Can You Pitch Underhand in Baseball?

Written byNick Gilden Hours Last Updated on Categories Baseball

In the realm of baseball, the art of pitching is a central element of the game, with a rich history that dates back to its early days. Initially, baseball pitching was predominantly underhand, a style that prevailed until overhand throwing was permitted in 1884. This transition heralded a new era in baseball, making overhand pitching the standard due to its velocity and the strategic advantage it offered pitchers over batters.

Despite the dominance of overhand pitching in modern baseball, the rules of the game still accommodate underhand pitching. It is perfectly legal to pitch underhand, though it is a rarity at the professional level. The mechanics and outcomes of underhand pitching differ significantly from the overhand technique. Underhand pitching is often associated with softball, where it is the standard method of delivery. In baseball, although legal, underhand pitches are infrequent and typically seen as less competitive against the faster overhand pitches.

The legality of underhand pitching opens up intriguing discussions about its strategic use in baseball. While the approach may offer some advantages in terms of control and the potential to unsettle batters with an unexpected delivery, it also poses challenges. The slower speed and different trajectory of underhand pitches can make them easier for skilled batters to hit. However, under specific circumstances and with a pitcher skilled in the technique, underhand pitching could provide a unique strategic twist in a game dominated by overhand throws.

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Rules of Pitching in Baseball

Major League Baseball regulations provide clear directives on pitching, outlining permissible motions and techniques pitchers may employ during a game.

Official Rules

According to the Official Baseball Rules, a legal baseball pitch is one delivered towards home plate while the pitcher has one foot on the pitcher’s rubber. The rules permit a pitcher to throw the ball using either an overhand or underhand motion.

Overhand Pitching

  • The ball is thrown with a motion where the pitcher’s arm is above the shoulder level.

Underhand Pitching

  • The pitcher delivers the ball with their arm below the shoulder level, as seen in softball.

Key Points:

  • The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.
  • The windup and set positions are the two legal pitching positions that determine how a pitch may be delivered.
  • Balks are closely monitored, with specific movements considered illegal during a pitch.

Common Practices

Despite the legality of both styles, overhand pitching is the predominant method used in baseball, with underhand pitches seldom seen due to strategic disadvantages.

Overhand:

  • Higher velocity: Pitches tend to be faster.
  • Greater variety: Allows for a wider range of pitch types.

Underhand:

  • Seldom used: Rarely seen in modern professional baseball.
  • Strategic disadvantage: Typically results in slower pitches, which can be easier for batters to hit.

Underhand Pitching Techniques

Underhand pitching in baseball involves a distinctive set of skills that differ from the more common overhand pitching style. Mastery of grip and delivery coupled with strategic usage are essential for effective underhand pitching.

Grip and Delivery

Underhand pitching begins with the grip. The pitcher should hold the baseball with the fingertips, not deep in the palm, to maximize control and spin. Specifically, they may use a four-seam grip, with the fingers across the seams to promote a straighter pitch, or a two-seam grip for movement.

In terms of delivery, the pitcher’s arm swings back and then forward in a pendulum motion, remaining below the shoulder level throughout the pitch. The pitcher should maintain a consistent arm speed and release the ball at the lowest point of the swing to ensure accuracy and deceive the batter.

Strategies and Usage

Pitchers employ underhand pitching primarily in certain leagues where it’s permissible or in casual play to throw off the hitter’s timing. A pitcher might use an underhand pitch to disrupt a batter’s rhythm, as it presents a different angle and speed compared to traditional pitches.

  • Situational Use: It is strategic to use underhand tosses in specific scenarios, such as a surprise pitch to an overly aggressive batter expecting a fast pitch.
  • Effectiveness: To make underhand pitching effective, pitchers often mix in different pitch types like curves or sliders, adjusting the wrist angle upon release for ball movement.

The use of underhand pitching in baseball is rare at professional levels due to its limited velocity and the higher skill of batters. However, in scenarios where it is utilized, understanding the nuances of grip and delivery, as well as when to strategically integrate it into the game, can be beneficial for a pitcher.

Comparison of Underhand and Overhand Pitching

In comparing underhand and overhand pitching, the focus will be on the effectiveness and speed of each technique, as well as the implications for player injuries and longevity.

Effectiveness and Speed

Underhand pitching typically results in slower pitch speeds compared to overhand pitching. The slower speeds can be attributed to the biomechanics of the underhand motion, which does not allow for the same level of force generation. While overhand pitches can reach speeds well above 90 mph, underhand pitches are generally softer and thrown at a lower velocity. Despite this, some batters find underhand pitches challenging due to the atypical release point and ball trajectory.

Injuries and Longevity

Overhand pitching is associated with a higher risk of injuries, particularly to the shoulder and elbow, due to the high stresses placed on these joints. Common injuries include rotator cuff tears and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries, which sometimes necessitate surgical intervention such as Tommy John surgery. In contrast, underhand pitching is often considered less taxing on the arm, potentially contributing to greater longevity in the careers of pitchers who utilize this style. However, it is less commonly seen in professional baseball due to the widespread preference and effectiveness of overhand pitching.

I'm Nick, a professional researcher & writer by day and a die-hard baseball fan by night. I have a deep love and knowledge of the game and love sharing it with others. I've been involved in baseball in one way or another for as long as I can remember - playing the game on an amateur level since I was a kid, writing about the game for my college newspaper, and now working with some of the biggest names in baseball media.