The screwball has baffled hitters and fascinated baseball enthusiasts for over a century. When Christy Mathewson first introduced it, many couldn’t even identify what they were seeing.
The pitch’s unique movement, which fades away from hitters, stands in stark contrast to the familiar slider or curveball.
Despite its mystique, the screwball has become a rarity in modern baseball, largely due to concerns about its impact on pitchers’ UCLs.
However, with the right technique and understanding, you can master this elusive pitch. Dive into the mechanics and nuances of throwing a screwball, and discover how to add this intriguing weapon to your pitching arsenal.