cut fastball

American  

[kuht fast-bawl] / ˈkʌt ˌfæst bɔl /

noun

Baseball.

1. a fast pitch similar to a slider but delivered with a flick of the wrist, which abbreviates, or cuts, the turn of the ball upon release.

   It doesn’t matter that he always tosses the same cut fastball because it’s always too filthy to hit.

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Etymology

Origin of cut fastball

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Scouts came to Sheldon’s games to catch a glimpse of Herbert’s cut fastball that “drove guys nuts,” former Sheldon baseball coach Stan Manley said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2024

“I had never seen a pitch like that before, but it excited me,” Suzuki told Japanese reporters of Burnes’s cut fastball.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2022

During his throwing sessions, Gilbert experimented with a cut fastball and instead found his slider.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 24, 2022

Five of the six hits that he allowed came off his four-seam or cut fastball.

From Washington Times • Oct. 7, 2021

With two on and no outs, Bassitt threw an 89.5 mph cut fastball that Brian Goodwin drove right back up the middle.

From Fox News • Aug. 18, 2021