cut fastball

[ kuht fast-bawl ]

noun

, Baseball.

1. a fast pitch similar to a slider but delivered with a flick of the wrist, which abbreviates, or cuts, the turn of the ball upon release:

   It doesn’t matter that he always tosses the same cut fastball because it’s always too filthy to hit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cut fastball¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Scouts came to Sheldon’s games to catch a glimpse of Herbert’s cut fastball that “drove guys nuts,” former Sheldon baseball coach Stan Manley said.

From Los Angeles Times

Ohtani reached base again in the ninth inning when Yankees closer Luke Weaver grazed his back foot with a cut fastball.

From Los Angeles Times

Facing right-hander Reed Garrett in the fifth, Pages drove a 1-and-1 cut fastball on the inner half of the plate 376 feet for a three-run homer, cutting the Mets’ lead to 10-5.

From Los Angeles Times

Treinen also throws a 90.8-mph cut fastball that has a much tighter break than his sweeper and a 94.3-mph four-seamer that is less lively than than his sinker — it breaks an average of eight inches to his arm side — but is easier to command.

From Los Angeles Times

Hernández, who played with Jansen in L.A. and in Boston, hit a 415-foot home run off a 2-and-2 cut fastball to tie the score 4-4.

From Los Angeles Times