US20140135151A1

US20140135151A1 - Baseball pitching training device

Info

Publication number: US20140135151A1
Application number: US13/917,606
Authority: US
Inventors: Adam W. Johnston
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-11-14
Filing date: 2013-06-13
Publication date: 2014-05-15

Abstract

A baseball pitching training deice providing student of pitching with a tool which allows them to visually assists in the development of the proper grip and release of a baseball during pitching. The device consists of a circular soft or hard object having simulated or actual stitching incorporated upon the external surface area such that the circular object is a standard baseball or simulates a standard baseball. A dowel is incorporated within the circular object and the dowel assists in the development of the proper grip and release of a baseball.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/677,074, filed Nov. 14, 2012, and titled “Baseball Pitcher Training Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the field of sports training and, more particularly, to an improved baseball pitching training device for use in reproducing the proper grips and rotation/spin of several pitches in baseball.
The act of pitching a baseball is comprised of a number of separate steps including the wind-up, the cocking phase, the acceleration phase, the release of the baseball, and the follow-through phase. There are three types of pitching styles. The first type of pitch is the fastball which is also the most common pitch. It is a pitch that is thrown very fast and generally hard. Another type of pitch is the changeup which is an off-speed pitch. It is thrown just like a fastball but farther back in the hand which makes its release slower. The third type of pitch is the breaking ball which has a sideways or downward movement. The curveball is a common breaking pitch. The grip and hand movement of a curveball pitch causes a forward spin which makes the ball dive in a downward motion. The high velocity of the baseball makes it nearly impossible to observe the release of the baseball with each pitch and the specific effect on rotation that these components produce. Drawings of the grasping or release of a baseball are insufficient for effectively communicating the actual placement of the fingers on the ball and describing the manner of the overall grip and release. What is needed is a training device that allows the trainer and the trainee to visually know that the pitch is correct upon release.

SUMMARY

One of the major advantages of the present invention is to provide a training tool that allows the pitcher to know instantly whether his pitch is accurate and has the proper rotation/spin. Another advantage is that the structure of the device allows for the pitcher to check the proper placement of the grip and release of baseball during pitching.
In light of the above, it is desirable to provide an improved training baseball. A baseball pitching training device providing student of pitching with a tool which allows them to visually assist in the development of the proper grip and release of a baseball during pitching to see the proper rotation/spin of the desired pitch. The device consists of a circular soft or firm object having simulated or actual stitching incorporated upon the external surface area such that the circular object is an actual baseball or simulates a standard baseball with regulation laces/seams used at all levels of baseball. A dowel is incorporated within the circular object and the dowel assists in the development of the proper grip and release of a baseball to achieve the proper rotation/spin by visualizing the rotation/spin.
The training device can assist in the development of various methods of pitching. One of the methods is the curveball pitch which is considered difficult to learn and requires a certain level of mastery to be effective. In an alternative embodiment, the training device can provide a pitcher with finger placement indicia on the cover of the simulated baseball or actual regulation baseball so that he may determine finger placement for the various pitches. The present invention is designed to facilitate proper learning of the various pitching methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present invention.

FIG. 1-1 is a descriptive key with rotational arrows describing a ¼ turn of a baseball pitching training device according to the horseshoe laces as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device showing the horseshoe laces on the baseball training device.

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 1C is another perspective view of the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 1D is another perspective view of the baseball pitching training device including rotational arrows.

FIG. 1-2 is a descriptive key with rotational arrows describing a ½ turn of a baseball pitching training device according to the horseshoe laces as shown in FIGS. 1E-1F.

FIG. 1E is a top view of the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 1F is a bottom view of the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 2A is a partial phantom side view of the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 2B is a partial phantom exploded side view of the baseball pitching training device and extension rod.

FIG. 3 depicts a baseball pitcher using the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 3-1 is a descriptive key for a first curve ball grip placement of the baseball pitching training device as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIG. 3A is another front view of the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 3B is another front view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 3C is another front view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 3-2 is a descriptive key for a second curve ball grip placement on the baseball pitching training device as illustrated in FIGS. 3D-3F.

FIG. 3D is another front view of the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 3E is another front view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 3F is another front view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 3-3 is a descriptive key including a clock and rotational arrows describing a 12 to 6 rotation of a pitched curve ball according to a first curveball grip placement on the baseball pitching training device as illustrated in FIGS. 3G-3J.

FIG. 3G is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a first curve ball rotation position.

FIG. 3H is a bottom view of the baseball pitching training device in a second curve ball rotation position.

