Forkball
The forkball (German: fork ball ) is a throwing technique a pitcher in baseball . Here, the ball is thrown with the same throwing motion as a fastball , but clamped in the hand between the index and middle finger, so that it approaches the opposing batsman unexpectedly slowly ( change-up ) and with a staggering motion that is difficult to calculate. This is intended to induce him to strike too early as well as to swing in the wrong place.
Well-known forkball throwers are the two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum and Hideo Nomo , the first Japanese all-star pitcher in Major League Baseball .
Web links
- Big Red Machine: Cincinnati is steamrolling toward the NLCS , ESPN.com - Article about Tim Lincecum and his forkball
- Rebel With A Forkball Jolts Us , philly.com - Article about Hideo Nomo and his forkball