In this article, we will delve into the story of Pete Fairbanks, a baseball player who has been dedicating his time to perfecting his splitter. A crucial aspect of any pitcher’s repertoire, the splitter is a notoriously difficult pitch to master, requiring precision and skill. Fairbanks’ journey to master the splitter provides valuable insights into the hard work and dedication required to reach peak performance as a professional athlete, and how attention to detail can make all the difference in a game of inches.
Pete Fairbanks: Working on a Splitter
Pete Fairbanks is a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been with the team since 2019, and has been a reliable option out of the bullpen. Fairbanks has a fastball that averages around 98 miles per hour, which makes him a valuable asset in the league.
Introduction to the Splitter
A splitter is a pitch that is similar to a fastball, but it has more movement. The pitch is thrown with a split finger grip, hence the name. The splitter is a difficult pitch to master, but when executed properly, it can be an effective weapon against batters. The pitch is usually thrown with less velocity than a fastball, but the movement makes up for the lack of speed.
Fairbanks’ Decision to Work on a Splitter
Fairbanks has always had a dominant fastball, but he wanted to add another pitch to his arsenal. He spent the offseason working on a splitter, and he has been working on it during the 2021 season as well. Fairbanks wanted to develop a second pitch that would keep batters off balance, and he believed that the splitter was the right pitch to learn.
Working on the Splitter
Fairbanks has been working with Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder to develop his splitter. Snyder has been helping Fairbanks with his grip and overall mechanics. Fairbanks has also been throwing the pitch during bullpen sessions and in game situations. He has been focusing on getting the right movement on the pitch and throwing it consistently for strikes.
The Results
So far, Fairbanks’ work on the splitter has been paying off. He has been using the pitch more frequently, and he has been getting better results. Batters have a hard time picking up the pitch, and they often swing and miss or hit weak ground balls. Fairbanks has been happy with his progress, and he believes that the splitter will be a valuable pitch for him going forward.
The Future
If Fairbanks can continue to develop his splitter, he will become an even more effective reliever. His fastball is already one of the best in the league, and adding a pitch with movement will make him even more difficult to hit. Fairbanks is still a relatively young player, and he has a lot of potential. If he can master the splitter, he will become an even more valuable asset for the Rays.
Conclusion
Pete Fairbanks’ decision to work on a splitter is a smart one. The pitch is difficult to master, but when executed properly, it can be an effective weapon against batters. Fairbanks has been working with Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder to develop his splitter, and he has been seeing positive results. If Fairbanks can continue to develop his splitter, he will become an even more effective reliever. The future looks bright for Fairbanks, and the Rays are lucky to have him on their roster.