FIG. 3I is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a third curve ball rotation position.

FIG. 3J is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a fourth curve ball rotation position.

FIG. 3-4 is a descriptive key including a clock and rotational arrows describing a 12 to 6 rotation of a pitched curve ball according to a second curve ball grip placement on the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 3K is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a first curve ball rotation position.

FIG. 3L is a bottom view of the baseball pitching training device in a second curve ball rotation position.

FIG. 3M is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a third curve ball rotation position.

FIG. 3N is a top view of the baseball pitching training device in a fourth curve ball rotation position.

FIG. 4-1 is a descriptive key for a straight change/box change grip placement as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 4B is another side view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 4C is another side view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 4-2 is a descriptive key for a straight change/box change grip placement as illustrated in FIGS. 4D-4E.

FIG. 4D is a side view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 4E is another side view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 4-3 is a descriptive key including a clock and rotational arrows describing a 12 to 6 rotation of a straight change pitched baseball pitching training device as illustrated in FIGS. 4F-4I.

FIG. 4F is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a first rotation position.

FIG. 4G is a top view of the baseball pitching training device in a second rotation position.

FIG. 4H is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a third rotation position.

FIG. 4I is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a fourth rotation position.

FIG. 5-1 is a descriptive key for a circle change grip placement as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device as gripped in a hand.

FIG. 5-2 is a descriptive key including a clock and rotational arrows describing a 3 to 9 rotation of a right hand pitched circle change pitch as illustrated in FIGS. 5E-5H.

FIG. 5E is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a first rotation position.

FIG. 5F is a top view of the baseball pitching training device in a second rotation position.

FIG. 5G is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a third rotation position.

FIG. 5H is a bottom view of the baseball pitching training device in a fourth rotation position.

FIG. 6-1 is a descriptive key including a clock and rotational arrows describing a 9 to 3 rotation of a left hand pitched circle change pitch as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a first rotation position.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a second rotation position.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a third rotation position.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a fourth rotation position.

FIG. 6-2 is a descriptive key for a circle change grip placement of a right hand on the baseball pitching training device as illustrated in FIGS. 6E-6F.

FIG. 6E is a view of a right hand gripping a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 6F is a view of a right hand gripping a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 7-1 is a descriptive key for a four seam fastball grip placement of a right hand on a baseball pitching training device as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a right hand gripping a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a right hand gripping a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 8-1 is a descriptive key including a clock and rotational arrows describing a 12 to 6 rotation of a four seam fast ball pitch as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a first rotation position.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the baseball pitching training device in a second rotation position.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the baseball pitching training device in a third rotation position.

FIG. 8D is a bottom view of the baseball pitching training device in a fourth rotation position.

FIG. 9-1 is a descriptive key including a clock and rotational arrows describing a 2 to 7 rotation of a right hand pitched slider pitch as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a first rotation position.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a second rotation position.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a third rotation position.

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a fourth rotation position.

FIG. 9-2 is a descriptive key including a clock and rotational arrows describing a 11 to 5 rotation of a left hand pitched slider pitch as illustrated in FIGS. 9E-9H.

FIG. 9E is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a first rotation position.

FIG. 9F is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a second rotation position.

FIG. 9G is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a third rotation position.

FIG. 9H is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a fourth rotation position.

FIG. 10-1 is a descriptive key for grip placement of a right hand on a baseball pitching training device in relation to a slider pitch as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C.

FIG. 10A is a side view of a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 10B is a view of a right hand gripping a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 10C is a view of a right hand gripping a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 11-1 is a descriptive key including a clock and rotational arrows describing a 12 to 6 rotation of a two seam gripped pitch as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D.

FIG. 11A is a side view of a baseball pitching training device in a first rotation position.

FIG. 11B is a top view of a baseball pitching training device in a second rotation position.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a third rotation position.

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in a fourth rotation position.

FIG. 12-1 is a descriptive key for grip placement of a right hand on a baseball pitching training device in relation to a two seam fastball pitch as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 12B is a view of a right hand gripping a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 12C is a view of a right hand gripping a baseball pitching training device.

FIG. 13-1 is a descriptive key for a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a curve ball pitch as illustrated in FIGS. 13-14.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a curve ball pitch.

FIG. 14 is front view of a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a curve ball pitch.

FIG. 15-1 is a descriptive key for a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a two seam pitch as illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a two seam pitch.

FIG. 16-1 is a descriptive key for a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a four seam pitch as illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a four seam pitch.

FIG. 17-1 is a descriptive key for a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a slider pitch as illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a slider pitch.

