breaking ball

[brey-king bawl]

noun

Baseball.

1. any pitch in which the ball deviates from a straight path as it approaches the batter.

   If you’re not sure if it was a slider or a curve, just say it was a breaking ball.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breaking ball¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Needing another weapon to complement his fastball and breaking ball, his college pitching coach suggested he attempt to add a splitter to his repertoire.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Catcher Logan O’Hoppe struck out looking to end the game on a breaking ball well off the strike zone.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Dustin May struggles to find consistent command with his breaking ball, and Atlanta’s Austin Riley makes him pay as the Dodgers’ seven-game winning streak ends.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But unlike their battle the previous night, this breaking ball was not off the plate, but rather knee high and over the inner half.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Servais wants Hancock to continue to develop his breaking ball, which they are trying to make more like a slider with more break.

Read more on Seattle Times