KnowraPitcherPitcherA pitcher is a player who delivers the ball toward a batter in baseball or softball, beginning each play with a pitch.BriefConnectPitch (baseball): A pitch is a ball delivered by a pitcher toward home plate for a batter to hit. It is the act that defines the pitcher’s role.Baseball: Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport in which teams alternate between batting and fielding. The pitcher’s role is defined by the rules and aims of this sport.Starting pitcher: A starting pitcher begins a game for a team and is expected to pitch multiple innings. This role puts the pitcher at the center of the game plan from the opening.Overhand throw: An overhand throw releases the ball with the arm moving above shoulder level. Baseball pitchers use overhand and sidearm deliveries, unlike softball’s standard underhand pitch.Pitching delivery: A pitching delivery is the coordinated motion a pitcher uses to throw the ball toward home plate. It links the pitcher’s mechanics to the ball’s release.Softball: Softball is a bat-and-ball sport related to baseball, typically played with a larger ball and an underhand pitching motion. The same position exists in a closely related game with distinct delivery rules.Relief pitcher: A relief pitcher enters a game after the starting pitcher or another reliever leaves. Relievers take over when a matchup, score, or workload calls for a change.Underhand pitch: An underhand pitch releases the ball with the throwing arm moving below the shoulder. It is required in fastpitch softball and distinguishes that delivery from baseball pitching.Pitch selection: Pitch selection is the choice of pitch type and location for a particular batter and situation. The pitcher varies offerings to disrupt timing and exploit weaknesses.Batter: A batter is the offensive player positioned to hit a pitch. The pitcher’s immediate opponent is the batter.Show all 21Linked from 5 pagesKickballRelated: The pitcher rolls the ball toward the kicker instead of throwing it for a bat swing.Satchel PaigeNarrower topic: Paige's career was built on pitching, the role in which his control and repertoire stood out.Cy YoungNarrower topic: Young’s fame rests on his performance in baseball’s central defensive role.Christy MathewsonNarrower topic: Mathewson’s career exemplifies how a pitcher controls a game through selection, location, and stamina.Warren SpahnNarrower topic: Spahn’s career is a prominent example of a starting pitcher’s role and workload.