Clipping:The overhand throw; a proposal to move the pitcher back
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| Date | Wednesday, February 27, 1884 |
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| Text | There is one thing about the [full overhand] throw that militates against it and that is the punishment it inflicts on the catcher, but this, Mr. [Harry] Wright thinks, could be mitigated by a very simple method, and that is to place the pitcher back about two yards. A number of paragraphs are floating about in which he is credited with desiring the pitcher's removal back two feet. Two feet would not affect the desired object at all; two yards more, or 56 feet in all from the front line of the pitcher's position to the home plate, is what is wanted. When the pitchers were moved back to their present position, after much opposition, it was found that the change worked well. Then it gave the pitchers the chance to perfect the curve. It is by no means improbable that the legalized throw may develop some new “kinks” in pitching, as this department progresses with the rest of the game, and it would be well to give the batsman a chance to overcome or at least combat them. Needless to say that the increased distance would be beneficial to the catchers. Another important advantage accruing would be increased fielding chances for the pitcher. Place him back two yards and he will stop many of the balls that are now too hot and go through him, or which he has not time, owing to the short distance, to properly handle, and many hits and runs will be saved. It will also afford him better opportunity to watch base runners, particularly at first, as he will be more in a line and in a better position for quick and effective throwing. It may be that the catchers will not be able to get the ball to second as quickly to cut off a runner, but this may be offset by the pitcher, who may, in his new position, make the runner hug the base closer, and thus get less start. In every way a removal back two yards would be of advantage, and the change is worthy of serious consideration. |
| Source | Sporting Life |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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