Throwing Behind VS Throwing At???

[junkman73]

Is there a difference? Just curious.

[emaze]

Yes, there's a difference. When a ball is bearing in on a batter, your natural reaction is to bail out by backing out of the batters box...fast. If you throw AT a person, this allows you to usually get out of the way of the ball. If you throw BEHIND a batter, usually they'll back right into the ball, thus giving them no way to get out of the way.

[junkman73]

thanks, I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that. I was arguing with co-workers that throwing behind is worse because of your natural reaction to back away from a pitch that is coming towards you, thus backing right into the pitch.

Hence, Pedro's intention when he threw behind Garcia.

[CalifYanksFan]

Except, KG did the smart thing and ducked down and not back. Otherwise, that ball would have done some serious damage.

[Hitman23]

Originally posted by emaze
Yes, there's a difference. When a ball is bearing in on a batter, your natural reaction is to bail out by backing out of the batters box...fast. If you throw AT a person, this allows you to usually get out of the way of the ball. If you throw BEHIND a batter, usually they'll back right into the ball, thus giving them no way to get out of the way.

I was going to say pretty much the same thing. I concur.

[emaze]

Originally posted by junkman73
Hence, Pedro's intention when he threw behind Garcia.

Exactly. It shows a lot about that little pussy's character.

[smr15]

Exactly.

There's a "purpose" pitch, where you throw it up and in to get someone off the plate.......... (and sometimes. oops. they get hit).

But the throw behind the head is a whole 'nother animal.

It's a death pitch.