change-of-pace ball

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Word: Change-of-Pace Ball

Definition: A "change-of-pace ball" is a type of pitch in baseball. It is thrown with less speed (or velocity) than what the batter expects, usually when the batter is ready for a fast pitch. The purpose of this pitch is to surprise the batter and make it harder for them to hit the ball.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "change-of-pace ball" to describe a specific type of pitch in baseball.
• It can be used in both casual conversations about baseball and more formal discussions or analyses of a game.

Example:

• "The pitcher threw a change-of-pace ball, and the batter swung too early, missing the ball completely."

Advanced Usage:

• In baseball strategy, pitchers often use a change-of-pace ball to disrupt a batter’s timing. It’s an important skill for pitchers to learn to keep batters guessing.

Word Variants:

• Change-up: This is another common term for a change-of-pace ball. It emphasizes the change in speed.
• Slow ball: This is a less common term but can also refer to a pitch that is thrown slowly compared to fast pitches.

Different Meanings:

• In a broader context, "change of pace" can refer to any situation in life where someone changes what they are doing to refresh or surprise themselves or others. For example, taking a different route to work is a change of pace.

Synonyms:

• Change-up
• Slow ball
• Off-speed pitch

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Change of pace": This phrase can be used outside of baseball to describe a break from routine or a shift in activity. For example: "After weeks of studying, going to the beach was a nice change of pace."
• "Mix it up": This phrasal verb means to vary your actions or approach, similar to how a pitcher mixes different pitches.

Summary:

A change-of-pace ball is a strategic pitch used in baseball to catch batters off guard by delivering a slower ball when they expect a fast one.

Academic

Noun

1. a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball

Synonyms

• change-up
• change-of-pace
• off-speed pitch