Generating a massive amount of force behind a small round ball, while simultaneously spinning it in various directions to create an arc on the pitch, is difficult. When your pair this act with properly positioning your body after delivering the pitch, it becomes an art form you may never perfect. Several reasons exist for the pitcher taking an extra step post-pitch, and each of them is equally important.
Defensive Positioning
The pitcher is often the closest player to the plate, and after he throws a pitch, he is immediately put in a vulnerable position. If the batter hits a line drive toward the pitcher, the pitcher has to be able to react quickly. The follow-through step a pitcher takes after a pitch is in part meant to help him position himself squarely in case the batter hits the ball back up the middle.
Arm and Shoulder Safety
The amount of torque applied to the pitcher’s shoulder during every pitch is immense. Immediately after a pitcher releases the ball, their arm comes down violently and sometimes dangerously. If the pitcher were to stop his body motion entirely, he would place additional stress on the shoulder ligaments. Taking a step continues the body's motion forward and lessens the stress the on the pitcher’s throwing shoulder.
Comfort Level
Pitching is very much a comfort-driven act. If a pitcher is comfortable on the mound, he often pitches with more confidence. Typically, pitchers have a "wind up" in which they flail their arms around in a motion that is completely unnecessary to the pitch delivery. Many pitchers follow-through with a step post-pitch simply because it's their natural body motion, while others follow through out of pure comfort.
Variances
No two pitcher deliveries are identical, which means no two follow-through steps post-pitch are identical, either. The same pitcher can use multiple wind-ups, deliveries and follow-through steps in the same game. For example, if a runner is on first base, a pitcher will traditionally pitch from a abbreviated wind-up called "the stretch." However, if nobody is on base, he will pitch from a full wind-up. Ultimately, the reason for the follow-through step may change from pitch to pitch for every pitcher, even during one game.
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