Eephus Pitch
What is the definition of Eephus Pitch in Baseball?
The Eephus pitch in baseball is an unconventional off-speed pitch known for its distinctive high arc and low velocity. This pitch is designed to catch the batter off guard with its unexpected speed and trajectory. Thrown overhand like traditional pitches, the Eephus pitch stands out due to its loftiness, resembling something more akin to a slow-pitch softball toss than a standard baseball throw.
As a rarity in professional play, its effectiveness hinges on its surprise factor and the pitcher’s ability to disrupt the hitter’s timing.
Deployed sparingly by pitchers, the Eephus pitch typically approaches the plate at a velocity significantly lower than other pitches. It is often used as a strategic weapon, creating a stark contrast to the pitcher’s regular repertoire and challenging the hitter’s patience and discipline at the plate. The pitch’s unusual appearance and flight path make it a topic of interest and debate among baseball enthusiasts, with some considering it a serious strategy and others viewing it as more of a novelty.
Eephus Pitch Fundamentals
The Eephus pitch in baseball is renowned for its low speed and high arc, designed to catch hitters off guard.
Definition and Origin
The Eephus pitch is a type of off-speed pitch that is thrown occasionally in baseball. It is distinct from other pitches due to its arcing trajectory and significantly lower velocity, typically ranging between 35 to 55 mph. The origin of the term “Eephus” is somewhat whimsical; it is believed to have been coined by outfielder Maurice Van Robays in the 1940s when referring to Rip Sewell’s high-arcing pitch, implying that it didn’t have enough speed to break a pane of glass.
Characteristics and Mechanics
Velocity:
- An average major league fastball is around 90 mph, while an Eephus usually hovers around 35 to 55 mph.
Trajectory:
- An Eephus pitch is released with a high arc, often resembling a slow-pitch softball, which sends the ball toward the plate at an unusual angle compared to standard pitches.
Deception:
- The primary purpose is to disrupt the timing of the hitter, making it a psychological tool as much as a physical one.
Mechanics:
- Pitchers use a deliberate, slower arm speed while maintaining a standard pitching motion to not tip off the hitter. Unlike most pitches, the Eephus does not rely on spin to create movement, but rather on its lob-like path and unpredictability.
Contextual Use in Baseball Games
In Major League Baseball, the Eephus pitch emerges as a strategic anomaly, thrown infrequently to catch batters off guard with its deceptive speed and arc.
Strategic Implementation
Pitchers occasionally incorporate the Eephus pitch into their repertoire to disrupt a hitter’s timing and create uncertainty at the plate. Its effectiveness relies on its stark contrast to the routinely faster pitches, and it is often used in situations where a surprising element can be advantageous. Unlike regular pitches that hitters may anticipate, the Eephus’ slower velocity and higher trajectory can lead to unexpected strikes when the batter is unprepared.
Notable Instances
- Brock Holt’s Slow Surprise: On August 7, 2021, utility player Brock Holt, pitching for the Texas Rangers, threw an Eephus pitch registering at mere 31.1 mph, marking it as the slowest MLB pitch called a strike since at least 2008.
- Rip Sewell’s Innovation: Named by outfielder Maurice Van Robays, the pitch gained prominence through Pittsburgh Pirate Rip Sewell, a pioneer in using the Eephus extensively during games in the 1940s.
These instances highlight the Eephus pitch as a rare, yet memorable, strategic play within baseball games.
