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Changeup
Changeup
from Wikipedia
The grip used for a changeup

A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball and fastpitch softball.

The changeup is a staple off-speed pitch often used in a pitcher's arsenal, usually thrown to look like a fastball, but arriving much more slowly to the plate. Its reduced speed coupled with its deceptive delivery is meant to confuse the batter's timing. It is meant to be thrown the same as a fastball, but further back in the hand, which makes it release from the hand slower while still retaining the look of a fastball.

A changeup is generally thrown to be 8–15 miles per hour (13–24 km/h) slower than a fastball. If thrown correctly, the changeup will confuse the batter because the human eye cannot discern that the ball is coming significantly slower until it is around 30 feet (9.1 m) from the plate.[1] For example, a batter swings at the oncoming ball as if it were a 94 mph (151 km/h) fastball, but instead the ball is coming in at 89 mph (143 km/h)—this means they will be swinging too early to hit the ball well (also known as being "way out in front").

Other names include a change-of-pace or a change.[2] In addition, before at least the second half of the twentieth century, the term "slow ball" was used to denote pitches that were not a fastball or breaking ball, which almost always meant a type of changeup. Therefore, the terms slow ball and changeup could be used interchangeably. The changeup is usually, but not always, pitched faster than a curveball and about the same speed as a slider.[3]

The changeup is analogous to the slower ball in cricket.

Delivery

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The changeup is thrown with the same arm action as a fastball, but at a lower speed due to the pitcher holding the ball in a special grip. Former pitcher and pitching coach Leo Mazzone stated:

When a pitcher throws his best fastball, he puts more in it; the changeup is such that one throws something other than his best fastball. By having this mindset, the pitch will have less velocity on it in addition to the change in grips. This difference from what is expected by the arm action and the velocity can confuse the batter into swinging the bat far too early and thus receiving a strike, or not swinging at all. Should a batter be fooled on the timing of the pitch and still make contact, it will cause a foul ball or the ball being put into play weakly, usually resulting in an out. In addition to the unexpectedly slow velocity, the changeup can also [sic] possess a significant amount of movement, which can bewilder the batter even further. The very best changeups utilize both deception and movement.[4]

Popularity

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Since the rise of Pedro Martínez, a Dominican pitcher whose changeup was one of the tools that led to his three Cy Young Awards, the changeup has become increasingly popular in the Dominican Republic.[5] Dominican pitchers including Edinson Vólquez, Michael Ynoa, and Ervin Santana are all known to have developed effective changeups in the Dominican Republic after Martínez's success with the pitch.[citation needed]

One of the most famous changeup throwers of the last 30 years, Atlanta Braves southpaw Tom Glavine utilized a two-seam changeup as his number one pitch on the way to winning two Cy Young Awards, a World Series MVP, and 305 wins in a celebrated Hall of Fame career.[6]

Hall of Famer reliever Trevor Hoffman had one of the best changeups in his prime and used it to record 601 saves.

In the 2010s, some of the game's best pitchers came to rely heavily on the changeup. A 2013 article published by Sports Illustrated noted that star starting pitchers Justin Verlander, Félix Hernández, Stephen Strasburg, David Price, and Max Scherzer revolutionized the pitch and used it abundantly in their arsenal.[7] In addition to its effectiveness on the field, according to Fox Sports changeups may also reduce the number of injuries suffered by a pitcher.[8]

One of Devin Williams' two primary pitches is a circle changeup with screwball-like movement while rotating the ball off the ring finger during release, which is also similar to a cricket leg-spinner bowling a googly, but at a much faster pace of around 85 mph and with a very high spin-rate of 2,852 rpm. Rob Friedman affectionately named it the "airbender".[9]

Variations

[edit]
The grip used for a circle changeup.

There are several variations of changeups, which are generated by using different grips on the ball during the release of the pitch.

