Pitching Techniques: What is a sinker? Why do pitchers use it to get ground balls?

Introduction to Our Baseball Series

Welcome to our baseball technique series! In these articles, we explore different positions, skills, and strategies that make baseball such an exciting sport. Whether you're a young player learning the game or a fan wanting to understand what you're watching, we'll break down baseball concepts into simple explanations. Today, we're focusing on a special pitch called the sinker!

What Is a Sinker?

A sinker is a type of pitch in baseball that looks like a fastball but moves downward as it approaches home plate. While a regular fastball tends to travel in a straight line, a sinker "sinks" or drops suddenly. This downward movement makes it very hard for batters to hit the ball in the air.

The sinker is thrown with a special grip. The pitcher places their fingers along the seams of the baseball in a way that creates downward movement when thrown. When thrown correctly, it can look like the ball is falling off a table as it reaches the batter!

Why Do Pitchers Use Sinkers?

Getting Ground Balls

The main reason pitchers love throwing sinkers is that they cause batters to hit ground balls. When a batter hits a sinker, the downward movement of the ball makes it difficult to lift into the air. Instead, batters often hit the top of the ball, sending it bouncing toward the infield.

Ground balls are easier for the defense to handle than fly balls or line drives. They can lead to double plays (when the defense gets two outs on one play), which helps pitchers get out of tough situations quickly.

Saving Energy

Sinker pitchers don't always try to strike out every batter. Instead, they let batters hit the ball, but in a way that makes it easy for their teammates to field. This approach can help pitchers throw fewer pitches and stay in games longer.

Real-Life Sinker Stars

Many successful pitchers have used sinkers to have great careers. Marcus Stroman is known for his excellent sinker that creates tons of ground balls. Zack Britton became one of baseball's best relief pitchers by throwing his sinker almost all the time!

In the past, pitchers like Roy Halladay and Derek Lowe used their sinkers to win lots of games and earn the respect of batters across baseball.

A Day in the Life of a Sinker

Imagine a pitcher named Jack playing in an important game. The bases are loaded with only one out. Jack needs to get the batter to hit into a double play to end the inning without giving up any runs. He decides to throw his best pitch - the sinker.

As Jack releases the ball, it looks like a normal fastball heading right down the middle. The batter swings hard, but the ball suddenly drops just before reaching home plate. The batter hits the top of the ball, sending it bouncing toward the shortstop. The shortstop fields the ball, steps on second base, and throws to first base. Double play! Jack's sinker just saved the day.

Learning to Throw a Sinker

Young pitchers often start with learning basic fastballs before trying a sinker. The sinker requires good control and a proper grip to make the ball move correctly. Coaches usually recommend that players master their regular fastball first, then work with a pitching coach to develop a sinker as they get older.

Conclusion

The sinker is a valuable pitch that helps pitchers succeed by causing batters to hit ground balls. Its distinctive downward movement makes it unique among pitches and a challenge for batters to hit. Next time you watch a baseball game, see if you can spot pitchers using their sinkers to get those important ground ball outs!