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change-up
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change-up

baseball pitch
Also known as: change-of-pace, let-up
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Quick Summary

The change-up is a baseball pitch thrown with the same arm motion as a fastball but at a significantly slower speed. This deliberate difference in velocity is intended to deceive the batter, who anticipates a faster pitch.1

The change-up is part of a pitcher's repertoire, which includes various pitches designed to confuse hitters. While a fastball is thrown with maximum velocity, the change-up's slower speed makes it difficult for batters to time correctly, often resulting in weak contact or a swing and a miss. This pitch was first used in 1934.21

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. changeup
  2. baseball - The pitching repertoire
  3. baseball pitch clock: Top Questions

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