Why Almost Every Pitch in Baseball is Called a Breaking Ball

In baseball, the term 'breaking ball' is often misused or misunderstood. Breaking balls are those pitches that deviate from the straight-line trajectory of a fastball. They are typically characterized by a grip and throwing technique that causes the ball to spin, resulting in movement. In this article, we will explore the different types of breaking balls, their uses, and why nearly every pitch in baseball falls under this category.

Types of Breaking Balls

Breaking balls come in various types, each with its unique grip and spin. The main types include:

Curveball: This pitch involves a grip that causes the ball to spin, resulting in a sharp downward break. It's often slower than a fastball and can be challenging to hit. Slider: The slider has a similar grip to the fastball but tends to break more horizontally. It is faster than a curveball, often in the 80-90 mph range. Sinker: This pitch is designed to sink into the dirt. It is typically thrown with a downward motion, potentially resulting in a ground ball.

Deception and Effectiveness

Breaking balls are effective because they deceive batters. The movement can make it difficult for hitters to judge the ball's trajectory, leading to swings and misses or weak contact. Pitchers often rely on these pitches to keep batters off balance and disrupt their timing.

Pitching Strategy

Many pitchers incorporate breaking balls into their repertoire. They may use them to vary their pitch selection, disrupt a batter's timing, and induce ground balls. By throwing a mix of fastballs and breaking balls, pitchers can keep hitters guessing.

Frequency of Use

While not every pitch is a breaking ball, they are commonly used in various situations, especially in key counts like 2-2 or 3-2. This makes them a crucial part of a pitcher's strategy. Even pitches like changeups can be considered off-speed versions of breaking balls, as they are designed to disrupt the hitter's timing.

Terminology and Broadcast Descriptions

The term 'breaking ball' can be somewhat misleading. In reality, any pitch that deviates from a straight line can be referred to as a breaking ball. Some pitchers are so skilled that their fastballs and changeups can mimic the movement of breaking balls. In broadcast booths, it can be challenging to determine the exact pitch being thrown. Instead of specifying the exact type (e.g., curveball, slider), commentators often simply describe it as a 'breaking ball' or an 'off-speed pitch.' This simplifies communication and avoids confusion.

Additionally, different individuals may have different interpretations of the same pitch. What one person might call a slider, another might describe as a curve. The term 'breaking ball' serves as a general descriptor that covers a wide range of off-speed pitches, making it the most versatile and commonly used term.

Overall, while not every pitch is a breaking ball, their significance in pitching strategy and their effectiveness at deceiving batters contribute to their prominence in baseball.