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vpi98 vpi98 OP
Jun 17, 2026 at 07:35 PM ET
Does anyone know?
The origin of the tradition of throwing the ball around the infield after a strikeout? Those older folks here, was that done when you were a kid? Seems like it’s done now even down to little league.

3 Replies

U2Hokie U2Hokie
1mo
If you could do it without messing up you did it at the LL/BabeRuth level
R
RJHokie
1mo
That only occurs after a strikeout with no runners on base.
It apparently started back in the late 1800’s. It’s done to keep fielders engaged, keep their throwing arms loose and give the pitcher some time to regroup.
E
EDGEMAN
1mo
Otherwise they would just be standing around for a minute or two...
...doing nothing until the next batter is ready for his first pitch. I like it!