Spin Rate (SR)

Definition

A pitcher's Spin Rate represents the rate of spin on a baseball after it is released. It is measured in revolutions per minute.

The amount of spin on a pitch changes its trajectory. The same pitch thrown at the same Velocity will end up in a different place depending on how much it spins. (For instance, a fastball with a high Spin Rate appears to have a rising effect on the hitter, and it crosses the plate a few inches higher than a fastball of equal Velocity with a lower Spin Rate. Conversely, a lower Spin Rate on a changeup tends to create more movement.)

"The pitch was spinning at a rate of X rpms"

Additional resources

• Spin Rate vs. velocity
• Why Spin Rate matters for fastballs
• How Spin Rate affects curveball outcomes