Athletics | April 19, 2011

A Pitcher’s Grips

Four pitching grips, demonstrated by Brent Suter

From The May-June 2011 Issue

Return to main article:

Harvard southpaw Brent Suter is one of the Ivy League’s elite starters.

To throw the two-seam fastball, which has more spin and hence moves more, Brent Suter aligns his second and third fingers along the seams at the point where they are closest together. He grips the four-seam fastball, which goes faster but moves less, with the same fingers perpendicular to a seam where they are more widely spaced. The curve-ball grip puts the index and third fingers together alongside one seam, which imparts the heavy spin that curves the ball’s path when the hurler “snaps” it off at the release. The change-up grip is similar to the two-seam fastball, but with pressure applied by the third and fourth fingers and the ball resting deeper in the hand, touching the palm.

Published in the May-June 2011 print issue in the John Harvard's Journal section.

You might also like

A man in a suit stands confidently on an ice rink, smiling, with a sports arena in the background.

Rassey returns to Cambridge from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Racing driver gives a thumbs up from inside a car, wearing a helmet and safety gear.

Harvard graduate and NASCAR racer Patrick Staropoli on pedals, attention, and fearlessness.

Katie Benzan stands on a basketball court holding a ball, with a hoop in the background.

How Women Are Changing the NBA

From coaching staffs to front offices, female leaders are bringing new strategies to men’s basketball.

Most popular

Historic building entrance featuring tall columns and a rounded arch doorway.

A new proposed structure, layoffs, and a five-day-a-week in-person work mandate will take effect by fall.

An image of a doctor writing set against a background of code, representing AI

Harvard’s Arthur Kleinman reflects on what’s lost when healthcare systems prioritize efficiency.

Stone building with large windows and stairs, under a clear blue sky.

At informational town hall meetings, faculty and staff press administrators for details.

Explore More From Current Issue

Massachusetts Hall at Harvard Red brick building with a large clock on top, surrounded by green trees.

University News

With a grade inflation vote and in the courts, the University argued that it’s taking steps to change.

Katie O’Dair in academic regalia holds a ceremonial staff outdoors at a graduation ceremony.

How Katie O’Dair makes kings, comedians, and parents feel welcome on campus.

Black and white photo of Joseph Murray in a white lab coat sitting in an office.

Alumni Profiles

Nobel Prize recipient Joseph E. Murray dedicated much of his career to organ transplant surgery.