split–fingered fastball

noun \ˈsplit-ˈfiŋ-gərd-\

baseball : a fast pitch that drops quickly as it nears the batter

Full Definition of SPLIT-FINGERED FASTBALL

: a fastball thrown with the ball gripped as for a forkball so that it drops rapidly as it nears the plate —called also split-finger, splitter

See split–fingered fastball defined for English-language learners

1979

Next Word in the Dictionary: split flagPrevious Word in the Dictionary: splitfingerAll Words Near: split-fingered fastball

What made you want to look up split-fingered fastball? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears