Four-seam fastball

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A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch in baseball. It is a member of the fastball family. This pitch is gripped across the seams, in contrast to the two-seam fastball which is gripped along the seams.^[1] This pitch is known a four-seam fastball because when the ball is thrown, the ball rotates such that there are four seams rotating in the air. This pitch typically will stay straight depending on the pitcher's arm when the ball is released. The lower the pitcher's arm angle, the more the ball will move on this pitch. Conversely, the higher the arm angle, the less the ball will move on this pitch.

[edit] Throwing mechanics

According to Steve Ellis, a former pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, "A four seam fastball is called a four seam fastball because when the ball is thrown the ball rotates such that there are four seams rotating in the air. This pitch typically will stay straight depending on your arm angle. Your arm angle is the angle at which your arm is at when you release the ball. The lower your arm angle, the more the ball will move on this pitch and the higher the arm angle, the less the ball will move on this pitch. To grip the four-seam fastball, place your index and middle fingertips directly on the perpendicular seam of the baseball. The "horseshoe seam" should face into your ring finger of your throwing hand (as shown in the picture on the left). I call it the horseshoe seam simply because the seam itself looks like the shape of a horseshoe. Next, place your thumb directly beneath the baseball, resting on the smooth leather (as shown in the picture on the right). Ideally, you should rest your thumb in the center of the horseshoe seam on the bottom part of the baseball. Grip this pitch softly, like an egg, in your fingertips. There should be a "gap" or space between the ball and your palm (as shown in the middle picture). This is the key to throwing a good, hard four-seam fastball with maximal backspin and velocity: A loose grip minimizes 'friction' between your hand and the baseball. The less friction, of course, the quicker the baseball can leave your hand." ^[2].

[edit] References

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