General
breaking ball
What does breaking ball mean?
Any pitch, such as a curveball or slider, that markedly deviates from a straight path due to spin the pitcher imparts.
"He's a fastball hitter who struggles against the breaking ball."
Origin
American baseball; describes the ball 'breaking' away from its expected line.
Frequently asked questions
What is a breaking ball in baseball?
It's any pitch, like a curveball or slider, that curves or breaks off a straight path because of spin.
What pitches count as breaking balls?
Curveballs and sliders are the classic breaking balls, along with variants like the slurve.
How is a breaking ball different from a fastball?
A fastball travels mostly straight at high speed, while a breaking ball deviates sharply from its expected line.
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