Definition & Meaning of "forkball"in English

What is a "forkball"?

A forkball in baseball or softball is a pitch that is thrown with a grip where the pitcher places their fingers between the ball’s seams, similar to a "fork" shape. This grip creates a sharp downward movement as the ball approaches the batter, making it drop suddenly as it nears the plate. The forkball is slower than a fastball and harder for batters to hit because of its unpredictable drop. It is considered a deceptive pitch because the batter cannot easily tell where it will end up, often causing them to swing too early or miss entirely.