Clipping:Theory behind calling for high or low pitches; strategic pitching
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| Date | Saturday, January 1, 1876 |
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| Text | While it would be manifestly giving the pitcher too much of an advantage not to limit his delivery to such balls as are specified in the above rule [specifying the height of the strike zone], it would also be unjust to the batsman to oblige him to strike at every ball sent in over the base between one foot from the ground and the height of his shoulder, as some batsmen can no more strike with any good effect at a very low ball than others can effectively hit a high ball. The easiest ball to hit on the average is a “waist-high” ball, and this kind of ball strategic pitchers avoid sending in as much as possible, their point of play being to send high balls for batsmen who hit low, and vice versa. A ball waist high is easier to judge by the batsman than any other, and it is one which is best calculated to meet the bat fairly when swung forward while the batsman stands erect. The object of the rules should be to give all due latitude for fair play both at the bat and in the delivery of the ball, while at the same time placing every obstacle in the way of tricks, dodges, or unfair and illegitimate methods of play. In carrying out this section it becomes the duty of the umpire to ask each batsman, as he comes to the bat, whether he wants a “high” or a “low” ball. The batsman has the right to ask not for a “knee-high” or a “waist,” or “shoulder-high” ball, but simply for a high or low ball, as described in the section. |
| Source | New York Clipper |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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