What evidence does the author give to show that
there’s more to a pitcher’s fastball than power?
(A) It’s impossible to calculate the speed of a fastball.
(B) A fastball can cause batters to swing late.
© Drag affects the velocity of a fastball.
(D) There is only one type of fastball.

A fastball isn’t just about raw power; it’s about how the pitch behaves once it leaves the pitcher’s hand. For instance, many pitchers use techniques that make their fastballs appear faster than they actually are by creating deceptive patterns. This can leave batters swinging just a fraction of a second too late, resulting in a strike instead of a solid hit.

Additionally, external factors like drag can significantly impact a fastball’s velocity and trajectory. It’s not just about how hard a pitcher can throw; it’s also about how efficiently they can manipulate the ball in the context of physics. Understanding these dynamics can transform a good pitcher into a great one!