First pitch by a reliever more likely to result in a HR (aka "The Greeter")?

[The Greeter]

I don't know how to prove this, but many (many) years of RBI playing seems to bear it out.  It's similar to how a pinch hitter has more contact power for the first pitch or two.

It seems that the first pitch by a relief pitcher is, more often than not, hammered into the bleachers for a HR by all but the most incompetent oppenent.

It's gotten to the point that we call that pitch "The Greeter".  In our league, when bringing a reliever in, the first pitch is now almost ALWAYS thrown far far outside, where it can't be hit.  After that, everything seems to calm down.  If "The Greeter" is anywhere near the plate, it seems destined to get out of the stadium quickly.

Anyone else seen this behavior?  Or is it just me <grin>.

Thanks!

[ultimate7]

There is a Pinch hitter bonus and before this was proven people hypothesized that there was a power boost for pinch hitter or during a pitching change (I think the COTUT website suggested this).  I'm not certain whether or not this has been disproven.

[BeefMaster]

I've noticed this phenomenon too, although I kind of doubt it's for real.  Someone who's played with the debugger in an emulator needs to check this out, pronto.

[BeefMaster]

By the way, "The Greeter" is a great name for that.

[fknmclane]

By the way, "The Greeter" is a great name for that.

Mike Myers was a pro at this when he pitched for the DBacks.

[broiler]

i just think its that most relievers dont have as much motion and people will try to just toss a hot one and hope that the batter doesnt get around on it

[Attezz]

By the way, "The Greeter" is a great name for that.

Mike Myers was a pro at this when he pitched for the DBacks.

Javier Vasquez was as well, at least during the postseason with the Yanks, at least twice his first pitch (always a flat fastball) was hammered into the left field bleachers.

Plus, his chain always pissed me off.

[Briznock]

Donnie Moore's greeter rating is twice the norm.  And 5 times the norm when the game is on the line.

[Reds]

Calvin Schiraldi tends to do this also.

[fightonusc]

Playing against the computer, I've noticed that it will almost always groove a fastball right down the middle of the plate for the first pitch when a reliever comes in.

[TbT]

i just think its that most relievers dont have as much motion and people will try to just toss a hot one and hope that the batter doesnt get around on it

I cant say i've noticed this phenominon, but if so this could be a plausible explanation.  A tiring starter throing in the 70's leads you to believe that you can blow one by a batter with a fresh arm.

On the level, most relievers dont have the same stuff the starters do(with a few exceptions).

[Attezz]

i just think its that most relievers dont have as much motion and people will try to just toss a hot one and hope that the batter doesnt get around on it

I cant say i've noticed this phenominon, but if so this could be a plausible explanation. 

Keep in mind that this is the guy who believes in the early throw bop.

[broiler]

Keep in mind that this is the guy who believes in life after love.  i can feel something inside me say, i really dont think you're strong enough now

[TβG]

what if like way back in 2002 kirk rueter gave up a greeter to jeter?

[Big Hath]

while throwing a heater?

[Nacho]

after scratching his peter?

[The Greeter]

Grin.  Loving the talk of "The Greeter", a term that's been used with much hilarity by us for many years of RBI'ing.

And yes, I've seen many real world "Greeters" over the years.  You can almost hear it coming when they trot a reliever in from the dugout.  The RBI theme plays in my head, and you know what's coming next.

Would love to see if the debugger bears this out as truth.  Would explain a lot.  As well as proving whether or not I need to waste a pitch every time to avoid "The Greeter".

At least I've contributed a new RBI phrase you can use now <ROTFL>!!!

[TβG]

i got through that entire post before seeing "ROTFL" and then realizing it wasn't gantry.  greeter, please change your avatar picture to another team.  although i do share your love for the california angels, only gantry uses that pic and it's very confusing when someone else uses that one.

nonetheless, you are welcome here and we look forward to more of your input.

[The Greeter]

Will find a more unique avatar.  Thanks.  Glad to be among friends.

[Attezz]

At least I've contributed a new RBI phrase you can use now <ROTFL>!!!

Now you've contributed two.

Also, TBG, don't be a jerk!