FIG. 18-1 is a descriptive key for a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a straight change/box change pitch as illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a straight change/box change pitch.

FIG. 19-1 is a descriptive key for a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for a circle change pitch as illustrated in FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a baseball pitching training device including finger tiles for the circle change pitch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention comprises a standard pitching training device (10) as shown in FIGS. 1A-F. Structurally, each training device (10) has substantially a simulated or actual baseball having a circular body with the same size and dimensions as a standard baseball which is approximately 9 inches in circumference and 2⅞ in diameter. Each device (10) is made of material such as rubber, plastic, leather, synthetic leather, polyurethane, or another suitable material. Simulated or actual stitching of a standard baseball is incorporated upon the body of the training device (10). A conventional baseball comprises four parabolas formed upon its outer surface from the stitching or seams. Because device (10) simulates a standard baseball, the device also has the standard four horseshoe parabolas formed thereon
Referring to FIGS. 1A-F there is shown each face of device (10) in relation to dowel (20). In FIGS. 1A-1D dowel (20) is disposed at the top of device (10) in a perpendicular relation to the ground. Alternatively, in FIG. 1E dowel (20) faces the user and in FIG. 1F dowel (20) is rotated 180 degrees and faces away from the user. To illustrate each configuration in FIGS. 1A-F, starting with the configuration in FIG. 1A, device (10) is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise depicting each possible configuration of device (10) as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1D. Each of the four horseshoe parabola is defined by an apogee with an upper parabolic curve and a lower parabolic curve. As device (10) rotated each of the four parabolic configuration changes as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F.
Starting with FIG. 1A the horseshoe parabola is created with apogee (13) facing toward the right with upper parabolic curve (43) and the lower parabolic curve (42) parallel to dowel (20). Then, rotating device (10) 90 degrees counterclockwise, FIG. 1B illustrates apogee (13) and (14) vertically parallel to each other with dowel (20) disposed there between in a parallel relationship. Next, rotating device (10) 90 degrees counterclockwise, FIG. 1C illustrates horseshoe apogee 14 facing left with the upper parabolic curve (31) and the lower parabolic curve 32 perpendicular to dowel (20). Lastly, rotating device (10) 90 degrees counterclockwise, FIG. 1D illustrates horseshoe apogee (16) and (17) are horizontally parallel to each other and perpendicular to the dowel (20).
To illustrate the upper horseshoe parabola, starting with FIG. 1E, apogee (16) faces left with dowel (20) horizontally facing the user centrally disposed between upper parabolic curve (31) and lower parabolic curve (43). Then, as shown in FIG. 1F device (10) is rotated 180 degrees with dowel (20) horizontally facing away from the user, and apogee (17) faces the left with upper parabolic curve (42) and lower parabolic curve (32) parallel to dowel (20). The horseshoe configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F depicts each possible face configuration of device (10) that is shown below to describe the various pitching methods and tile configurations. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the preferred embodiment, training device (10) has an internal cavity (30) that is centrally disposed as depicted in FIG. 1B between apogee (13) and (14). In the preferred embodiment the internal cavity (30) extends linearly into the body of training device (10) to a length equivalent to at least its radius. In this embodiment, rod 52 has a smaller diameter than dowel (20) and is slidably inserted into cavity (30) with the lower end of dowel (20) abutting the outer circumference of the internal cavity and being securely attached thereto.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, dowel (20) is fixably attached, but rod 52 can be removable from cavity (30). Additionally, dowel (20) in the preferred embodiment has a length of approximately 3 inches, but can be adjustable in length as shown in FIG. 2B. Alternatively to adjust the length as shown in FIG. 2B dowel (20) can further comprise an extension rod (51) which is attached at one end (53) of the dowel (20).
The device can be used to teach various method of pitching consisting of curve ball, slider, straight change, 2-seam, 4-seam, and circle change, as well as other pitching methods in baseball. In alternative embodiments finger placement indicia can be incorporated upon the external surface area of device (10). In other embodiments raised tactile surfaces defined by fingered numbered indicia raised above the surfaces of the baseball can incorporated upon the external surface of device (10) as shown in FIG. 13 through 18 for the various pitching methods consisting of curve ball, slider, straight change, 2-seam, 4-seam, and circle change, as well as other pitches in baseball.
FIGS. 13-14 illustrate the curve ball raised tile configuration utilizing respectively FIGS. 1A and 1D horseshoe parabolic seams.
FIG. 15 illustrates the 2-seam raised tile configuration utilizing FIGS. 1A and 1D horseshoe parabolic seams.
FIG. 16 illustrates the 4-seam raised tile configuration utilizing respectively FIG. 1C horseshoe parabolic seams.
FIG. 17 illustrates the slider raised tile configuration utilizing FIG. 1D horseshoe parabolic seams.
FIG. 18 illustrates the straight change/box change raised tile configuration utilizing FIG. 1D horseshoe parabolic seams.
FIG. 19 illustrates the circle change raised tile configuration utilizing FIG. 1D horseshoe parabolic seams. The advantage of the present invention is that after training with the device when subsequently given a regular baseball, the player is likely to throw it with proper, grip, rotation/spin and, mechanics as shown in FIG. 3. This is because the player can see and feel how the pitch is thrown and can make proper adjustments to each pitch instantly. After training with the device (10), the pitching techniques become natural and consistent. The training device (10) shows the pitcher how to hold the ball for various pitches and gives tactile input allowing the pitcher to “feel how you are supposed to pitch,” along with the visual recognition of the rotation of the dowel (20). Operational finger placements in relation to the dowel for six important baseball pitches are described below.

