brushback pitch
1 of 1noun/ˈbrʌʃ.bæk pɪʧ/
Forms:brushback pitches
1
(baseball) a pitch thrown close to a batter to intimidate or force them away from the plate
A brushback pitch in baseball or softball is a pitch thrown close to the batter, usually aimed near their upper body, to make them move away from the plate. The purpose of a brushback pitch is to intimidate or challenge the batter, causing them to back off or feel uncomfortable. While it is not meant to hit the batter, it is a way for the pitcher to establish control and send a message. If a batter is hit by a pitch, it is called a hit-by-pitch, and the batter is awarded first base.
- The batter felt the tension rise as the pitcher delivered a sharp brushback pitch.
- The batter glared at the pitcher after narrowly dodging a brushback pitch.
- A brushback pitch can send a message to aggressive hitters.
- Sometimes a brushback pitch is used strategically to keep hitters off balance.
- The crowd reacted with a mix of gasps and cheers as the pitcher threw a high brushback pitch.