It is hard to tell whether writers are coming up with some new fancy names or if it is coming from the pitchers and ballclubs. In the write-ups of the first World Series game it was stated that “Lee bamboozled the Yankees with a spiked curveball, deceptive changeup and his usual pinpoint fastball …”
First and foremost, what is a spiked curveball? It’s bad enough that I have never seen a full description of the pathway taken by a curveball, let alone a spiked one. How is it different from a “regular” curveball, whatever it might be?
Once again we see more and more fancy names being given to the different pitches but never told what the pitch does. In fact, I am still waiting to have someone — anyone- explain what the difference is between a curveball and a sinker ball. Descriptions of both are usually the same!
If we could ever find consensus as to what these pitches do, it would then be very interesting to find out how each of these different pitches are thrown, i.e., what are the joint actions executed to have the ball move in the particular pathway.
This would be a small but significant change that might help clarify what writers and players talk about. It would also help many coaches in their teaching of young ballplayers. We may even find out that the curveball is not dangerous to youngsters.
Anyone out there who can ask a knowledgeable person? Do not think that the level of expertise rises with the level of play or level of coaching. It does not. In fact, most of my questions have come from write ups of professional players and coaches.