Method of Curveball

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C there is shown one method of gripping the device when performing the curve ball pitch for a right handed user. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C when performing the curveball, the dowel (20) faces the user with horseshoe apogee (14) pointing to the right of the dowel (20) and the horseshoe apogee (16) of the training device (10) is faced to the left of the dowel (20). For a left hand user, the apogee of the horseshoe apogee (13) will face to the left of the dowel (20) and the horseshoe apogee (16) of the training device (10) will face to the right of the dowel (20).
In an optional grip for the right-handed user as shown in FIGS. 3D-3F, the dowel (20) faces user with horseshoe apogee (13) pointing to the left of the dowel (20) and the horseshoe apogee (13, 14) of the training device (10) are parallel and faced to the left of the dowel (20) and the horseshoe apogee (16) of the training device (10) is faced to the right of the dowel (20). The optional grip for the left-handed user, the dowel (20) faces user with horseshoe apogee (14) pointing to the right of the dowel (20) and the horseshoe apogee (16) of the training device (10) is faced to the left of the dowel (20).
As shown in FIG. 3B, index finger (2) and middle finger (3) are positioned adjacent to each other and lye upon apogee (14). As shown in FIG. 3C, rotating device (10) 90 degrees apogee (16) and (17) lie parallel to each other and left of dowel (20). As shown in FIG. 3B-3C the thumb (1), middle finger (3) and the index finger (2) form a C perpendicular to apogee (16) and are parallel to the parabolic curve (32) covering horseshoe apogee (14). The device (10) is gripped with the middle finger (3) with pressure and placed on and parallel to parabolic curve 32 on the horseshoe apogee (14), and the thumb (1) is firmly placed parallel to parabolic curve (43) such that the hand forms a “C shape.” The index finger (2) is placed alongside the middle finger (3), and fingers 4 and 5 are folded toward the palm with the knuckle of the ring finger (4) touching the device (10).
In operation for the curveball pitch, the pitcher will lead with the “C” shaped grip toward the desired target and the pitcher will then snap the arm and wrist in a downward motion at the top of the throwing arc. The device (10) leaves the thumb (1) and tumbles over the index finger (2) which imparts the forward-spin trait of the curveball pitch. Thus as seen in FIGS. 3G-3J, when the device (10) is released, the middle finger (3) applies pressure and thumb (1) grips the ball firmly; the dowel (20) spins vertically forward in a downward motion away from the user rotating 360 degrees transitioning between the parabolic configuration in FIG. 1A-1F-1C-1E. With the alternative curveball pitch grip the dowel (20) spins vertically forward in a downward motion away from the user rotating 360 degrees transitioning between the parabolic configuration between FIG. 1C-1F-1A-1E as shown in FIGS. 3K-3N.

Method of 4-Seam Pitch

As seen in FIG. 7A when performing the 4-seam pitch, the dowel (20) is pointed away from the user and toward the target. The dowel (20) is positioned parallel to the ground with the horseshoe apogee (14) facing left of the user. For a left hand user, horseshoe apogee (13) faces to the right of the user.
In operation of the 4 seam pitch as shown in FIG. 7C, the index finger (2) and middle finger (3) are separated into a V shape and are placed across and perpendicular to top parabolic curve (31) and the bottom parabolic curve (32) on the device (10). The thumb (1) is firmly placed underneath the ball to secure the grip as shown in FIG. 7B.
As device (10) is released and as the ball leaves the index finger (2) and the middle finger (3), the dowel (20) will spin vertically backwards toward the user rotating 360 degrees traversing between the parabolic curve illustrated configuration in FIGS. 1C to 1E to 1A to 1F as depicted in FIGS. 8A-8D.

