!sc*/ He never beat himself with a base on balls. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner .p-icon *{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item{display:block;background-color:#ffffff;font-family:'mlb-primary','Helvetica Neue','Helvetica','Arial', sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ The split-finger fastball is strictly an out pitch. A straight curve requires mastery of my beginners curveball, because many of the same principles that apply to both grips. img{border-style:none;}/*!sc*/ Slider arm speed should remain the same as fastball arm speed. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(2),.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(3){top:8px;}/*!sc*/ @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner:hover a,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner:hover span{color:#ffffff;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner:hover .p-icon *{fill:#ffffff;}}/*!sc*/ 10. Though Reitz and Waller were duds as Cubs, Durham put together several good seasons for the Cubs, so it wasnt a terrible trade. @media only screen and (min-width:568px){.kwDmpG{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex:1;-webkit-flex-grow:1;-ms-flex-positive:1;flex-grow:1;margin-right:8px;}}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:500px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos{-webkit-flex-basis:60%;-ms-flex-preferred-size:60%;flex-basis:60%;}}/*!sc*/ .evwvnJ p{margin-top:0;}/*!sc*/ Kevin Gausman and his Unique Splitter Grip! - YouTube article > header{padding:0 16px;}/*!sc*/ Sutter, 69, passed away on Oct. 13, 2022. How Bruce Sutter mastered the split-finger fastball - YouTube He won the National League 1979 Cy Young Award while saving 37 games for the Cubs, racked up 36 regular-season saves for the World Series-champion Cardinals in 82, tied the then-MLB record for saves in a season (45) in 1984 and closed out his 300th save on Sept. 9, 1988, for the Braves. It's shiny (even the matte finish is a bit shiny), but dries clear. data-styled.g159[id="newsletterOptinstyle__Input-sc-d7sh2p-4"]{content:"kwDmpG,"}/*!sc*/ HOF closer, pioneer of splitter Sutter dies - buffalonews.com The pitch not only led him to the Major Leagues, but also made him a Cy Young Award winner with the Cubs and a World Series Champion with the 1982 Cardinals. The final installment of $9.1 million reportedly was paid to him in 2021. Herzog also predicted when Sutter left via free agency in 1984 that he would be 25 games dumber without his trusted closer to finish off games. Once I was done playing, I walked away, Sutter said. From 2010-13, there have been about 15 starting pitchers per season who use their splitter with at least a ten percent frequency. This puts the ball out front just a bit more than a fork ball. This enables a pitcher to apply pressure to the outer-half of the ball with the index finger. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular.woff') format('woff');font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo a,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo a{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;-webkit-box-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;}/*!sc*/ Anyone can read what you share. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Pitching Grips - How To Grip And Throw Different Baseball Pitches .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav{background-color:#081c3b;width:145px;-ms-overflow-style:none;}/*!sc*/ He missed the entire 1987 season before posting a career-worst 1-4 record in 1988 while dealing with ongoing shoulder problems. data-styled.g20[id="imagestyle__ImageWrapper-sc-xw1tzz-0"]{content:"evGxub,cWQXyp,"}/*!sc*/ A firm grip causes friction, which causes the baseball to change direction, usually "backing up" - or running in - to the throwing hand side of the plate. Why Billy Bob Thornton Regrets Trying to Catch a Bruce Sutter Splitter As mentioned above, a splitter is thrown with a pitcher's two fingers split apart by the baseball. It includes the Cubs coming back on the field to celebrate with fans, something rarely done in that era. Im not even saying theres proven data that a split-finger hurts somebody, but its always in the back of your mind or in the back of their mind that this might not be a good idea and lets work on a changeup instead.. .dLQAwR .contributor__text--twitter{font-size:0.8rem;font-weight:600;}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black.woff') format('woff');font-style:normal;font-weight:900;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ A split-finger fastball is thrown with the same arm-action of a regular fastball, but the pitchers index and middle finger are spread wide to cradle the ball. .ihHuHi{font-size:19px;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:8px;}/*!sc*/ Do you know how to throw a split-finger fastball? .ebrWqN{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;background-color:#f3f3f3;border-radius:50%;-webkit-border-radius:50%;}/*!sc*/ Theyll never develop their other pitches because theyll always get guys out with that pitch.. However, as with all off-speed pitches, the arm speed and mechanics of your pitching delivery have to be the same as your fastball. Kaat said he and Sutter talked often during their two-year stint together in St. Louis about the split-fingered fastball, and how it saved the latters career. Bruce Sutter, Hall of Fame Splitters (and Grip). - twitter.com .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container__primary{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;width:100%;padding:0px;}/*!sc*/ You can just take your fingers and the more you put them apart, the more you put stress on the elbow, the Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson said. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span{display:block;position:absolute;height:2px;width:24px;background:#ffffff;opacity:1;-webkit-transform:rotate(0deg);-ms-transform:rotate(0deg);transform:rotate(0deg);-webkit-transition:all 250ms ease-in-out;transition:all 250ms ease-in-out;border-radius:3px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .mlb-header__login-menu{border-color:#057AFF;}/*!sc*/ ), Here's how it works: Grip a baseball leaving the index finger off like you were pointing at something. Every young kid who dreams of pitching in the major leagues has imagined himself striking out the batter to end the seventh game of the World Series, Sutter said. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium.woff') format('woff');font-weight:500;font-style:normal;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ Bruce Sutter passed away today, aged 69, confirmed by the Cardinals official Twitter account: We are saddened over the passing of Bruce Sutter.Sutter was a dominant pitcher and a member of the '82 World Series Championship team.He is a member of both the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Cardinals Hall of Fame.Our thoughts are with Bruce's family and friends.