October 15, 200817 yr It really wasn't called by the term "change-up" until at least the 1950s. Before that, it was likely known as an off-speed or "slow-ball" pitch. It was also known as a veteran's pitch. One used by guys trying to hang on in the majors that were losing their fast-ball. It didn't become devastating until the late '80s to early '90s, when Leo Mazzone started to teach it to guys. Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and the successful Atlanta Braves pitching staff made it popular. Santana, Hoffman, Gagne and others - made it a standard pitch. A well-located 89-92 mph fastball and a devastating change-up are the two deadliest things in a pitcher's arsenal. Forget heat - If you have location and accuracy, that batter is dead to rights.
October 17, 200817 yr QUOTE (knightni @ Oct 15, 2008 -> 04:32 PM) Forget heat - If you have location and accuracy, that batter is dead to rights. Forget heat - If you have location, accuracy, and a frisbee-like release, that batter is dead to rights at least once, maybe twice.
October 17, 200817 yr It was invented in a speakeasy during prohibition by famous bootlegger Bob Changeup.
October 17, 200817 yr QUOTE (Texsox @ Oct 16, 2008 -> 10:06 PM) Forget heat - If you have location, accuracy, and a frisbee-like release, that batter is dead to rights at least once, maybe twice. Like Shingo?
October 18, 200817 yr QUOTE (chw42 @ Oct 17, 2008 -> 04:27 PM) Like Shingo? Shingo lost his control, and thus, his location. I mean, guys like Maddux and Buehrle.
October 20, 200817 yr QUOTE (knightni @ Oct 17, 2008 -> 09:25 PM) Shingo lost his control, and thus, his location. I mean, guys like Maddux and Buehrle. Randy Jones. Look him up.
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