The circle changeup is one well-known grip.[10] The pitcher forms a circle with the index finger and thumb and lays the middle and ring fingers across the seams of the ball. By pronating the wrist upon release, the pitcher can make the pitch break in the same direction as a screwball. More or less break will result from the pitcher's arm slot. Pedro Martínez used this pitch throughout his career to great effect, and many considered it to be his best pitch.[11]

A far less common type of changeup is the straight changeup, thrown by a small minority of major league pitchers. [12] The ball is held with three fingers (instead of the usual two) and closer to the palm, to kill some of the speed generated by the wrist and fingers. This pitch generally breaks downward slightly, though its motion does not differ greatly from a two-seam fastball.

Other variations include the palmball, vulcan changeup and fosh. The split-finger fastball and forkball is used by some pitchers as a type of changeup depending on its velocity.[13]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A is an in thrown with the same arm action and release point as a but at a significantly reduced , typically 8 to 12 slower, designed to deceive the batter into swinging prematurely or missing the ball entirely. This pitch often features subtle downward or arm-side movement due to the grip and pronation at release, making it appear to "fade" or "tumble" as it approaches the plate. The originated in the early days of organized in the late , serving as a legal alternative to controversial breaking pitches like the , which were initially deemed unfair by some rules committees. Over time, it evolved into a staple off-speed offering, particularly effective when sequenced after fastballs to disrupt a hitter's timing, and has remained a key component of pitchers' arsenals through the modern era. Its success relies on maintaining fastball-like deception in delivery while the slower speed—often achieved through a palmier grip or increased —causes the ball to arrive later than expected. Variations of the changeup include the , gripped with the thumb and index finger forming a circle on the side of the ball for added arm-side run; the three-finger changeup, which uses the index, middle, and ring fingers across the seams for a straighter drop; and the palm ball, a deeper grip that further reduces velocity. Notable pitchers renowned for their changeups include , whose circle changeup anchored his Hall of Fame career as a closer; , who used it to dominate in the late 1990s and early 2000s; and . Changeup usage among starting pitchers peaked in 2020 and has declined since, partly due to the rise of splitters and other breaking pitches, though it continues to generate high swing-and-miss rates when mastered as of 2025, underscoring its enduring value in pitch design.

Definition and Characteristics

Grip and Hand Position

The standard grip for a changeup involves a three-finger placement where the index, middle, and ring fingers are centered on top of the , typically across the seams in a two-seam orientation for optimal contact and stability. The thumb is positioned directly underneath on the smooth leather portion of the ball, often touching or near the pinky for added security, while the pinky rests lightly alongside without applying pressure. This pronated hand position—palm facing inward toward the body—allows the ball to sit deeper in the palm compared to a grip, promoting a looser overall hold that reduces through increased upon release. Variations in finger pressure are key to fine-tuning the pitch's spin and speed differential. Pitchers often apply lighter pressure with the fingertips on the seams while pushing the ball deeper into the palm with the ring and middle fingers, which diminishes forward spin and helps drop the velocity by 8-10 mph relative to the fastball without altering arm speed. Increased pressure on the index finger can enhance side spin for subtle arm-side movement, while excessive fingertip tension may inadvertently increase velocity and reduce the intended deception. Common mistakes in this grip include improper seam orientation, such as placing fingers off-seam or in a four-seam setup, which can lead to flatter trajectories and diminished movement by failing to leverage the ball's natural . Another frequent error is over-gripping or attempting to "turn over" the wrist during setup, which strains the arm and disrupts the fluid release needed for consistency. Diagrams of the grip typically illustrate the baseball's raised seams as horizontal lines, with the three fingers aligned perpendicularly across the two narrow seams (two-seam orientation), the thumb centered below on the leather, and the hand viewed from above to emphasize the deep palm seating for ergonomic stability. This visual setup highlights how the grip influences the pitch's spin axis, contributing to its overall downward and arm-side break.

