.blUWSx .share-button__link--message{position:absolute;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;height:100%;left:-105px;bottom:2px;padding:0 5px;border-radius:5px;background:#041E42;color:#ffffff;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:12px;}/*!sc*/ The irony, of course, was that Sutter used a tailing fastball to strike out Thomas when it was the split-fingered fastball that helped him become one of the games most dynamic closers. The palmball (sometimes called a palm ball or four-finger changeup) is one of two or three variations of the changeup. .mHQYb input[type='search']::-ms-clear{display:none;width:0;height:0;}/*!sc*/ html{line-height:1.15;-webkit-text-size-adjust:100%;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g21[id="imagestyle__Img-sc-xw1tzz-1"]{content:"ebrWqN,iQELft,"}/*!sc*/ Follow him on Twitter @hangingslurves. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav{border-top:solid 4px #057AFF;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos{-webkit-flex-basis:75%;-ms-flex-preferred-size:75%;flex-basis:75%;}}/*!sc*/ Odds & lines subject to change. He won the National League 1979 Cy Young Award while saving 37 games for the Cubs, racked up 36 regular-season saves for the World Series-champion Cardinals in 82, tied the then-MLB record for saves in a season (45) in 1984 and closed out his 300th save on Sept. 9, 1988, for the Braves. .hUHmCp > article .ad-top-right-container::before,.hUHmCp > article .ad-bottom-right-container::before{font-family:"proxima-nova";content:"ADVERTISEMENT";display:block;position:absolute;top:-17px;text-align:center;width:100%;color:#888888;font-size:0.694rem;line-height:13px;}/*!sc*/ header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open{position:fixed;top:0px;z-index:99992;}/*!sc*/ Sutter and the split-fingered fastball -- a pitch he learned from Cubs Minor League instructor Fred Martin following an arm surgery in 1973 -- became forever linked in the history of the game. window.appId = '' A lot of pitchers that I work with like to "touch" their pinky and thumb when gripping this pitch (as shown in the middle picture). To throw a splitter, Sutter says you do the following: "Position your thumb on the back seam and throw a fastball. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(2),.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(3){top:8px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;position:relative;z-index:99993;padding:0 14px;background-color:#041e42;box-shadow:1px 0 5px #000000;}/*!sc*/ .sczZi{border-bottom:1px solid #dddddd;border-top:1px solid #dddddd;font-size:1rem;margin:32px 16px;padding:32px 0;}/*!sc*/ But its not just about them getting hurt. .mHQYb .p-search-item__image-thumbnail--team{margin:0 auto 0 0.25rem;height:40px;width:45px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo{-webkit-flex:0 1 auto;-ms-flex:0 1 auto;flex:0 1 auto;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;text-align:left;height:56px;padding:0 16px 0 0;}/*!sc*/ Because of its deceptively slower velocity and sharp drop, a splitter is designed to get the hitter's bat ahead of the pitch and induce weak contact. Splitters are also thrown with the same minimal wrist action as a fastball, unlike the wrist-snap used for a forkball. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Jamye, and his children.. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ Sutter, 69, passed away on Oct. 13, 2022. .blLcNM .content >:nth-last-child(2){border:none;margin-right:auto;padding-right:48px;}/*!sc*/ Pitch counts and five-man rotations are recent developments aimed at preserving those valuable commodities. Eighteen years later, Sutter received a call in January from the Baseball Writers Association of America, informing him of his election to the Hall of Fame. "I knew Bruce deeper than just about any other teammate. data-styled.g156[id="newsletterOptinstyle__Fieldset-sc-d7sh2p-1"]{content:"HQoYx,"}/*!sc*/ Some baseball pitchers may find it more helpful to place their index finger along the seam of the baseball since the index finger is the one from which the slider is thrown. data-styled.g166[id="Styles__VideoPlayerContainer-t94iyc-0"]{content:"XOHMa,"}/*!sc*/ ST. LOUIS -- Bruce Sutter, the Hall of Famer who revolutionized the closer position and the split-fingered fastball and clinched the St. Louis Cardinals' 1982 World Series title 40 years ago this week, passed away at the age of 69 near his home in Cartersville, Ga., on Thursday. Build functional strength the right way. @media (min-width:1024px){.hUHmCp > article{margin:auto;max-width:967px;}.hUHmCp > article > section{grid-column:1 / span 8;}.hUHmCp > article > aside{display:block;grid-column:9 / 13;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .icon{display:inline-block;-webkit-align-self:center;-ms-flex-item-align:center;align-self:center;line-height:20px;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g158[id="newsletterOptinstyle__Message-sc-d7sh2p-3"]{content:"evwvnJ,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__content,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams{padding:8px;}/*!sc*/ If you think about it, every five days, throwing it 25 times isnt too bad not abusing it.. