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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.

It plunged toward the earth like a split-fingered fastball, with little horizontal movement.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2024

Miller is breaking in a new split-fingered fastball that has shown some exciting potential.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 7, 2024

Unable to throw as hard as he could previously, Sutter had the good fortune to learn the split-fingered fastball from Cubs minor league pitching instructor Fred Martin at spring training in 1973.

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

Ohtani’s fastball was clocked at 94-96 mph in the first, and the split-fingered fastball he used to strike out Springer looked sharp.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2020

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