Definition

Noun: * A slow pitch in baseball: A type of pitch, such as a changeup, that is deliberately thrown much slower than a fastball. Its purpose is to disrupt the batter's timing, as the batter is typically expecting a much faster pitch.

Usage

This term is used specifically in the context of baseball to describe a strategic pitching tactic. It is often used interchangeably with "changeup" or "off-speed pitch," though "change-of-pace ball" explicitly highlights the contrast in speed.

Examples

• The pitcher's most effective weapon was his change-of-pace ball, which left the batters swinging early.
• After throwing two fastballs, he fooled the hitter with a perfect change-of-pace ball.
• A good change-of-pace ball looks like a fastball when it leaves the pitcher's hand but arrives at the plate much slower.

Advanced Usage

• "To throw a change-of-pace": This is a common verbal phrase where "ball" is implied but often omitted.
  • The catcher signaled for him to throw a change-of-pace on the next pitch.

Variants and Related Words

• Changeup (n.): The more common modern term for a change-of-pace ball.
• Off-speed pitch (n.): A broader category of pitches that are slower than a fastball, which includes the changeup, curveball, and slider.
• Fastball (n.): The standard, high-velocity pitch that a change-of-pace ball is designed to contrast with.

Synonyms

• Changeup
• Off-speed pitch (in context)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To change pace: While not exclusive to baseball, in a pitching context, it refers to the act of varying pitch speeds to keep batters off balance.
  • A successful pitcher must know how to change pace effectively.

Noun

1. a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball