In baseball, is there any such thing as a "curve ball", or is the perceived curve merely an optical illusion?

bayoubill

There is definitely a curved path in the flight of a curve ball. This is due to spin placed on the ball by the pitcher and air resistance against the ball from the point of release to the point where it arrives at the plate. Add to that the force of gravity acting on the ball. With one notable exception, all pitched balls will follow a curved path, with all such pitches curving in different ways. Here's a good site for descriptions of the various pitched balls... http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/different_baseball_pitches.htm The notable exception is the knuckleball, which is thrown with little or no spin... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knuckleball Oct 13 10, 2:30 AM