How this works: Every pitch is affected by the forces of gravity, which means that every pitch drops on its way from the mound to the plate. These numbers are reported with gravity, which makes them larger and different than other pitch movement numbers you may have seen. Since gravity requires time, and slower pitches aren’t ‘better’ just because they have more time to move, the movement of a pitch is compared to ‘average’ movement by comparing it to other MLB pitch types within +/- 2 MPH and from within +/- 0.5 feet of extension and release. Read More.
How to say it: “In 2021, Seth Lugo’s curveball dropped 62 inches. That was 9 inches more drop – or 17% more drop -- than similar MLB curveballs at his velocity, which was the most added drop of any qualified pitcher.
Qualifier
  • In order to qualify at all, a pitcher must have 3 pitches thrown per team game
  • In order to qualify for a specific pitch type, a pitcher must use it at least 5% of the time