Movement and Physics

The is typically thrown 8-10 mph slower than a pitcher's , which disrupts the hitter's timing by mimicking the fastball's initial trajectory before arriving later and lower at the plate. This velocity differential, often around 8-12% reduction from fastball speed, enhances the pitch's deceptive nature without drastically altering the arm action. The pitch's movement primarily results from the , generated by backspin that imparts a downward break and arm-side run (fade for right-handed pitchers). Unlike a 's higher backspin, which creates upward lift to reduce natural drop, the changeup employs a lower spin rate of approximately 1,200-1,800 RPM to minimize this lift, allowing to dominate and produce greater vertical drop relative to the . The grip contributes to this spin profile by promoting a tilted axis, typically between 1:30 and 2:30 for right-handers, which tilts the backspin toward sidespin for added horizontal movement. The slower of results in a longer to the plate, allowing to cause greater vertical drop (drop ≈ ½ g t², where t is ). Combined with reduced Magnus lift from lower spin rates, this creates more pronounced sinking action relative to the fastball's . Aerodynamic drag, while lower due to reduced (F_d = ½ ρ v² C_d A, where ρ is air density, v is , C_d is the , and A is the cross-sectional area), primarily decelerates the ball horizontally but contributes indirectly by affecting . This interaction with the effect ensures the changeup fades arm-side while sinking, creating separation from the plane.

History and Development

Origins in Baseball

The changeup, originally termed the "change of pace," traces its origins to the late 19th century, when pitchers began varying delivery speeds to disrupt hitters' timing without relying on illegal alterations to the ball. Early practitioners such as Al Spalding and Tim Keefe employed this offspeed pitch to complement their fastballs, marking it as one of baseball's foundational deceptive tools. By the early 1900s, integrated the change of pace into his arsenal, using it alongside his signature to keep batters off balance during his dominant career with the . In his 1912 book Pitching in a Pinch, Mathewson described the pitch's value in deceiving hitters by mimicking motion while reducing velocity, emphasizing its role in strategic pitching. Early umpires and opponents often viewed such offspeed variations with skepticism, suspecting they mimicked banned "freak" deliveries, though the change of pace remained a legal option. The 1920 prohibition on doctored pitches, including the , propelled the change of pace to greater prominence as pitchers sought clean alternatives to maintain deception. National League President John Heydler highlighted the need for legitimate techniques like the and change of pace to replace outlawed tricks, allowing the pitch to rise as a standard offspeed weapon in the post-ban era. In the 1940s, the pitch saw documented refinement and adoption among professional hurlers, with Ewell Blackwell incorporating a variant as a key in his sidearm repertoire for the . Warren Spahn similarly developed his during 1947 spring training, blending it with his and to fuel his breakout season of 21 wins and establish it as a cornerstone of his Hall of Fame career. These innovations positioned the —also nicknamed the "slow ball"—as a vital legal substitute for prohibited manipulations, earning widespread acceptance despite lingering umpire scrutiny over its sudden drops.

Evolution and Rule Changes

The lowering of the pitching mound from 15 inches to 10 inches in , implemented in response to the extreme pitcher dominance of the 1968 season, significantly altered the trajectory and perceived of off-speed pitches like . This change flattened the downward plane of pitches, reducing their deceptive drop and overall effectiveness against hitters, as the shorter vertical distance diminished the "hop" and sink that made changeups harder to track from the higher vantage point. In the ensuing decades through the , pitchers adapted by experimenting with grip variations to enhance control and movement, such as tightening finger pressure on the seams to compensate for the reduced downhill angle and maintain a sharper differential relative to fastballs. These tweaks helped restore some utility to amid broader strategic shifts toward more balanced arsenals. The introduction of PITCHf/x tracking technology in 2006 revolutionized the optimization of the changeup by providing detailed data on velocity, spin rates, and movement, enabling pitchers and coaches to refine the pitch for maximum deception. Analysis of early PITCHf/x data revealed that effective changeups typically featured an 8-10 mph velocity gap from the fastball, with lower backspin promoting sink—averaging 5-7 inches of vertical drop—while excessive horizontal break beyond 5 inches offered marginal benefits. This quantitative insight shifted training toward maximizing speed differentials and spin efficiency, leading to more consistent usage in repertoires as pitchers adjusted grips and arm actions to achieve optimal metrics, such as those seen in top performers where the pitch's run value improved through targeted biomechanical adjustments. In the 2020s, environmental and regulatory changes further influenced changeup adaptation. The widespread adoption of baseball humidors across MLB stadiums, standardized by 2022 to maintain 50% , made the ball's more supple and raised seam height slightly, improving grip for off-speed pitches and allowing better command of the changeup's fading action without excessive slippage. Conversely, the 2021 ban on foreign substances like sticky tack, enforced with ejections and suspensions, reduced grip for non-rosin applications, compelling pitchers to tweak grips—such as deeper palm or alternative placements—to sustain control and subtle spin on changeups, though overall spin rates dropped league-wide by 100-200 rpm post-ban. Post-1990s, gained prominence in youth coaching as specialized training programs emphasized early development of off-speed variety to build arm strength and deception, with instructional resources highlighting safer compared to breaking balls. This integration correlated with a modest rise in MLB changeup usage, from approximately 9.8% of all pitches in 2002 to 10.0% by 2025, reflecting broader adoption driven by and coaching trends that prioritized the pitch's role in multi-pitch arsenals.

