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split-fingered fastball

American  
[split-fing-gerd fast-bawl] / ˈsplɪtˌfɪŋ gərd ˈfæstˌbɔl /

noun

Baseball.
  1. a pitch, similar to the forkball but thrown with the same arm speed as a fastball, that drops suddenly as it nears the batter.


Etymology

Origin of split-fingered fastball

First recorded in 1975–80; split ( def. ) (in the sense “parted lengthwise”) + fingered ( def. ) + fastball ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

About the only bright spot was his nasty 88-mph split-fingered fastball, which he used to finish all four of his strikeouts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2024

Miller’s split-fingered fastball wins by default, because it’s really the only new pitch among Mariners’ starters, but that doesn’t make it any less deserving.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 4, 2024

When Bruce Sutter began experimenting with the split-fingered fastball, he wasn’t looking for a path to Cooperstown.

From Washington Times • Oct. 14, 2022

Gausman admitted he has lacked command of his split-fingered fastball in his last two performances.

From Fox News • Jul. 25, 2021

That is Shohei Ohtani’s split-fingered fastball in a nutshell, the Angels right-hander using his trademark disappearing pitch to disarm the Tampa Bay Rays for five scoreless innings in Angel Stadium on Wednesday night.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2021

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