Pitcher

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Klassen crosses the ball

Pitcher ( eng. Pitcher - server ) - in baseball, this is the player who throws the ball from the pitcher's slide to the house, where the catcher catches him and tries to hit the batter . In the National League and the Japanese Central League, the pitcher also hits the ball when the team plays in the attack. Since 1973, in the American League it has been allowed instead of a pitcher to bet on another player called an appointed hitter who does not play defense.

The confrontation between the pitcher and the batter is the basis of baseball, the dynamics of the game largely depend on the pitcher, and often the success or mistakes of the pitcher determine the winner of the match. In most cases, the pitcher’s task is to deliver the ball to the “house” so that the batter cannot hit the ball normally. Pitchers study the strengths and weaknesses of the hitters, trying to give exactly those innings that are difficult to beat off to a specific hitter. In addition, the pitcher must constantly monitor enemy players at the bases to prevent them from rushing to the next base during the pitch.

Pitcher - the most important role in the team, for a successful game in which the player must have good physical data and the ability to read the game. Serving takes away a lot of energy from the pitcher, and a full game usually consists of 120-170 innings of each team. Therefore, the pitcher who starts the game usually does not finish it. Also in the championships, in which the games are held almost daily, the rotation of the pitchers is used so that they can rest a few days after their game. Pitchers are divided into two main categories: start-ups , which start the game, and relievers , which come to replace during the game.

There are three main types of innings in baseball:

• Fastball (Fastball) - direct feed, in which emphasis is placed on the speed of flight of the ball, is the most common serve.
• Turning serve (Breaking ball) - the serve at which the ball moves along a curved path, which misleads the batter.
• Changeup or slowball is a direct serve, in which the ball moves slowly, which makes it difficult for the batter to choose the moment of impact.

There are variations of these innings, such as fastball with a twist. Also, pitchers in certain situations resort to unorthodox feeds, which are not very practical, but can be useful due to the effect of surprise. These feeds include throwing the ball to the base in a very high arc.