Mariano Rivera

During my weekly catch-up with my son's Facebook page, I ran across the following link. It's a videoclip describing Mariano Rivera's cutter from the "New York Times'" website. I found it fascinating and extremely well done.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/06/29/magazine/rivera-pitches.html

 

That was cool. Obviously, he is a master and could hit whatever spot he wanted, but what was fascinating to me was a batter trying to decide if it is a fastball or cutter...they couldn't.

Also found it interesting that he never threw a fastball to a left handed hitter.

 

Prepster....NOW we're talking! Ah...pitching.

Thanks for posting. That's a cool video. Respectfully, I've got 2 things to add to the discussion.

First is a link to a video blog of Perry Husband. If you're a pitching nerd, it's worth a look. He's an expert on Effective Velocity (EV). Velocity spreads and pitching tunnels. He's written 3 e-books on the subject. It's ground breaking enough for him to be invited to present to MLB and college teams. He works with a well known, well paid, but anonymous MLB hitter. One of his latest Vlog's is about "the cutter". 2 videos. First explains why it's effective, the second, how to throw it. There's also a Vlogs about Trevor Bauer's EV contraption, as described in the ESPN article. http://www.hittingisaguess.com/Perry_vlog.html


Second is a video of Mariano Rivera in slow motion. I captured several years ago. It's one of only a handful of blown saves...a home run by Vernon Wells. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPJZh6YwP9U You have to admire Wells approach. He does not pick up his stride foot until Rivera is at his release point. Even though hitting coaches tell you to load & stride much earlier (like when the pitcher loads his hip, or breaks his hands break). You can also see his front foot tapping (probably for timing).

 

Excellent follow-on videos.

In the Rivera video, it's also noticeable how the ball moves very little and he misses up in the zone.

 

Good eye

Funny how that works. Up-and-over-the-plate will get you in trouble. Up-and-in...not so much. I never threw a cutter... but I want to now.

 

Good stuff.
This is why I really like the Board - I learn!


OK, ok... and the jazzy banter intrigues me as well.