Who taught Bruce Sutter the split-finger fastball?

instructor Fred Martin
Looking for any answer that would save his career, he turned to minor league pitching instructor Fred Martin, who taught him the split-fingered fastball. It took several years for Sutter to master the pitch but, by the age of 23, he was ready for the big leagues, making his debut with the Cubs in 1976.

Who has the best split-finger fastball?

One of the top relievers in history, Bruce Sutter called his split-finger pitch “The Jewel,” and for good reason. Sutter saved 300 games and had a career E.R.A. of 2.83, thanks to his mastery of one of the toughest baseball pitches to hit.

Do pitchers still throw split-finger fastball?

It’s a devastating strikeout pitch, but for most, the long-term health outweighs the short-term rewards. And that has led to 2016, a season in which there are only eleven starting pitchers using their split-finger fastballs over 10% of the time.

What pitch did Bruce Sutter throw?

Howard Bruce Sutter (/ˈsuːtər/; born January 8, 1953) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) between 1976 and 1988. He was one of the sport’s dominant relievers in the late 1970s and early 1980s, making effective use of the split-finger fastball.

Is the splitter a good pitch?

The split-finger fastball is a very effective pitch with runners on base. A common tactic is using the split-finger to cause the batter to hit into a double play. When thrown correctly, the split-finger’s apparent last second drop causes many batters to hit the top half of the baseball therefore inducing a ground ball.

Is Bruce Sutter in Hof?

He became the only pitcher to lead the NL in saves five times (1979–1982, 1984). Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Sutter briefly attended Old Dominion University and was subsequently signed by the Chicago Cubs as an undrafted free agent in 1971….

Where did Brent Suter go to college?

Archbishop Moeller High School
Harvard University
Brent Suter/Education

How did Bruce Sutter get the split finger fastball?

He learned the split-finger fastball from minor league pitching instructor Fred Martin. Sutter’s large hands helped him to use the pitch, which was a modification of the forkball. Sutter had nearly been released by the Cubs, but found success with the new pitch.

When did Bruce Sutter have his arm surgery?

After making just two minor league appearances in his first pro season in 1972, Sutter injured his arm and underwent surgery – at his own expense – following the season. He reported to Spring Training in 1973 with a diminished fastball and little expectation of success.

When did Bruce Sutter play in Major League Baseball?

Howard Bruce Sutter ( /ˈsuːtər/; born January 8, 1953) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) between 1976 and 1988. He was one of the sport’s dominant relievers in the late 1970s and early 1980s, making effective use of the split-finger fastball.

Who was the first pitcher to use the split finger fastball?

Bruce Sutter. Howard Bruce Sutter (/ˈsuːtər/; born January 8, 1953) is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. He was arguably the first pitcher to make effective use of the split-finger fastball.