Slider (pitch): Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Sliderillustration.png|thumb|150px|A common grip used to throw a slider]] |
[[Image:Sliderillustration.png|thumb|150px|A common grip used to throw a slider]] |
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In [[baseball]], a '''slider''' is a [[breaking ball]] |
In [[baseball]], a '''slider''' is a type of [[breaking ball]], a pitch that moves or "breaks" as it approaches the batter. Due to the grip and wrist motion, the slider typically exhibits more lateral movement when compared to other breaking balls, such as the [[curveball]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Slider (SL) {{!}} Glossary |url=https://www.mlb.com/glossary/pitch-types/slider |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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The slider is generally among the fastest breaking balls, commonly ranging {{convert|80|to|90|mph|kph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baseball pitches illustrated {{!}} Lokesh Dhakar |url=https://lokeshdhakar.com/baseball-pitches-illustrated/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=lokeshdhakar.com}}</ref> A variation of the slider, known as the '''sweeper''', is characterized as being slightly slower, but having more lateral movement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sweeper (ST) {{!}} Glossary |url=https://www.mlb.com/glossary/pitch-types/sweeper |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> Pitches that exhibit qualities similar to that of both a slider and a curveball are referred to as a [[slurve]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Slurve (SV) {{!}} Glossary |url=https://www.mlb.com/glossary/pitch-types/slurve |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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The break on the pitch is shorter than that of the curveball, and the release technique is 'between' those of a curveball and a fastball. The slider is similar to the [[cutter (baseball)|cutter]], a fastball pitch, but is more of a [[breaking ball]] than the cutter. The slider is also known as a '''yakker''' or a '''snapper'''. |
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== Grip and action == |
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==Slider continuum== |
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The grip for a slider is characterized as being similar to that of a fastball.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Slider 101: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Pitch |url=https://pitchlogic.com/blogs/slider-101-everything-you-need-to-know-to-master-the-pitch |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=pitchlogic.com |language=en}}</ref> Like all pitches, the grip can take many different forms, with slight variations between pitchers suiting their individual preferences. A common feature in most slider grips is the index and middle finger being in close proximity to each other.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://help.drivelinebaseball.com/portal/en/kb/articles/pitch-grips-sliders |title=Pitch Grips: Sliders |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Driveline Baseball}}</ref> |
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{{refimprove section|date=July 2013}}Depending on velocity, a pitch can fall anywhere on the continuum from "fastball" to "slider": |
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* [[fastball]] » [[Cutter (baseball)|cut fastball]] » hard slider » slider » [[slurve]] |
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** cut fastball: {{convert|3|–|5|mph}} slower than fastball |
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** hard slider: {{convert|5|–|7|mph}} slower than fastball |
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** slider: {{convert|7|–|9|mph}} slower than fastball |
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The associated wrist motion often contributes a large amount to the pitch's movement, and is characterized by a more [[Supinator muscle|supine]] positioning upon release. Like many other breaking balls, this motion can cause significant strain on the arm, and thus is not recommended for players under the age of 13.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MLB {{!}} Pitch Smart {{!}} Pitching Guidelines {{!}} Ages 9-12 |url=https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines/ages-9-12 |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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The difference between a slider and curveball is that the curveball delivery includes a downward yank on the ball as it is released in addition to the lateral spin applied by the slider grip. The slider is released off the index finger, while the curveball is released off the middle finger. If the pitcher is snapping his wrist as he throws, and the movement is more downward than sideways, then he is probably throwing a curveball or slurve, and not a true "slider". |
