Baseball pitchers have two ways to deliver the ball to the plate: the windup and the stretch. The windup is used when the bases are empty, and the stretch comes into play with runners on base. While both motions serve a purpose, some pitchers prefer to throw solely from the stretch -- something you cannot do with the windup.
What is the Stretch?
Unlike the windup, in which the pitcher begins by facing the plate and launches into a full motion, often bringing his hands together behind the head before delivering the ball, the stretch abbreviates the entire process, as described by in the book "The Art & Science of Pitching." The stance for the stretch puts the pitcher sideways to the plate, with his rear foot against and parallel to the rubber. His hands are brought together at the center of his body to create the set position. From here, the pitcher strides toward the plate, making his throw.
Speed to the Plate
This abbreviated motion reduces the time it takes a pitcher to get the ball to the plate, allowing the catcher a chance to throw out a base runner attempting to steal, according to former pitcher Dick Mills in an article on Pitching.com. Additionally, the stance in the stretch allows the pitcher to see base runners on all bases before delivering the pitch -- a necessity when there are men on base.
Simplified Motion
Due to the fact that pitching from the stretch takes a lot of the extra motion out of the equation, it has the advantage of simplifying mechanics. Part of this simplification involves the "slide step", as described by pitcher Steven Ellis on The Complete Pitcher.com. Ellis writes that the stretch does not require a big leg kick. Instead, a pitcher can begin with his feet close together, hands high on his chest, and drop his hands down as he moves his front hips toward the plate.
Consistency
"The Art & Science of Pitching" points out that many relief pitchers use only the stretch -- whether there are runners on base when they come into a game or not. The advantage to such an approach is simply the consistency of always doing the same thing on every pitch. Not having to be thinking as much about mechanics when switching from one motion to another aids pitchers in developing the kind of flow in competitive situations that will serve them well.
References
- The Complete Pitcher.com; Stretch Pitching Mechanics; Steven Ellis
- Pitching.com; Pitching From The Stretch Position; Dick Mills; January 2009
- "The Art & Science of Pitching"; Tom House, et al.; 2006
