Definition

Noun: A type of pitch in baseball that is deliberately thrown with significantly less velocity than a fastball, intended to disrupt the batter's timing and expectations.

Usage

An "off-speed pitch" is a strategic pitch used to deceive a batter. The primary purpose is to contrast with a pitcher's typical fastball speed, causing the batter to swing too early. It is a category that includes specific pitch types like changeups and curveballs.

Examples

• The pitcher's best off-speed pitch is his circle changeup.
• After throwing two fastballs, he surprised the hitter with a devastating off-speed pitch.
• Batters must learn to recognize an off-speed pitch out of the pitcher's hand.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to a "fastball" or "heater." A common strategic sequence is "setting up" the off-speed pitch by throwing fastballs first.
• It can be used attributively (functioning like an adjective) in phrases like "off-speed stuff" (referring to a pitcher's collection of slower pitches) or "off-speed offering."

Variants and Related Words

• Changeup (n): A common type of off-speed pitch designed to look like a fastball but arrive much slower.
• Curveball (n): A pitch that breaks downward, often thrown with less velocity than a fastball, making it another classic off-speed pitch.
• Breaking ball (n): A pitch that moves laterally or vertically; most breaking balls are considered off-speed pitches.

Synonyms

• Slow pitch (n): A less technical term emphasizing the reduced velocity.
• Change of pace (n): A phrase highlighting the pitch's role in altering timing.

Related Phrases

• To throw someone off speed: This phrase describes the act of using an off-speed pitch or any change in pace to disrupt timing.
  • The pitcher threw the powerful hitter off speed with a series of changeups.

Noun

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