How Pitch Type Affects Home Runs
How pitch type can help explain MLB home runs, including fastballs, sliders, sinkers, breaking balls, and off-speed pitches.
Why Pitch Type Matters
Different hitters punish different pitches. Some hitters live on fastballs; others crush breaking balls. Pitch type is part of the HR story.
Fastballs
Four-seamers up in the zone are the most common HR pitch. Hitters with big lift and quick bats live here.
Sinkers
Sinkers down get ground balls when located, but flat sinkers get crushed.
Sliders
Hanging sliders are a classic HR pitch. Sweepers that don't move are punished by power hitters.
Curveballs
Hung curveballs are a common HR mistake. Sharp curves are usually safe.
Changeups and Splitters
Off-speed left in the zone gets crushed. Out of the zone, both pitches get whiffs.
Pitch Velocity
Velocity matters. A 92 mph fastball is more hittable than 97. A 78 mph slider is more hittable than 86.
Batter Swing Profile
Some hitters are dead-zone hunters; others sit on a specific pitch. The swing profile interacts with pitch mix.
How to Use Pitch Type in Homeruns.app
The live tracker shows the pitch type for every HR. Player pages break down HRs by pitch type.