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Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
It is fun to watch a noob catcher try to handle a pitch from a kid spinning it in the 30's. It jumps right out of the glove and they struggle until they finally figure out what is happening and learn to really squeeze the rock. :).
 

javasource

6-4-3 = 2
May 6, 2013
1,347
48
Western NY
She was in low 30s when she left for college. Last season she was high 30's low 40s. Still rehabbing from surgery so not sure where she is now. Her teammate Haley Copeland is consistent 40's. In the interest of full disclosure both have "freakish anatomical attributes" that help them to achieve those spin rates. They can manipulate their joints in ways that seem impossible, and may even make you squeamish. They are both atypical with respect to pitchers or normal humans. :)

Totally agree with this. I have tracked Beighton scores for years, and there is a 100% correlation to spin rates and greater joint laxity. That said, their incidence/susceptibility to injury is about 80% greater, too.
 
Dec 7, 2011
2,368
38
She was in low 30s when she left for college. Last season she was high 30's low 40s. Still rehabbing from surgery so not sure where she is now. Her teammate Haley Copeland is consistent 40's. In the interest of full disclosure both have "freakish anatomical attributes" that help them to achieve those spin rates. They can manipulate their joints in ways that seem impossible, and may even make you squeamish. They are both atypical with respect to pitchers or normal humans. :)

Very interesting & cool.

So is this a developed anatomical attribute or natural? (nature/nurture question)
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
Like this?? Not sure how she can get her hand in that position, but it's gotta help in spinning the ball.

1. I'd be in a cast if that were my wrist.
2. That coach has a hell of a lot of faith in that pitcher and catcher. Hopefully it wasnt misplaced and he didn't wake up on Monday wondering where the weekend went.

Please tell me that that isn't a glass door behind the coach :eek:
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
1. I'd be in a cast if that were my wrist.
2. That coach has a hell of a lot of faith in that pitcher and catcher. Hopefully it wasnt misplaced and he didn't wake up on Monday wondering where the weekend went.

Please tell me that that isn't a glass door behind the coach :eek:

There is a net in the background. Definitely in front of the door, maybe in front of the coach.
 
Spin rates typically vary depending on the pitch being thrown. Here are some ranges of above average pitchers I have seen over the years.

Movement Pitch/ High School/ College
Dropball/ 19--20/ 21--23
Curveball/ 22--23/ 24--27
Riseball/ 23--24/ 27--30
 
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