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. The first day I threw it Id get it to break, not every time, but you [could] see the signs of it that it was going to be something special. He is a member of both teams Halls of Fame. How To Grip And Throw A Knuckle Curveball. .mHQYb .p-search{display:block;position:relative;color:#333333;width:inherit;}/*!sc*/ progress{vertical-align:baseline;}/*!sc*/ It also slightly reduces the speed of the pitch, which is why most two-seamers register about 1 to 3 mph slower than four-seam fastballs. It was his 13th time on the ballot, and the player who had once known for taking the mound with little emotion was suddenly overcome. Sutter recorded 23 saves in 1985 before injuries began to curtail his career. I feel like a brother passed away," said Sutter's teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Jim Kaat. data-styled.g167[id="Styles__StoryPartContainer-sc-1mfrmm0-0"]{content:"groqnz,"}/*!sc*/ He was within about 30 minutes of getting released., Bruce Sutter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. Once I was done playing, I walked away, Sutter said. Anyone can read what you share. A split-finger fastball (sometimes called a splitter or splitty) is an advanced pitch. check out my proven programs for pitchers of all ages, How to grip and throw a four-seam fastball, How to grip and throw a two-seam fastball, How to grip and throw a three-finger changeup, How to grip and throw a palmball (palm ball), How to grip and throw a beginners curveball, How to grip and throw a straight curveball, How to grip and throw a knuckle curveball, How to grip and throw a split-finger fastball, check out my proven programsfor pitchers of all ages. All the #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news you can use, four days a week. data-styled.g154[id="newsletterLogostyle__NewsletterLogoContainer-sc-j5dgcz-0"]{content:"bZhBFV,"}/*!sc*/ . main{display:block;}/*!sc*/ When thrown, try to manipulate the pitch to come off of the thumb-side of your index finger NOT your index- and middle-fingers, as with a two-seam fastball because a two-finger release will cause the pitch to balance out, which reduces the spin that you are looking for. .mHQYb .p-search__input--sm{font-size:12px;height:30px;min-width:150px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__team--name{display:none;}/*!sc*/ .ebrWqN:-moz-loading{color:#f3f3f3;}/*!sc*/ #react-header{width:100%;}/*!sc*/ Sutter rarely threw his splitter for a strike, but it was difficult for hitters to lay off. Sutter, a National Baseball Hall of Famer and one of 14 people to have their number retired by the Cardinals, was most recently at Busch Stadium on April 7 for the teams annual Opening Day festivities. Then, of course, this pitching grip is the next step. He would win both awards again in 1981, 1982 and 1984. During his career, he fought through devastating elbow and shoulder injuries and underwent three surgeries, yet retained his calm demeanor and ability to stay poised under pressure as he became the first pitcher to lead the National League in saves five times. .mHQYb .p-search__list{z-index:50;min-width:250px;border-radius:6px;-webkit-mask-image:-webkit-radial-gradient(#ffffff,#000000);}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo--with-sponsor,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo--with-sponsor,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo--with-tagline,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo--with-tagline{display:none;}/*!sc*/ He finished with a 1.34 (!) And he'd throw the fastball just enough to keep them guessing. Sutter was a dominant pitcher and a member. Sutter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006 after several good years with the Cardinals and Braves, with a total of 300 career saves that now ranks tied for 30th in MLB history. .kKeedG{color:#057AFF;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:none;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g122[id="Styles__HeadlineContainer-sc-19rm04l-0"]{content:"dMKvOx,"}/*!sc*/ @media only screen and (min-width:568px){.hYmwpY{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}}/*!sc*/ A split-finger fastball is thrown with the same