Pie-Thrower

Written byNick Gilden Hours Last Updated on Categories Baseball

What is a Pie Thrower in Baseball?

A pitcher is termed a “pie-thrower” when they grip the ball with their palm excessively underneath instead of positioning their fingers atop the ball. This technique resembles the motion of tossing a pie and can lead to undue strain on the pitcher’s elbow and shoulder joints.

The imagery evoked is of someone lobbing a pie, which suggests a less-than-ideal, arching pitch that lacks the velocity or spin typical of a professionally thrown baseball. This unorthodox grip, with the palm underneath the ball and fingers not ideally placed on top, can cause the pitched ball to travel in a flatter trajectory, making it easier for batters to read and hit.

Moreover, this technique may cause the pitch to lose speed and sink more quickly, diminishing its effectiveness. From a physiological standpoint, this manner of pitching is not just mechanically unsound; it creates abnormal stress on the pitcher’s arm, particularly on the elbow and shoulder, heightening the risk of injury. This label is generally not a term of endearment or one aspiring pitchers would want to earn, as it implies a need for improved technique and mechanics to prevent injury and improve performance on the mound.

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.