Four-seam Fastball - Throwing Mechanics

Throwing Mechanics

Richard Hillhouse (also known as "The Hammer"), a former pitcher for the Louisville Bats, describes the pitch as such: "A four-seam fastball is called a four-seam fastball because when the ball is thrown the ball rotates such that there are four seams rotating in the air. This pitch typically will stay straight depending on your arm angle. Your arm angle is the angle at which your arm is when you release the ball. The lower your arm angle, the more the ball will move on this pitch and the higher the arm angle, the less the ball will move on this pitch. Grip this pitch softly, like an egg, in your fingertips. There should be a 'gap' or space between the ball and your palm. This is the key to throwing a good, hard four-seam fastball with maximal backspin and velocity: A loose grip minimizes 'friction' between your hand and the baseball. The less friction, of course, the quicker the baseball can leave your hand."