How Do You Throw A Volcan Pitch?
The Vulcan pitch is a lesser known type of change-up. It is gripped similarly to a circle change-up but with a change in hand placement and more emphasis on separating your middle and ring fingers. Eric Gagne is well known for his use of the Vulcan change-up. This pitch is named after its resemblance to the “Vulcan” sign from the television show “Star Trek.” In your non-throwing hand hold the ball so you are looking at an upside down horseshoe section, then tilt the ball slightly towards your thumb. Place the ring and middle fingers of your throwing hand across the seams of the ball on the side facing away from your body. Place your pinkie finger on the side of the ball with your thumb running along the opposite seam and your index finger curled slightly over the tip of your thumb. The ball should fit tightly in between your fingers and appear as if it is leaning back into the palm of your hand. Throw the Vulcan change-up with fastball arm speed but rotate your arm slightly as you woul