arm-action of a regular fastball, but the pitchers index and middle finger are spread wide to cradle the ball. Sutter and the split-fingered fastball -- a pitch he learned from Cubs Minor League instructor Fred Martin following an arm surgery in 1973 -- became forever linked in the history of the game. pitch is generally not thrown for strikes, but to coax a swing and miss. .blUWSx .share-list__item{position:absolute;}/*!sc*/ Using the pitch that replicated a fastball before dropping out of the strike zone, Sutter racked up 31 saves in his first full season in 1977, 27 more in 78 and 37 in 79 with a 2.22 ERA to beat out Joe Niekro for the Cy Young Award. Sutter played 12 seasons in the big leagues from 1976-88, including four years with St. Louis, before being elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006 as the first pitcher inducted without ever starting a game. It should be placedonthe baseball as opposed to pointed at a target. The straight curveball (or "overhand curveball") is one of the most common breaking ball grips. The ball will typically slow down 8-10 mph by the time it reaches the front of the plate. He. This enforces the splitters downward movement. @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav{opacity:0;display:none;left:-9999px;position:absolute;margin:0px;-webkit-transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;pointer-events:initial;border-top:solid 4px #002867;border-radius:0 0 6px 6px;box-shadow:0px 0px 14px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__content{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__item,.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{padding:11px 8px;white-space:nowrap;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__item:not(.header__subnav--teams__team),.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{display:block;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group{-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__subnav__group-title{background-color:#ffffff;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item{position:relative;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item:hover .header__nav-top__nav-item__text,.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item[aria-expanded='true'] .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true']{border-bottom:none;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true']::after{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__subnav{display:block;opacity:1;top:52px;left:0px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-closed .header__nav-top__nav-container .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent[aria-expanded='true'] .header__subnav--pin-to-right{right:0;left:auto;}}/*!sc*/ Keep your index and middle fingers extended upward; wrist should remain stiff. @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-club],.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-microsite]{background-image:linear-gradient( #002D72 50%, #041E42 50% );}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight{background-color:#333333;}/*!sc*/ Sutter failed to convert a save in his final outing of the 1984 season, leaving him tied with Royals closer Dan Quisenberry for the then-MLB record of 45 saves. b,strong{font-weight:bolder;}/*!sc*/ [type="search"]::-webkit-search-decoration{-webkit-appearance:none;}/*!sc*/ Statistics courtesy of FanGraphs, Brooks Baseball and Baseball Heat Maps, Chris Moran is a former college baseball player and current law student at Washington University in St. Louis. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline--no-sponsor{margin-right:0;}/*!sc*/ .hspSPq:hover{cursor:pointer;background-color:#0462CC;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo img{min-height:40px;max-height:40px;}}/*!sc*/ body{margin:0;}/*!sc*/ But in a Roger Kahn / Bruce Sutter interview in Kahn's book,The Head Game: Baseball Seen from the Pitcher's Mound, he points out that this is not the case. Bruce Sutter, one of the best splitter pitchers in the history of the game, says that it is very important to put your thumb on the back seam, not the front seam. @media (min-width:1024px){.sczZi{margin-left:0;margin-right:0;}}/*!sc*/ He was a conventional pitcher, but it was Fred Martin with the Cubs who came up with the idea [to throw the splitter] because Bruce had big hands and he could really wedge that ball between his fingers, Kaat remembered. @media only screen and (min-width:568px){.kwDmpG{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex:1;-webkit-flex-grow:1;-ms-flex-positive:1;flex-grow:1;margin-right:8px;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-url-logos{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}/*!sc*/