A control pitcher (also known as a "finesse pitcher") is a pitcher who succeeds mostly by using accurate pitches, as opposed to a power pitcher who relies on velocity. By issuing a below average number of bases on balls he exhibits good control of his pitches.[1] Pitchers with good control are said to be able to throw all the pitches in their repertoire for strikes in different locations regardless of the batter, count and score. According to Curt Schilling, "Control is the ability to throw strikes, and command is the ability to throw quality strikes."[2] Another definition of control is "The ability to deliver the ball to the plate with accuracy."[3] The best control pitchers will walk as few as one batter per game. Control is also key to getting ahead in the count, and thus gaining the advantage over batters to keep them off base.[3] Statistics used to measure control include:[2]
A control pitcher who succeeds by avoiding surrendering walks is different from a power pitcher who succeeds by striking out batters and keeping the ball out of play.
Two of the most famous examples of control pitchers in the history of baseball are Christy Mathewson and Greg Maddux, though Maddux also has had significant strikeout totals (he is a member of the 3,000 strikeout club) because of his ability to change speeds and the deceptive nature of his pitches.
