Fundamentals in Photos

(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)

This is a great photo of James McDonald of the Pirates during his gem last night against the Reds.

What should I be looking at?
Grip: By looking at McDonald's right hand, you will see a text book grip for a circle change. Although the positioning of the ball may vary from pitcher to pitcher on this pitch, two things remain constant: first, as you can see, the fingers are kept OFF of the seams, which automatically cuts down on velocity. Without the leverage created from your fingertips pulling on the lacing, the ball will inevitably slow down. Second, the grip is LOOSE. A changeup must be held like an egg. Choking this pitch will invariably result in the pitcher spiking it into the ground.