Emoto Takenori’s “Katsuya Nomura Kaitai Shinsho Complete Edition Is Mr. Nomu Really Amazing?]will be specially released. 《Second of three episodes / Part 1 is #1, continue to #3》
Q. Describe the difference between a pitched out and a waist ball.
Like a sponge absorbing water, Nomura made Don Blazer’s baseball theory his own.
Then, in order to pass that knowledge on to the players, I did a paper test at the camp meeting. He still remembers being asked, “Tell me about the difference between a pitched out and a Westball.”
Pitched out is throwing a ball out of the strike zone to prevent stolen bases, hit-and-runs, and squeezes. He often throws low to make it easier for the catcher to throw the ball.
Westball is throwing a ball that is too far to distract the batter. Sometimes I search for the course and type of pitch that the batter is waiting for, and sometimes throw it to make the most of the next deciding ball. West ball is Japanese English, and in English it is called West pitch. Waste means to spend, meaning “a ball spent for the next ball to be thrown.”
I have a runner and I’m trying to bunt. A pitch that simply leaves the waist high. Runners don’t start when they waist because they know they’ll miss a lot the moment they throw it.
A pitched out is a pitch that is removed sideways at the height of the strike. Runners can jump out thinking they can bunt and be put out.
When it comes to baseball theory, I have a sense of pride that is second to none.
When he steals a bunt sign, he sometimes pitches out because the runner doesn’t realize it. Runners use the height of the course to determine if the battery is trying to dodge, so runners can’t tell they’re pitched out.
Pitched out and waist are still used ambiguously in television commentary and newspapers. Few people, even professionals, can accurately tell the difference.
