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How to Throw a Spitball

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(9 Ratings)

A spitball is a pitch where the baseball is loaded up with saliva or other substance in order to make it move differently. A well-thrown spitter can be a wicked pitch that dances wildly, making it un-hittable by most hitters. Spitballs have long been outlawed in Major League Baseball. But that doesn’t mean the art of this juicy pitch has been forgotten.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Use deception when throwing the spitter. According to former Milwaukee Brewers manager George Bamberger, the best way to hide a spitball is to fake all of the tricks. Make them think you have lubricant under your cap, an emery board in your glove or soap on your jersey. Everyone will be so busy making sure you don’t cheat, they’ll miss you spitting on your hand!

  2. Step 2

    Prepare your baseball. There are generally two ways to throw a spitter. The first is to place spit on one side of the baseball and throw it like a fastball. The second is to lube up the ball and grip it without touching the seams. Then as you release the pitch, squeeze your fingers and thumb together, allowing it to squirt out rather than roll off your fingertips.

  3. Step 3

    Experiment with different substances. Pitchers from all eras have mixed saliva with other illegal substances to improve their game. Some examples include using sweat, ear wax, soap, mud, emery boards, tacks, sandpaper, pine tar or anything that affects the basic trajectory of the pitch.

  4. Step 4

    Have an accomplice. Make sure your catcher knows when you will be throwing your spitball. A good catcher can quickly wipe off the baseball or make sure the umpire is too busy to notice an occasional wet one.

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