Method of 2-Seam Pitch

As depicted in FIGS. 12A-C when performing the 2-seam pitch with the device (10), the dowel (20) is positioned away from the user and toward the target. The dowel (20) is parallel from the ground with apogee (13) and (14) parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 12A.
In operation, referring to FIGS. 12B-C, the thumb (1) is placed on the bottom of the parabolic curve 42. The index finger (2) is placed on the left horseshoe apogee (13) narrow seam and the middle finger (3) is placed on the right horseshoe apogee (14) and parallel to one another. The ring finger (4) and the pinky finger (5) are folded downward. For a left hand user, the index finger (2) is placed on the horseshoe apogee (14) and the middle finger (3) is placed on the left horseshoe apogee (13) and are parallel to one another. The ring finger (4) and the pinky finger (5) are folded downward.
As the device (10) leaves from the index finger (2) and the middle finger (3) the dowel (20) rotates 360 degrees vertically backwards toward the user traversing between the parabolic configuration in FIGS. 1B to 1E to 1D to 1F as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D.

Method of Straight Change Pitch

As seen in FIGS. 4A-D, for the straight change or box change pitch, the dowel (20) is positioned away from the user and toward the target for both right and left hand users.
In operation, the user's fingers are spread apart with the dowel (20) is placed between the middle finger (3) and ring finger (4) perpendicular to horseshoe apogee (16) and horseshoe apogee (17). The pinky finger (5) is placed alongside horseshoe apogee (13) and index finger (2) is placed on the side horseshoe apogee (14) of the device (10), and the thumb (1) is firmly placed between apogee (13) and (14) for firm grip.
As the device (10) is released, the dowel (20) rotates 360 degrees vertically backwards toward the user traversing between the parabolic configurations in FIGS. 1D to 1E to 1B to 1F as shown in FIGS. 4F-4I.

Method of Circle Change Pitch

As seen in FIG. 5A, when performing the circle change pitch, the dowel (20) faces to the right for a right hand user and the horseshoe (13) faces the user.
In operation as shown in FIGS. 5B and C, the dowel (20) points to the right of the user and the middle finger (3) is placed on the parabolic curve (42) and applies pressure from the grip as the training device is released. The ring finger (4) and pinky finger (5) sit adjacent to the middle finger (3) the thumb (1) is placed on the bottom of the ball between the parabolic curves (31) and (32) for a firm grip. The index finger (2) can rest or make a circle between the parabolic curves (42) and (32). FIG. 5C shows the grip in relation to dowel (20) rotating the hand 180 degrees.
For a left hand user, the dowel (2) faces to the left and the horseshoe (14) faces the user. In operation, the dowel (20) points to the left of the user and the middle finger (3) is placed on the parabolic curve (32) and applies pressure from the grip as the training device is released. The ring finger (4) and pinky finger (5) sit adjacent to the middle finger (3) the thumb (1) is placed on the bottom of the ball across the parabolic curves (42) and (43) for a firm grip. The index finger (2) can rest or make a circle between the parabolic curves (32) and (42).
Upon release of the device (10), the dowel (20) spins 360 degrees horizontally forward traversing between parabolic configuration in FIG. 1A-1E-1C-1F from right to left and parallel to the ground as shown in FIG. 5D-5G. Alternatively for a left hand user, upon release of device (10), the dowel (20) spins 360 degrees horizontally backwards in the parabolic configuration in FIGS. 1C-1E-1A-1F from left to right and parallel to the ground as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D.

Method of Slider Pitch

As seen in FIGS. 10A-C, the horseshoe apogee (16) is facing toward the left of the right hand user. The dowel (20) is facing upward toward the left at an approximate 45 degree angle. Alternatively, for a left hand user, the horseshoe apogee (16) faces toward the right of the user. The dowel (20) faces upward toward the right at an approximate 45 degree angle.
In operation, the index finger (2), middle finger (3), and thumb (1) form a “C shape.” As shown in FIG. 10, the index finger (2) and middle finger (3) are placed diagonally across the horseshoe apogee (14) and the thumb is placed underneath and parallel to parabolic curve 43 for a firm grip. The pinky (5) and ring finger (4) are folded under parabolic curve 42 of the training device (10).
When device (10) is released, for a right hand pitcher the dowel (20) spins 360 degrees from right to left on a diagonal path with a forward spin away from the user as shown in FIGS. 9A-D traversing between the parabolic configurations in FIGS. 1A-1F-1C-1E. Alternatively for a left hand pitcher, when device (10) is released, the dowel (20) spins 360 degrees from left to right on a diagonal path with a forward spin away from the user as shown in FIGS. 9E-9H traversing between the parabolic configuration in FIGS. 1C-1F-1A-1E.

