.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item{color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-size:14px;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}/*!sc*/ Sutter recorded 23 saves in 1985 before injuries began to curtail his career. Today's Posts; Member List; Calendar; Forum; General Baseball; History of the Game; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. [type="checkbox"],[type="radio"]{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}/*!sc*/ The final installment of $9.1 million reportedly was paid to him in 2021. The final installment of $9.1 million reportedly was paid to him in 2021. Hall of Fame reliever Bruce Sutter, who began his career with the Cubs, revolutionized the split-finger fastball and won the 1979 National League Cy Young Award, has died. .hUHmCp > article .ad-top-right-container,.hUHmCp > article .ad-bottom-right-container{position:relative;margin-bottom:64px;min-height:250px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__image-selector{width:3px;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ This helps take speed off of the pitch. He. .hHLkAw{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ @media only screen and (min-width:568px){.hYmwpY{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}}/*!sc*/ template{display:none;}/*!sc*/ The splitter grip or split-finger fastball grip is very similar to that of the forkball, with the splitter being created based on the splitter. 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. .mHQYb .mlb-header__login-menu--open{display:block;left:auto;opacity:1;}/*!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. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos img{max-height:56px;max-width:none;}/*!sc*/ In general though, the results for these pitchers are pretty close to that of the general population of major league starting pitchers. I always thought that if thrown properly with the fingers really split like a forkball, thats when you can get hurt because theres no resistance against the ball being thrown and it really put a lot of pressure on the elbow, Rays Manager Joe Maddon said. A split-finger fastball (sometimes called a splitter or splitty) is an advanced pitch. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo a,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo a{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;-webkit-box-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.account--logged-in::after{background:none;bottom:-17px;content:'';height:22px;left:auto;right:7px;opacity:0;position:absolute;-webkit-transform:rotate(45deg);-ms-transform:rotate(45deg);transform:rotate(45deg);-webkit-transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;transition:opacity 100ms ease 100ms;width:22px;}/*!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*/ The average speed of all splitters in the majors is 84-85 mph. .blLcNM{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(12,1fr);grid-gap:24px;font-size:1rem;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav ::-webkit-scrollbar-track,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav ::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb{background:transparent;}/*!sc*/ The "horseshoe seam" should face into your ring finger of your throwing hand (as shown in the picture on the left). button,select{text-transform:none;}/*!sc*/ He finished with a 1.34 (!) It's not. @media (min-width:1024px){.blLcNM .content{grid-column:1 / span 8;}.blLcNM .content .share-btn{-webkit-align-self:flex-end;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;margin-bottom:16px;top:0;}}/*!sc*/ .hspSPq svg path{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .blLcNM .content .share-btn{-webkit-align-self:flex-end;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;margin-left:auto;min-width:32px;position:relative;top:-16px;}/*!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*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__team{width:100%;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}/*!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. Bruce Sutter introduced the pitch in the late 70s and 80s, and Roger Clemens built a career around an explosive fastball and a devastating splitter. The key with the slider is to hold the ball slightly off-center (on the outer third of the baseball). .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button:hover{cursor:pointer;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item{display:none;-webkit-flex:1 1 100%;-ms-flex:1 1 100%;flex:1 1 100%;position:relative;text-align:center;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__image-thumbnail{margin-top:auto;height:45px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top [class$='__nav-item__text']{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ At its release point, try to turn the ball over a little to get more 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*/ That's because the pitch itself should be "choked" deep in the hand. Him and Goose Gossage, who I was also teammates with, both had that ability to forget about a blown save. How do you throw your pitches? .mHQYb .p-search__list{z-index:50;min-width:250px;border-radius:6px;-webkit-mask-image:-webkit-radial-gradient(#ffffff,#000000);}/*!sc*/ Splitters are also thrown with the same minimal wrist action as a fastball, unlike the wrist-snap used for a forkball. Back