In the world of baseball, the fastball is a pitcher’s bread and butter. But not all fastballs are created equal. Two of the most commonly used variations are the 2-seam and the 4-seam fastballs, each with its own unique characteristics and strategic advantages.
A 4-seam fastball, known for its speed and straight trajectory, often reaches velocities up to 100 mph, making it a favorite for pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Max Scherzer.
On the other hand, the 2-seam fastball, while slightly slower, offers more movement and can be a nightmare for hitters when thrown effectively by pitchers such as Johnny Cueto and Dallas Keuchel.