Delivery Mechanics

Arm Action and Speed Differential

The changeup requires full arm extension identical to that of the throughout the throwing motion to avoid tipping the pitch to hitters, ensuring the delivery appears indistinguishable until release. This mimicry is achieved by maintaining consistent arm path and speed, with pitchers often stiffening the at release—by spreading the fingers wide and pushing the ball with the palm—to facilitate the velocity drop without altering the overall arm action. The supporting grip, which positions the ball deeper in the palm, aids this velocity control by reducing forward transfer. The speed differential is primarily generated through subtle biomechanical adjustments, such as reduced shoulder external rotation and increased elbow flexion (or lag) during arm cocking, which limit acceleration while preserving the fastball-like path. These modifications typically result in a changeup velocity of 8-10 mph slower than the , equating to approximately 85-90% of fastball speed for most pitchers (e.g., an 88 mph paired with a 78 mph changeup). Biomechanically, the changeup's lower velocity leads to decreased varus compared to the —about 8-9% less—due to reduced overall kinetic loading. Studies indicate this reduction helps mitigate acute risk relative to higher-velocity pitches. To develop and refine these mechanics, pitchers employ training drills such as shadow pitching, where they perform the full motion without a in front of a mirror or using their shadow to emphasize fluid arm path, consistent extension, and wrist control while minimizing overuse stress.

Release Point and Deception

The release point of a is designed to mirror that of the , typically occurring at a of 5 to 6.5 feet above the ground to conceal the differential from the batter. This consistent arm slot, often from an overhand or three-quarters delivery, ensures the pitch departs the hand along the same as the , delaying recognition of the off-speed nature until the ball is well on its way to the plate. By maintaining this uniformity, pitchers exploit the batter's expectation of higher , creating an that enhances the pitch's effectiveness. At the moment of release, a slight pronation of the —rotating the palm inward—imparts subtle arm-side fade to the changeup, contributing to its lateral movement while preserving the fastball-like appearance. This is complemented by a natural follow-through that remains consistent with the fastball's, avoiding any abrupt deceleration that could tip the pitch early. The arm action leading into this release emphasizes full extension and speed to further the , as any deviation would undermine the . From the batter's perspective, the changeup's signature late drop and fade becomes apparent after the hitter has committed to a swing timed for speed. To maximize deception, pitchers must avoid common tells such as an early snap, which can signal the through visible tension or altered hand positioning. Coaching fixes focus on relaxing the until release, using drills like snaps or wall throws to ingrain a loose, motion that matches mechanics precisely. These adjustments ensure the pronation occurs subtly and late, preventing hitters from picking up cues and allowing the changeup to maintain its disruptive power.

Variations and Types

Circle Changeup

The circle changeup is gripped by forming a circle with the thumb and index finger on the inside of the baseball, positioned toward the pitcher's throwing hand side, while the middle and ring fingers rest across the seams for added control and pronation during release. This placement of the middle and ring fingers on the seams promotes enhanced pronation, allowing the ball to release off the inner edge of the middle finger with a slight "pouring" motion, which contributes to the pitch's distinctive action. This grip produces sharper arm-side run and a tumbling drop compared to the standard , as the pronation imparts sidespin that causes the ball to fade horizontally toward the pitcher's arm side while dropping vertically due to reduced backspin. The pitch typically travels 8-15 mph slower than the pitcher's , creating a significant differential that disrupts hitters' timing while mimicking the fastball's initial . It represents the most common variation of the in , valued for its reliability in generating deception through two-plane movement. The circle changeup gained prominence in the 1990s through pitchers like , who developed the grip under coach Guy Conti in the ' minor league system as an 18-year-old prospect, using it to complement his during his Hall of Fame career. Martínez's implementation helped popularize the pitch among right-handed pitchers, where its arm-side fade and drop prove particularly effective against left-handed batters, running away from their swing path and inducing weak contact or swings-and-misses by exploiting the two-plane separation from the .

