Posted by TulsaG on 2/7/2023 2:23:00 PM (view original):
The real reason the screwball was basically phased out was pitchers (especially right handers) realized that a screwball doesn't have nearly as sharp/late movement as something like a slider.
Also, a well thrown 2 seam fastball can have similar action to a screwball without taking off as much velocity. Who better to show this than the man that used to be able to throw nearly 500 innings in a sim season? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8xzwtieAxc
Unbelievable ! That first one in the video is the most spectacular pitch I have ever seen. It literally goes, as Christy Mathewson claimed in his memoirs for his "fadeaway" in two directions at the same time. Awesome.
Interesting argument that you make TulsaG. I understand the point, and that may be the real reason, but again, so many of the greatest pitchers of all time threw screwballs that one wonders if it really is less effective. But good point and many thanks for the video, one of the best collections I have seen of a pitcher's work, and in Maddux' case, a true craftsman.