Pitch count

A pitch count is a baseball statistic, most commonly applied to starting pitchers, and is simply a count of how many pitches the pitcher has thrown in a given game.

Related Topics:
Baseball - Statistic - Starting pitcher

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Except under unusual circumstances, a minimum of three pitches are needed to get three outs. It is very common for a pitcher to need 20 pitches to get through an inning.

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Pitch counts are a concern for young pitchers, pitchers recovering from injury, or pitchers who have a history of injuries. Often a starting pitcher will be removed from the game after 100 pitches, regardless of the actual number of innings pitched. Pitch counts are generally less of a concern for veteran pitchers, who after years of conditioning are often able to pitch deeper into games, but this is not universal. Pedro Martinez is a famous exception, and is often lifted after throwing 100 pitches. A pitcher's size, stature, and athleticism can also play a role in how many pitches a pitcher can throw in a single game while maintaining effectiveness and without risk of injury.

Related Topics:
Injury - Pedro Martinez

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Pitch count can also be used to gauge the effectiveness of a pitcher. It is better under most circumstances for a pitcher to use the smallest number of pitches possible to get three outs.

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Opposing teams also pay attention to pitch counts, and may try to foul off as many pitches as possible (or at least any difficult-to-hit pitches) either on the theory that a tired pitcher is less effective, or to inflate the pitch count and drive a pitcher from the game in favor of a more rested, but possibly less effective relief pitcher.

Related Topics:
Foul off - Relief pitcher

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The concept of a pitch count originated with Steve Busby, a promising young pitcher for the Kansas City Royals who won 56 games in his first three full seasons but suffered from a rotator cuff tear at age 27 due to overwork. His doctor suggested counting the number of pitches Busby threw as a means of gauging his recovery. Prior to his injury, Busby is known to have thrown 200 or more pitches in a game--double the number of pitches recommended today.

Related Topics:
Steve Busby - Kansas City Royals - Rotator cuff tear

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