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== Effects == |
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It is important when throwing a slider, or any breaking pitch in baseball, not to come "around" the baseball. When the pitcher "comes around" the ball, the pitcher puts extra tension on his pitching arm to throw that pitch. A slider is thrown with a regular arm motion, just like a [[fastball]], and, ideally, the slider's velocity is only slightly lower than the pitcher's fastball. Thus, an effective slider can initially look like a fastball to the hitter. Slider movement is a direct result of the fingertip pressure and grip. The pitcher may visualize throwing his fingers at the catcher in order to improve follow through and finish the pitching motion. |
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The slider will typically move laterally towards the pitcher's glove-side. For example, when thrown by a right-handed pitcher, from the pitcher's perspective, the pitch will "slide" from the right (the ''arm-side'') to the left (the ''glove-side''). When thrown by a left-handed pitcher, the pitch breaks in the opposite direction, moving from the left to the right. |
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In recent years, pitches known as '''sweepers''' have arisen that are comparable to sliders, only with more horizontal movement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-25 |title=What is a sweeper? A look at the pitch taking over MLB |url=https://apnews.com/article/sweeper-pitch-baseball-4a18c6f077c7cc3c062dc9e13519174f |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Notable slider pitchers== |
==Notable slider pitchers== |
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{{More citations needed section|date=November 2023}} |
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A Hall of Fame pitcher famous for his slider was lefty [[Steve Carlton]] {{cn|date=September 2022}}. Right-handed pitcher [[David Cone]] was famous for his slider, which he was able to use many different ways, as was [[Bob Gibson]] of the Cardinals{{cn|date=September 2022}}. To right-handed batters, Cone would throw it to hook sharply outside the strike zone, getting hitters to chase and miss it. He threw the pitch from various arm angles to further confuse the hitter{{cn|date=September 2022}}. Cone's slider was also a strikeout pitch to left-handed hitters, throwing it to curve back over the outside corner and catch the hitter looking{{cn|date=September 2022}}. Hall of Fame reliever [[Dennis Eckersley]] had an effective slider, but when he tried to strike out [[Kirk Gibson]] with a backdoor slider in the first game of the 1988 World Series, Gibson was [[List of baseball jargon (S)#sitting on a pitch|sitting]] on that exact pitch and hit a game-winning home run.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/playoffs/2008-10-06-gibson-88homer_N.htm| title=Kirk Gibson's 1988 home run still a World Series highlight| last=Lopresti| first=Mike| date=October 8, 2008| work=USA Today}}</ref> [[Joe Carter]] ended the [[1993 World Series]] with a home run on a slider thrown by [[Mitch Williams]]{{cn|date=September 2022}}. [[John Smoltz]] rode his remarkable slider to a Hall of Fame career; it would come in looking like a fastball over the plate, then break sharply out of the strike zone{{cn|date=September 2022}}. [[Brad Lidge]] featured a slider in his perfect season as a closer in 2008, and used the pitch to strike out the final batter of the 2008 World Series for the [[Philadelphia Phillies]]{{cn|date=September 2022}}. Other top pitchers to throw a slider included [[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum|Hall of Fame]]r [[Rollie Fingers]], who used the pitch to win a [[Cy Young Award]] in 1981,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://baseballhall.org/hof/fingers-rollie |title=Hall of Famers: Fingers, Rollie |publisher=[[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum]]}} </ref> and [[Seattle Mariners]] and [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] starter [[Randy Johnson]], who nicknamed his slider "Mr. Snappy".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/exclusives/20050504/617694.html |title=El Meteoro? Not quite the same ring as Twinkletoes |first=Josh |last=Lewin |date=May 4, 2005 |work=Sporting News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012184303/http://www.sportingnews.com/exclusives/20050504/617694.html |archive-date=May 13, 2023}}</ref> At times, Johnson's slider was faster than most pitchers' fastballs{{cn|date=September 2022}}. [[Mike Jackson (right-handed pitcher)|Mike Jackson]], who tied [[Paul Assenmacher]] with the most [[games pitched]] in the 1990s (644), also threw a slider. [[Ron Guidry]] threw a slider, having learned the pitch from teammate and fellow lefty [[Sparky Lyle]]{{cn|date=September 2022}}. Shohei Ohtani throws a frisbee slider. He threw it to strike out [[Mike Trout]] and win the [[2023 World Baseball Classic championship]] for Japan.<ref>{{cite web| title=Shohei Ohtani fans Mike Trout for final out as Japan wins WBC| url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35914856/shohei-ohtani-fans-mike-trout-final-japan-wins-wbc| publisher=ESPN}}</ref> |
