Part 2/8:
The screwball, a pitch that defies conventional logic, is known for breaking in the opposite direction of a traditional curveball thrown by the other arm. This pitch gained notoriety in the early 20th century, becoming popularized by Hall of Fame pitcher Christy Mathewson and later by other legends such as Carl Hubbell, Warren Spahn, Juan Marichal, and Fernando Valenzuela.
The mystique surrounding the screwball lies in its ability to surprise hitters, often leading to embarrassing swings and missed opportunities. However, with the advent of advanced scouting technology and contextual analysis, the element of surprise has diminished, causing many to wonder why this once-popular pitch has become so rare.