Question by Joe M: How do baseball announcers tell the difference between a slider and a fastball when announcing games?

How do baseball announcers tell the difference between a slider and a fastball when announcing games?

I can more or less tell a curve ball since it has a looping motion. I'm guessing a change up can be determined by the speedometer. New to baseball. Thanks!




Best answer:

Answer by Gyroballer1990
a major league fastball travels at an average of 90-93 mph. A major league slider stays in the 80's range, and if it has good bite, you will be able to see it move down and away from a right handed batter (from a RHP) and vice versa. Im guessing that they just watch their tv's while they talk. A lot of announcers have been in the baseball business for a while, so they have a good eye for pitches.

Add your own answer in the comments!