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Many famous pitchers have been known for their slider. Hall of Fame pitcher [[Randy Johnson]] was well-known for his unusually fast slider, which he nicknamed "Mr. Snappy".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-06-03 |title=Crasnick: Starting 9 -- Memorable moments in Big Unit's career |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&page=starting9/090603 |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Other Hall of Fame pitchers renowned for their excellent slider include [[Steve Carlton]], [[Dennis Eckersley]], [[Bob Gibson]], and [[John Smoltz]]. |
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Other pitchers with notable sliders have included: |
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[[Armando Galarraga]] threw sliders 38.9% of the time in 2008, more than any other starting pitcher in the majors, and [[Ryan Dempster]] threw them 32.9% of the time, more than any other NL starting pitcher.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=4&season=2009&month=0 |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2009 » Pitchers » Pitch Type Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball |publisher=Fangraphs.com |access-date=2012-05-27}}</ref> In 2008 [[CC Sabathia]] had the most effective slider, among major league starting pitchers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=7&season=2008&month=0 |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2008 » Pitchers » Pitch Value Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball |publisher=Fangraphs.com |access-date=2012-05-27}}</ref> [[Zack Greinke]] won the AL Cy Young award in 2009 in large part because of his slider, one of the better pitches in all of baseball.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith |first=Cameron |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/baseball-insider/2009/08/the_best_pitch_in_baseball_gre.html |title=Baseball Insider – The Best Pitch in Baseball: Greinke's Slider? |publisher=Voices.washingtonpost.com |date=August 26, 2009 |access-date=2012-05-27}}</ref> In 2011, [[Clayton Kershaw]] won the [[Major League Baseball Triple Crown|Pitching Triple Crown]] by allowing only a .117 average against his slider.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballanalytics.org/baseball-analytics-blog/2011/9/20/kershaw-and-his-evolving-slider.html |title=Kershaw and his evolving slider |first=Bill |last=Chuck |work=Baseball Analytics Blog |date=2011-09-20 |access-date=2012-05-27}}</ref> Lefty [[Chris Sale]] became known for a hard-breaking slider that consistently results in swings-and-misses by right-handed batters despite the pitch often finishing near the hitter's back foot.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nesn.com/2021/09/chris-sales-slider-as-filthy-as-ever-after-ace-returns-to-red-sox/ |title=Chris Sale's Slider As Filthy As Ever After Ace Returns To Red Sox |first=Omard |last=Marcus Kwesi |website=nese.com |date=2021-09-17 |access-date=2022-07-22}}</ref> |
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{{Div col|colwidth=15 em|content=* [[Matt Brash (baseball)|Matt Brash]] |
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* [[Dylan Cease]] |
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* [[Gerrit Cole]] |
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* [[Jacob deGrom]] |
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* [[Zack Greinke]] |
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* [[Clayton Kershaw]] |
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* [[Sparky Lyle]] |
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* [[Shohei Ohtani]] |
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* [[Chris Sale]] |
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* [[CC Sabathia]] |
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* [[Max Scherzer]] |
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* [[Spencer Strider]] |
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* [[Justin Verlander]]}} |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The innovator of the slider is debated, but some credit [[Charles Albert Bender]] as the first to use the pitch. |
