An eephus pitch, sometimes spelled ephus, is a unique type of baseball pitch known for its high-arcing off-speed delivery. This unusual pitch is thrown overhand like most other pitches, but it is characterized by its exceptionally slow velocity and distinct, lofty trajectory.
Less commonly used in the world of baseball, the eephus often catches hitters off-guard, giving pitchers an element of surprise in their arsenal.
Usually thrown with a path resembling that of a slow-pitch softball throw, the eephus is an exceedingly rare and intriguing pitch in baseball.
Despite its rarity, it remains part of the sport’s folklore and has garnered interest from fans and players alike.
The origins of the eephus can be traced back to the Hebrew word meaning “nothing,” which accurately describes the deceptive nature of the pitch as it appears to have an almost negligible effect on the trajectory of the ball.
Although the eephus pitch may seem like a mysterious novelty in the world of baseball, it has proven to be an effective tool in the right circumstances.
By utilizing this unorthodox pitch, pitchers can disrupt the timing and focus of opposing hitters, leaving them perplexed by its peculiar flight path and slow speed.
Contents
History of the Eephus Pitch
Origins
The Eephus pitch, also known as the ephus, can be traced back to the 1890s when it was first thrown by Bill Phillips, a baseball player in the National League.
However, the pitch was further developed by Rip Sewell in the 1940s. Sewell’s teammate, Maurice Van Robays, later named the pitch “Eephus” and famously responded, “Eephus ain’t nothing, and that’s a nothing pitch when asked about the origin of the name.
Evolution
Throughout the years, the Eephus pitch has undergone changes in both popularity and usage. It was popularized in the 1930s and 40s by Sewell.
The pitch is characterized by a high-arcing trajectory and slow velocity, often catching the hitter off-guard.
The unusual delivery is thrown overhand like most pitches, yet its trajectory and slow speed are more reminiscent of a slow-pitch softball delivery.
Notable pitchers who have used the Eephus pitch include Bill Lee, who called his version the “space ball” or “Leephus.” Lee was bold enough to use the pitch during Game 7 of the 1975 World Series.
While the pitch can lead to success when it catches batters off guard, it has also been vulnerable to failure if the batter anticipates it.
Usage
The Eephus pitch is not commonly used in modern baseball, as most pitchers prefer to rely on a standard arsenal of fastballs, curveballs, and sliders.
However, when executed correctly, it can be an effective and surprising weapon against hitters.
The key to a successful Eephus pitch is not only the strange trajectory but also the element of surprise.
A well-timed Eephus can disrupt a hitter’s timing and leave them off-balance, especially when it follows a series of high-velocity pitches[4].
Characteristics of the Eephus Pitch
Velocity
An Eephus pitch is significantly slower than most other pitches in baseball. While the average speed of a changeup is 83 MPH, the Eephus pitch has an average speed of just 64 MPH, making it approximately 23% slower than a typical changeup.
This exceptionally low speed is one of the defining features of the Eephus pitch and contributes to its ability to catch hitters off guard.
Movement
Another distinct characteristic of the Eephus pitch is its high-arcing trajectory. The pitch is thrown overhand, similar to most other pitches, but features an unusual, high-arching path as it makes its way towards the plate (Wikipedia).
This steep arc resembles the trajectory of a slow-pitch softball pitch, further adding to its deceptive nature (MLB.com).
Due to its slow speed and pronounced arc, the Eephus pitch can be quite effective in disrupting the timing and focus of hitters, often resulting in missed swings and strikes.
However, the effectiveness of the Eephus pitch relies heavily on the pitcher’s understanding of when to deliver it, as repetitive or poorly-timed use can diminish its success.
Famous Eephus Pitchers
The eephus pitch, also known as the “blooper pitch” or “junk ball,” has been used by several notable pitchers throughout baseball history.
Despite its slow speed and unusual trajectory, this pitch can be quite effective in catching hitters off guard.
One of the most well-known eephus pitchers was Luis Tiant, a Cuban-American pitcher who played in the MLB from 1964 to 1982.