Palm Changeup and Others

The palmball, a variant of the changeup, features a grip where the ball is held deeply in the palm, cradled primarily between the thumb and ring finger, with the index and middle fingers resting loosely on top for balance. This positioning reduces spin efficiency compared to fingertip grips, promoting a straight downward drop rather than significant arm-side movement, while the delivery mimics a to maintain deception. The pitch typically arrives 8-10 mph slower than the pitcher's , enhancing its off-speed effect without drastic velocity separation. Another less common variant is the three-finger changeup, gripped with the index, middle, and ring fingers spread across the seams in a four-seam orientation, while the thumb and pinky provide support below. This grip produces a straighter with minimal horizontal break, making it suitable for pitchers seeking a "fade" effect or those with sidearm deliveries, such as submariners, who benefit from its reduced pronation. The , which influenced some modern changeup hybrids, spread the index and middle fingers wide around the ball for a sharp downward dive but saw widespread decline after the due to concerns over arm stress and loss. Elements of this grip persist in niche hybrids, such as the knuckle-changeup thrown by pitchers like Adrian Morejon, who combines a knuckleball-style grip with a release to create erratic, low-spin movement blending drop and flutter. While the circle changeup remains the dominant variant for its versatility, these alternatives offer specialized applications at the cost of higher physical demands. The thrives in low-spin scenarios where gyroscopic stability aids the drop; historical users like adapted it effectively in high-leverage situations.

Usage and Impact

Effectiveness Against Hitters

The changeup serves as an effective setup pitch following , capitalizing on hitters' expectations of high to disrupt their timing. When thrown after a , the changeup's reduced speed—typically 8-15 mph slower—induces batters to swing early, resulting in weaker contact. In MLB data from 2020 to 2025, the changeup generates a whiff rate of approximately 30-35%, with swings-and-misses occurring on about one in three attempts; this rate rises against opposite-handed hitters due to the pitch's natural arm-side fade away from the batter. Pitch sequencing plays a key role in maximizing , with many changeups thrown immediately after fastballs to exploit contrast; optimal zone placement targets the low-away corner, where the pitch's downward movement and arm-side run further reduce hittable contact. Hitters counter the changeup by shortening their strides and loading earlier to adjust for the speed differential, yet indicate a low league-wide against the pitch, underscoring its persistent challenge even against adapted approaches.

Notable Pitchers and Examples

exemplified the changeup's potential for dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly with the Boston Red Sox, where opponents batted just .205 against him in 1999 en route to a Award-winning season of 23 wins and 313 strikeouts. His changeup, thrown with late fade and a significant drop from his mid-90s , contributed to an even more stifling .167 opponent in 2000, another year with a 1.74 . A memorable example came in the 1999 at , where Martínez struck out five of six batters faced, including and Manny Ramírez on devastating changeups that earned him MVP honors. Trevor Hoffman, the all-time saves leader with 601, relied on his as a closer for the Padres and Brewers, converting nearly 89% of save opportunities over his 18-year career. The pitch, featuring a 15- to 17-mph differential from his and identical arm action, deceived hitters by mimicking his heater before tumbling away, helping him secure four saves in the run. Hoffman's changeup was voted one of MLB's scariest pitches by players, underscoring its role in fooling batters and generating weak contact in high-leverage situations. In the modern era, has showcased the changeup's enduring value, using it approximately 16.5% of the time in recent seasons while winning Awards in 2009 and 2015. Greinke's version, often clocked in the mid-80s with arm-side run, has maintained effectiveness into his 40s, as seen in his 2022 season with the , where it complemented his diverse arsenal for a 3.68 despite velocity decline, and continued in 2023. This pitch's integration helped him post a sub-4.00 in multiple 2020s campaigns, highlighting its adaptability for prolonged success. Hall of Famer attributed much of his 305 wins—fourth among left-handers—to mastering a two-seam changeup in 1991, which transformed him from a struggling starter into a two-time winner and 10-time . The pitch, gripped to create late sinking action and thrown at 82-85 mph off his 88-91 mph , allowed precise location and induced ground balls, key to his .600 over 22 seasons primarily with the . Glavine credited this offspeed offering for his longevity, noting it enabled him to outsmart hitters without overpowering velocity, culminating in his 300th win in 2007 at age 41. In recent years as of 2025, pitchers like Tarik Skubal have demonstrated the changeup's continued impact, with Skubal's version posting whiff rates over 45% in 2024.