Claims

I claim:

1. A baseball pitching training device, comprising;

a circular body with a circumference and a diameter of a standard baseball;

the circular body being made of a firm and soft material with an external surface area;

a plurality of simulated or conventional baseball stitching extending across the external surface area of the body as positioned on the standard baseball wherein a horseshoe is defined upon each side of the body by a front parabola, a backside parabola, a topside parabola and a bottom side parabola;

a dowel comprising a shaft extending a pre-determined length and defined by a front end and a back end; and

the front end of the dowel coupled to the topside parabola and extending linearly upward to the pre-determined length.

2. The training device of claim 1 wherein the dowel have a pre-determined length of at least 3 inches.

3. The training device of claim 1 wherein the dowel further comprising:

an extension member defined by a top end and a lower end;

the extension member having a pre-determined length;

the back end of the dowel being removably engaged with a lower end of the extension member wherein the dowel length is adjustable.

4. The training device of claim 1 wherein the body further comprising:

a cavity extending linearly downward into the body from the external surface area of the horseshoe formed by the topside parabola and being positioned between the horseshoe formed by the topside parabola and the bottom side parabola;

a rod with a pre-determined length attached to the lower end of the dowel; and the cavity configured to cooperatively engaged with the rod and to receive the rod therein.

5. The training device of claim 1 wherein the body further comprises a plurality of indicia corresponding to a user's finger placement of a particular type of pitch incorporated upon the external surface of the body.

6. The training device of claim 5 wherein the plurality of indicia corresponds to a user's finger placement for a hand grip configuration according to a particular type of baseball pitch from the group consisting of a circle change pitch, a straight change pitch, a 2-seam pitch, a 4-seam pitch, a curveball pitch, and a slider pitch.

7. The training device of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a plurality of protruding tactile surfaces corresponding to a user's finger placement of a particular pitch and the protruding tactile surfaces incorporated thereon.

8. The training device of claim 7 wherein the plurality of tactile surfaces corresponds to a user's finger placement for a hand grip configuration according to a particular type of baseball pitch from the group consisting of a circle change pitch, a straight change pitch, a 2-seam pitch, a 4-seam pitch, a curveball pitch, and a slider pitch.

9. The training device of claim 7, wherein the body further comprises a marking on the external surface area of the body indicating the tactile surfaces corresponding to a pitch from the group from the group consisting of a circle change pitch, a straight change pitch, a 2-seam pitch, a 4-seam pitch, a curveball pitch, and a slider pitch.

10. The training device of claim 9, wherein the marking indicates an orientation for a finger placement of a user.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the dowel is centrally mounted within the topside parabola.

12. A method of training a pitcher using the device as claimed in claim one, the method comprising selecting a specific pitch; rotating the device wherein the topside parabola and bottom side parabola is set according to the specific pitch; placing a user's fingers on the device to accommodate a grip of the specific pitch; releasing the device wherein the dowel rotates toward the batter according to the specific pitch.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the dowel rotates according to the specific pitch from the group consisting of a curve ball, a straight change, a 4-seam, a 2-seam, a circle change and a slider.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein releasing the device further comprises: for the curve ball, rotating the dowel vertically forward toward batter; for he 4-seam, rotating the dowel vertically backward toward batter; for the 2-seam rotating the dowel vertically backward toward batter;

for the 2-seam, rotating the dowel diagonally downward toward the batter;

for the right hand circle change, rotating the dowel left to right horizontally; and

for the left hand circle change rotating the dowel right to left horizontally.

15. A training baseball comprising:

conventional baseball stitching along the surface of the training baseball;

a dowel extending from the surface of the training baseball in relation to the conventional baseball stitching in a manner effective to provide rotational information regarding the baseball stitching when the training baseball is thrown.

16. The training baseball of claim 15 further including a cavity for receiving part of the dowel therein.

17. The training baseball of claim 15 further including finger training indicia on the surface of the training baseball.

18. The training baseball of claim 15 wherein the length of the dowel extending from the surface is less than the diameter of the training baseball.