to Sutter: He signed a six-year deal with the Braves after the 1984 season, a contract said to be worth, per the New York Times: about $44 million. data-styled.g10[id="buttonstyle__Label-sc-vlv7w5-0"]{content:"iwXciG,"}/*!sc*/ .ezZJVn{background:transparent;border:0;color:#000000;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:1rem;margin:0;padding:0;position:absolute;right:35px;top:60%;-webkit-transform:translateY(-50%);-ms-transform:translateY(-50%);transform:translateY(-50%);white-space:nowrap;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav{background-color:#081c3b;width:145px;-ms-overflow-style:none;}/*!sc*/ In 1975, Sutter helped lead the Double-A Midland Cubs to a Texas League championship, and by 1976, he was playing for the parent club. .epHHrr{text-align:center;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;}/*!sc*/ Then, he says, you just throw a fastball. A slider is the third fastest pitch in baseball. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium-it.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-medium-it.woff') format('woff');font-weight:500;font-style:italic;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ Bruce Sutter, Hall of Fame Splitters (and Grip). pitch is generally not thrown for strikes, but to coax a swing and miss. .groqnz.markdown,.groqnz.photo figcaption,.groqnz.oembed .social-embed{padding:0 16px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.account--logged-in.active::after{opacity:1;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){.sczZi{margin-left:0;margin-right:0;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__container{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:50px;border-top:0;min-width:250px;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}/*!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. It was the first of four straight seasons Sutter led MLB in saves. According to the Baseball Hall of Fame, he died Thursday in Cartersville, Georgia. Splitters account for only a little more than one percent of all pitches, and several organizations have gone so far as to forbid young players from learning the splitter. The Conchs were a terrible team they finished dead last in the league at 37-94 but produced several MLB players including Sutter, Joe Wallis, Donnie Moore and Mike Krukow. @media (min-width:768px){.epHHrr.youtube iframe{width:500px;}}/*!sc*/ .jiNMQU{background:#f3f3f3;padding-top:56.25%;position:relative;width:100%;}/*!sc*/ .XOHMa{bottom:0;left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:0;}/*!sc*/ Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. #react-header{width:100%;}/*!sc*/ Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter has died at age 69, the St. Louis Cardinals announced Friday. If you have larger hands the pitch is most effective because it should be "choked" deep in the hand. It helps to develop a good "feel" for the pitch, which is important since the changeup is a finesse pitch. We lost a wonderful person, a very humble guy and a great teammate, said Herzog, who added that he didnt learn of Sutters illness until a week ago, and that he only got word on Thursday that the former standout closer was being rushed to a Georgia hospital. To the Cardinals, his teammates and, most importantly, the greatest fans in all of sports, we thank you for all of the love and support over the years. data-styled.g167[id="Styles__StoryPartContainer-sc-1mfrmm0-0"]{content:"groqnz,"}/*!sc*/ Here's a splitter from Ubaldo Jimenez that makes Torii Hunter chase out of the zone: One of the big misconceptions in baseball is that playing the game keeps you in shape to pitch. And you STILL will NOT hit it! Bruce Sutter passed away today, aged 69, confirmed by the Cardinals' official Twitter account: We are saddened over the passing of Bruce Sutter. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item .icon__subnav-arrow{-webkit-transform:rotate(-90deg);-ms-transform:rotate(-90deg);transform:rotate(-90deg);margin-right:0;width:11px;height:11px;float:none;}/*!sc*/ A three-finger changeup is a good off-speed pitch for younger baseball pitchers and for those who do not have big hands. Even though hitters knew it was coming, they still werent able to hit it. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item:focus,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item:hover{border-radius:3px;background-color:#dddddd;color:#002867;}/*!sc*/ Jim Thome said he is definitely seeing fewer and fewer of them in year No. Instead of getting a nice long arc of deceleration and finishing throwing elbow outside of your opposite knee (as with your fastball), you'll want to bring your throwing-hand elbow to the opposite hip. By 1989, his rotator cuff was severely torn, and the Braves released him in November. Now it is viewed as more of a pitch of last resort for the veteran trying to hang on for a few more years or for the prospect who desperately needs it to get to the next level. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Jamye, and his children.. .groqnz .ad-body-container .ad-body-inner-container::before{color:#dddddd;content:"ADVERTISEMENT";display:block;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:0.694rem;line-height:13px;position:absolute;top:17px;text-align:center;width:100%;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__content{-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;}}/*!sc*/ .iwXciG{display:inline-block;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__list--multiple-type .p-search-item--team + .p-search-item--player:before{border-top:1px solid #ddd;content:'Players';left:10px;right:10px;}/*!sc*/ Still, Sutter had a 1.54 ERA over a career-best 122 2/3 innings that season, and he parlayed the performance into a six-year, $9.1 million free-agent deal with the Braves. .hUHmCp > article > header,.hUHmCp > article > section{grid-column:1 / span 12;}/*!sc*/ .ebrWqN{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;background-color:#f3f3f3;border-radius:50%;-webkit-border-radius:50%;}/*!sc*/ You dont see that anymore.. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group-title{display:block;padding:10px;width:100%;-webkit-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid;word-wrap:break-word;word-break:break-word;}/*!sc*/ And I could bring him in with the bases loaded and hed go down 3-0 and hed still not walk a hitter. .HQoYx{border:0;padding:0;text-align:center;}/*!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*/ St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bruce Sutter delivers the ball to the plate en route to his record setting 38th save of the season against the New York Mets in this Sept. 4, 1984 file photo. .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*/ .dLQAwR a{color:#057AFF;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g164[id="Styles__AspectRatioContainer-sc-1t1lmmv-0"]{content:"jiNMQU,"}/*!sc*/ The pitch not only led him to the Major Leagues, but also made him a Cy Young Award winner with the Cubs and a World Series Champion with the 1982 Cardinals. To grip the four seam fastball, place your index and middle fingertips directly on the perpendicular seam of the baseball. It includes the Cubs coming back on the field to celebrate with fans, something rarely done in that era. ), Here's how it works: Grip a baseball leaving the index finger off like you were pointing at something. Early on, when no one in the . During the Cubs great 40-15 May and June 1977 that put them in first place by as many as eight games, Sutter posted an 0.60 ERA and 0.763 WHIP, with 66 strikeouts and only 10 walks in 56 innings, with 18 saves (and five blown saves, though the Cubs won two of those games anyway). 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. data-styled.g166[id="Styles__VideoPlayerContainer-t94iyc-0"]{content:"XOHMa,"}/*!sc*/ He had another shoulder operation in 1987, returned to pitch in 38 games with a 4.76 ERA and 14 saves in 1988, then retired at age 35. .mHQYb .p-search__form svg{width:16px !important;height:16px !important;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner{width:100%;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ .groqnz{margin-bottom:32px;}/*!sc*/ A lot of his saves were 2 to 2 1/3 innings. .mHQYb .p-search__form{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ .eJdqRG p{margin-top:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight{background-color:#333333;}/*!sc*/ The thumb is along the seam of the bottom, on the back seam. Keep up with headlines and events at the Baseball Hall of Fame, and see who will be taking their place in history next. Where as a fastball spins from the bottom to top (which is known as "backspin"), a curveball spins from top to bottom. The deeper the grip, the more friction that is created on the ball, which takes off velocity. Herzog, also a National Baseball Hall of Famer and a Cardinals Hall of Famer, credited the addition of Sutter as being the missing piece of St. Louis championship team. Howard Bruce Sutter was born in Lancaster, Pa. on Jan. 8, 1953. .drUhS{pointer-events:none;width:100%;height:100%;display:inline-block;overflow:visible;fill:#000000;stroke:#000000;}/*!sc*/ Next, place your thumb directly on the bottom side of the baseball and on the smooth leather in between the narrow seams (as shown in the picture on the right). .fuMUTu{pointer-events:none;width:16px;height:16px;display:inline-block;overflow:visible;fill:#ffffff;stroke:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ To throw an effective three-finger changeup, center your ring, middle, and index fingers on top of the baseball (as shown in the third picture at right). .evwvnJ p{margin-top:0;}/*!sc*/ Same everything. Kaat said he and Sutter talked often during their two-year stint together in St. Louis about the split-fingered fastball, and how it saved the latters career. And instead of leverage coming from behind the top of the baseball (as a four-seam fastball), leverage on a curve comes from the front of the baseball. I always felt like he was a brother. Henry Cotto, Dan Rohn and Thad Bosley singled to tie the game 1-1, and after Sutter walked Gary Woods to load the bases, Keith Moreland hit a ground ball to third. It was made popular by future Hall of Fame relief pitcher Bruce Sutter, who dumbfounded hitters with a brutal splitter as a closer in the late '70s through the 1980s. His first couple of minor league seasons didnt go well and then he landed with the Key West Conchs, a Class A affiliate of the Cubs in the Florida State League in 1974. @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;}}/*!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*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.locale,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.search{display:none;}/*!sc*/ .hUHmCp{margin-top:24px;background-color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ He pitched in only 16 games in 1986 and didnt pitch after May 27. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container__revenue{display:none;}/*!sc*/ He is a member of both teams Halls of Fame. .hspSPq:hover svg path{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ It's shiny (even the matte finish is a bit shiny), but dries clear. How To Grip And Throw A Knuckle Curveball. Great Split Finger Pitchers Tim Hudson and Carlos Zambrano throw splitters. He posted 300 saves in a 12-year career with the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and . Sutter made his first big league appearance on May 9, 1976 when he pitched the ninth inning in a 14-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. That way, you can still get good wrist-snap upon release. He agreed to receive $750,000 a year in salary with Atlanta and defer the remainder of his money, with the Braves paying him $1.12 million over a 30-year period. .jDETbc{font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:40px;color:#222222;margin:0;}/*!sc*/ Still, it doesn't appear that pitchers who are throwing a splitter are at a higher risk of injury than pitchers who do not. Few pitchers in major league history have ever had better command of the bottom of the strike zone. He was 69. How To Grip And Throw A Four Seam Fastball. Seek out and celebrate your heroes, and explore online and in-person exhibits commemorating the history and impact of the game. While his induction proved that he did indeed belong among baseballs greats, Sutter also found he belonged outside of baseball. The beginners curveball helps to align your hand and ball to the target. @media (max-width:1023px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-side__nav-items{font-size:14px;}}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb .mlb-header__login-menu{right:32px;top:calc(56px - 4px);}.mHQYb .mlb-header[data-is-club] .mlb-header__login-menu{top:calc(112px - 4px);}}/*!sc*/ To throw a circle changeup make - quite literally - a circle or an "OK" gesture with your throwing hand (using your thumb and index fingers). It is for sale at a price of $ .99. Sutter's splitter reason for Fame. Penny accounted for nearly half the time missed, and his injury was an oblique strain. There are a lot of good ones -- and Im not knocking \\[Rich\\] Gossage or anybody else -- but when I warmed him up, if I didnt use him that inning, hed still pitch the next inning. And I could bring him in with the bases loaded and hed go down 3-0 and hed still not walk a hitter. 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. I dont throw it too much in between starts, and even during the course of the game I throw it 20-25 times. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Its a pitch we really try to shy off of.. It's an off-speed pitch. Then Herman Franks became Cubs manager in 1977 and had Sutter closing games from the beginning of the season. Bruce Sutter (center) with fellow Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith (left) and Johnny Bench at the 2006 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ Keep your index and middle fingers extended upward; wrist should remain stiff. The middle finger and index finger will be spread out on the outside of the baseball seams that create the horseshoe shape. He spent the next year pitching in semipro leagues around his hometown before the Cubs signed him as an amateur free agent on Sept. 9, 1971. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. small{font-size:80%;}/*!sc*/ .dLQAwR .contributor__image{margin-right:8px;}/*!sc*/ .bZhBFV img{max-width:220px;}/*!sc*/ Learn about my workout programs for pitchers He was 69 years old. The splitter is a very effective pitch. If they blow out that way, theyre going to blow out doing it with their best pitch. The splitter is known for its tight rotation and strong velocity. Another early look at the Cubs 2023 Opening Day roster. Children generally can't throw split-finger fastballs because their hands aren't big enough. Sutter was a dominant pitcher and a member. .fAmXvR{background:#f3f3f3;border-radius:6px;color:#444444;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-weight:500;padding:16px 16px 24px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav ::-webkit-scrollbar{width:0px;}/*!sc*/ .ggWmAj{background:#ffffff;box-shadow:0 2px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.2);max-height:64px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 16px;position:fixed;top:0;width:100%;z-index:2;}/*!sc*/ To the Cardinals, his teammates and, most importantly, the greatest fans in all of sports, we thank you for all of the love and support over the years. .mHQYb body.side-nav-open{position:fixed;overflow:hidden;overscroll-behavior:none;touch-action:none;}/*!sc*/ Six out of fifteen pitchers did time on the DL, missing a total of 400 days. He. A six-time All-Star, Sutter led the National League in saves for five years and won the 1979 Cy Young Award. delivery with his split-fingered pitch was a delight. 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. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black-italic.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black-italic.woff') format('woff');font-style:italic;font-weight:900;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/
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