A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball, a four-seamer, or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch in baseball. It is a member of the fastball family of pitches and is usually the fastest ball thrown by a pitcher. It is called what it is because with every rotation of the ball as it is thrown, four seams come into view. A few pitchers at the major league level can sometimes reach a pitch speed of over 100 mph. It is often compared with the two-seam fastball.
Chris Young with the San Diego Padres throws a straight-overhead four-seam fastball during a pregame bullpen warmup.
Finger grip on a four-seam fastball
Finger grip on a four-seam fastball
In baseball, the pitch is the act of throwing the baseball toward home plate to start a play. The term comes from the Knickerbocker Rules. Originally, the ball had to be thrown underhand, much like "pitching in horseshoes". Overhand pitching was not allowed in baseball until 1884.
The typical motion of a pitcher.
Left handed pitcher showing pitching motion (c. 1900). Michael T. "Nuf Ced" McGreevy Collection, Boston Public Library