Brushback pitch
A brushback pitch is a special pitch (throw) of the pitcher in baseball . Here, the pitcher intentionally aims just next to the body of the opposing batsman to get him to stand further away from the 43 centimeter wide home plate on the next throw and thus "brush back".
The pitcher's intention is to intimidate the opposing batsman. If z. For example, if a right-handed batsman hits home plate (i.e., further to the left) on the next pitch, his or her likelihood of hitting a ball that has been pitched out (i.e., to the right from his point of view) is reduced. The brushback pitch differs tactically from regular throws, as the aim is usually next to the strike zone : Therefore, it is difficult to throw a strike , but a ball (and thus a possible base on balls ) is consciously accepted. It should be emphasized that a single brushback pitch is a legitimate sporting means and a hit by pitch , in which the batsman is hit by the throw, is not desirable. However, if several brushback pitches are thrown (especially just next to the chin), the referee can warn the pitcher or even send him off.
Notorious brushback pitchers who are in the Baseball Hall of Fame included Don Drysdale and Bob Gibson . It should be noted that despite their style of play they only provoked a hit by pitch 154 or 102 times in their career . B. Hall-of-Fame pitcher Walter Johnson , who was famous for his fairness , met 205 batsmen.