The innovator of the slider is debated, but some credit [[Chief Bender|Charles Albert "Chief" Bender]] as the first to use the pitch.<ref name=Griffin/> Other players claimed to be the inventor include [[George Blaeholder]] and [[George Uhle]].<ref name=Griffin>{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=John |date=2022-08-23 |title=The New Breaking Ball on the Block: The early history of the slider |url=https://www.pinstripealley.com/2022/8/23/23316636/mlb-slider-history-charles-bender-george-blaeholder-george-uhle |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Pinstripe Alley |language=en}}</ref> |
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[[George Blaeholder]] was credited with using it with the [[St. Louis Browns]] in the 1920s, when the slider was known as a "nickel curve,"<ref name="wismag">[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/wmh/pdf/spring04.pdf "WISCONSIN Magazine of History"],''Wisconsin Historical Society Press'', Spring 2004 issue. Accessed July 8, 2007.</ref> and [[George Uhle]] and [[Harry O'Neill (pitcher)|Harry O'Neill]] have also been given credit for developing the pitch.<ref name="history">{{cite news|last1=Neyer|first1=Rob|title=Neyer: History of the slider|url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=neyer_rob&id=1786104|access-date=14 December 2017|work=[[ESPN.com]]|date=20 April 2004}}</ref> |
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More recently, New York Yankee pitcher [[Ron Guidry]] mastered the pitch to great effect in 1978 when he went 25–3 and won the Cy Young Award. It is also the name of the [[Cleveland Guardians]] mascot who was inducted into the [[Mascot Hall of Fame]]. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Latest revision as of 03:41, 30 August 2024
In baseball, a slider is a type of breaking ball, a pitch that moves or "breaks" as it approaches the batter. Due to the grip and wrist motion, the slider typically exhibits more lateral movement when compared to other breaking balls, such as the curveball.[1]
The slider is generally among the fastest breaking balls, commonly ranging 80 to 90 mph (130 to 140 km/h).[2] A variation of the slider, known as the sweeper, is characterized as being slightly slower, but having more lateral movement.[3] Pitches that exhibit qualities similar to that of both a slider and a curveball are referred to as a slurve.[4]
Grip and action
[edit]The grip for a slider is characterized as being similar to that of a fastball.[5] Like all pitches, the grip can take many different forms, with slight variations between pitchers suiting their individual preferences. A common feature in most slider grips is the index and middle finger being in close proximity to each other.[6]
The associated wrist motion often contributes a large amount to the pitch's movement, and is characterized by a more supine positioning upon release. Like many other breaking balls, this motion can cause significant strain on the arm, and thus is not recommended for players under the age of 13.[7]
Effects
[edit]The slider will typically move laterally towards the pitcher's glove-side. For example, when thrown by a right-handed pitcher, from the pitcher's perspective, the pitch will "slide" from the right (the arm-side) to the left (the glove-side). When thrown by a left-handed pitcher, the pitch breaks in the opposite direction, moving from the left to the right.
Notable slider pitchers
[edit] | This section needs additional citations for verification. (November 2023) |
Many famous pitchers have been known for their slider. Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson was well-known for his unusually fast slider, which he nicknamed "Mr. Snappy".[8] Other Hall of Fame pitchers renowned for their excellent slider include Steve Carlton, Dennis Eckersley, Bob Gibson, and John Smoltz.
Other pitchers with notable sliders have included:
History
[edit]The innovator of the slider is debated, but some credit Charles Albert "Chief" Bender as the first to use the pitch.[9] Other players claimed to be the inventor include George Blaeholder and George Uhle.[9]
References
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sliders (pitch).
- ^ "Slider (SL) | Glossary". MLB.com. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ "Baseball pitches illustrated | Lokesh Dhakar". lokeshdhakar.com. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ "Sweeper (ST) | Glossary". MLB.com. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ "Slurve (SV) | Glossary". MLB.com. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ "Slider 101: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Pitch". pitchlogic.com. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ "Pitch Grips: Sliders". Driveline Baseball. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ "MLB | Pitch Smart | Pitching Guidelines | Ages 9-12". MLB.com. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ "Crasnick: Starting 9 -- Memorable moments in Big Unit's career". ESPN.com. June 3, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ a b Griffin, John (August 23, 2022). "The New Breaking Ball on the Block: The early history of the slider". Pinstripe Alley. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
