fourseam

The four-seam fastball, often written as four-seam, is a baseball pitching grip and pitch designed to maximize velocity and straight-line flight. The grip places the index and middle fingers across the top two seams of the baseball, with the thumb underneath, and the ball is released with a quick, level motion that imparts backspin along the ball’s axis.

Because of the backspin, the four-seam fastball tends to travel with minimal lateral movement and can reach high exit velocities off the bat. It is typically the fastest pitch in a pitcher’s repertoire, though actual speed varies by arm strength and mechanics. Some observers also describe a slight rising or rising illusion due to backspin, but the primary characteristic is a straight trajectory.

The four-seam fastball is a staple of most pitching repertoires and is commonly used as a pitcher’s primary offering. It is often followed by off-speed pitches or breaking balls to disrupt a batter’s timing. While the exact grip and release can differ among pitchers, the common goal is to maximize velocity and command.

History and usage have solidified the four-seam fastball as the standard form of the fastball in modern baseball. It remains the predominant fastball grip at all levels of play and is associated with many of the sport’s most successful pitchers, who rely on its velocity and control to establish early strikes and set up subsequent pitches. Notable users include several Hall of Fame or elite-level pitchers known for their high-velocity four-seam fastballs.