changeup

or change-up

[ cheynj-uhp ]

noun

, Baseball.

1. a pitch that follows one or more fastballs, delivered with the same motion as for a fastball but with less speed, intentionally disrupting the batter’s timing:

   He knows how to use his changeup to keep hitters off balance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of changeup¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Cole got ahead of Freeman with a 1-and-2 count and Freeman fouled off a 93-mph changeup before getting just enough of a 99.5-mph fastball on the inside corner to fist a flare to shallow center for a two-run single that cut the Yankees’ lead to 5-3.

From Los Angeles Times

“I got down to two strikes and was able to foul off that changeup, which was huge,” Freeman said.

From Los Angeles Times

The No. 2 starter in the Yankees postseason rotation, much of Rodón’s swing-and-miss came from his slider and changeup.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of leaning on his signature changeup, he bullied hitters with cutters and fastballs.

From Los Angeles Times

During Saturday’s outing, he averaged just under 92 mph with his fastball and topped out at 94.3 mph while getting whiffs on all five swings against his slider, changeup and splitter.

From Los Angeles Times