Comparisons to Other Pitches

Versus Fastball

The changeup complements the fastball by tunneling closely with it for the initial 20-30 feet after release, creating an optical illusion that delays the hitter's ability to distinguish the pitches until the ball is approximately 25 feet from the plate, at which point the changeup begins to drop sharply while the fastball maintains its perceived rise due to backspin. This setup exploits the fastball's role as the primary pitch, allowing the changeup to disrupt timing when thrown in similar locations, particularly low in the zone. However, if the changeup is telegraphed through inconsistent mechanics or predictable sequencing, hitters can anticipate it and generate significantly more power, with rates increasing notably—up to 1.5 times higher in scenarios where the pitch follows a and is expected, compared to when deception is maintained. Sabermetric analyses emphasize the risks of over-reliance on the changeup without proper setup, as predictable usage leads to elevated percentages (by about 10 points in -changeup sequences) and poorer overall outcomes. To optimize effectiveness, pitchers balance fastballs and changeups in hitter's counts to prevent anticipation while leveraging the speed differential—typically 8-10 mph slower for the changeup—to enhance deception. This approach, derived from pitch sequencing data, ensures the fastball establishes velocity while the changeup capitalizes on the established tunnel. Pitchers train extensively to match arm speed and release point with their fastball, practicing velocity consistency to sustain the tunnel illusion and minimize telegraphing, often through drills focusing on the 8-12% speed reduction without altering mechanics.

Versus Breaking Pitches

The changeup exhibits a subtle downward fade or arm-side movement, contrasting sharply with the curveball's pronounced 12-6 vertical break, which results from a topspin-heavy spin axis oriented around 6 o'clock for right-handed pitchers. This difference stems from the changeup's spin axis, typically tilted closer to a fastball's backspin profile (around 12:30 to 1:30 on the ), creating a roughly 90-degree variance from the curveball's more vertical orientation. The reduced spin on changeups—often below 2,000 RPM compared to curveballs exceeding 2,400 RPM—further minimizes sharp breaks, emphasizing deception over dramatic alteration. While and share some lateral movement—both inducing arm-side run for right-handers—their profiles diverge in intensity and speed. feature tighter, more aggressive horizontal break with velocities in the 82-88 mph range, enabling a "wipeout" effect that sweeps across the plate. In contrast, 's lateral fade is gentler, paired with slower speeds (75-85 mph), which prioritizes timing disruption rather than late evasion. This gap reduces 's break magnitude, making it less reliant on raw movement for effectiveness. In pitch sequencing, changeups are often deployed early in the count (e.g., 0-0 or 1-1) to force contact and disrupt hitter timing, leveraging their fastball-like arm action for deception. Breaking pitches like curveballs and sliders, however, dominate two-strike situations (e.g., 0-2), where pitchers aim for chases outside the zone to generate swings and misses. This strategic divide enhances the changeup's role in establishing control while reserving breaking balls for high-leverage opportunities. League-wide data from shows changeups yielding a .230 against, higher than the .200 for sliders, reflecting the latter's superior whiff potential but underscoring the changeup's value in inducing weaker contact. Additionally, biomechanical analyses indicate lower and stress for changeups compared to sliders and curveballs, correlating with reduced risk due to decreased demands.

References

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