Tiant’s eephus pitch, sometimes referred to as the “Lobster Ball,” was a key part of his impressive pitching arsenal.
Another pitcher known for employing the eephus pitch was Fernando Abad. His unique variation of the pitch was dubbed the “super changeup” due to its exceptional slowness and deceptive nature.
Additionally, Al McBean utilized his own version of the eephus pitch, called the “McBean Ball.”
Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish has also been noted to occasionally throw an eephus pitch, adding an extra facet to his already impressive pitching skills.
Similarly, Casey Fossum’s variation of the eephus was known as the “Fossum Flip.”
Two more notable eephus pitchers include Steve Hamilton and Phil Niekro. Hamilton, a relief pitcher in the 1960s and 1970s, was known for his “folly floater” pitch.
Meanwhile, Phil Niekro, a Hall of Fame knuckleballer, also had the eephus pitch in his repertoire.
Effectiveness and Strategies
Pitch Sequencing
An effective Eephus pitch can disrupt a batter’s timing and balance, making it difficult to hit properly.
Integrating the Eephus pitch into a pitcher’s repertoire involves timing and understanding when to deliver this slow pitch.
One common strategy is the “slow ’em down and then heat ’em up” approach, where a series of slower Eephus pitches are followed by faster ones, as demonstrated by Garrett Stubbs in a 2022 game.
Batter Reactions
The primary goal of the Eephus pitch is to distract and confuse the batter. The slow speed and unusual trajectory can catch batters off guard, leading to missed swings and strikes.
However, it should be noted that the Eephus pitch is not always effective, and its success relies primarily on a pitcher’s ability to gauge the right moment to employ it.
Some pitchers have seen impressive results by incorporating the Eephus pitch into their routines.
For example, Zack Greinke’s “Eephus curve” has achieved increased effectiveness in baffling batters.
Creating uncertainty about what type of pitch is coming next can work to the pitcher’s advantage.
When compared to more common pitches, the Eephus has shown mixed results.
Certain metrics, such as contact percentage and hit rates, help analyze a batter’s performance against the Eephus.
The effectiveness of the Eephus pitch depends on various factors, including the skill of the pitcher, the batter’s expectations, and the sequencing of pitches.
Controversy and Criticism
The Eephus pitch, while a unique and occasionally effective trick pitch, has faced its share of controversy and criticism over the years.
One criticism is that the pitch can be seen as a gimmick rather than a genuine skill, given its slow speed and unusual trajectory.
This can lead to questions about the integrity of the game when a pitcher relies heavily on deceiving the hitter rather than showcasing their true ability.
Another concern is the potential danger in using the Eephus pitch consistently.
Some argue that throwing it on back-to-back pitches can be hazardous, as it leaves the pitcher vulnerable to a powerful hit when batters can anticipate the slow pitch.
It has also been noted that the distinctive arc of the pitch can make it difficult for the umpire to accurately call balls and strikes, leading to disputes and confusion on the field.
Despite these concerns, the Eephus pitch has had its moments of success, such as when Rip Sewell first introduced it in 1942.
However, its relative rarity in modern baseball suggests that many players and coaches view it as a risky, situational pitch rather than a reliable tool in a pitcher’s arsenal.
Conclusion
An eephus pitch is a unique and rare pitch in baseball, characterized by its high-arcing trajectory and significantly slower speed compared to other pitches.
Thrown with an overhand delivery, this off-speed pitch often catches hitters off-guard due to its unusual flight path and low velocity, which is around 64 MPH compared to the average changeup’s 83 MPH.
Some advantages of the eephus pitch include its safety, its potential to confuse opposing hitters, and the minimal pressure it puts on a pitcher’s arm.
However, it is also important to note its limitations such as its slow speed, lack of movement, and vulnerability to being hit far if timed correctly by the batter.
Though the eephus pitch is not commonly used in Major League Baseball, it serves as a reminder of the diverse range of pitch types and strategies that can be employed in the sport.
Its rarity adds an element of surprise and excitement for spectators, as well as the opportunity for pitchers to catch batters off balance with an unanticipated change in velocity and trajectory(MLB.com).