windup
Quick Summary
In baseball, the "windup" refers to the series of motions a pitcher makes before releasing the ball to the batter. This preparatory action is a key part of the duel between the pitcher and batter.12
When runners are on base, pitchers often switch from the windup to a "stretch" stance. This allows for a quicker pitch to the catcher, reducing the chance of a runner stealing a base. The introduction of a pitch clock in Major League Baseball has further regulated the time between pitches, with specific limits for when bases are empty or occupied.23
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