Jordan Hicks, the 23-year-old pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, has been making headlines this season with his impressive performance on the mound. But it’s not just his fastball that has caught everyone’s attention, it’s also his splitter.
In the recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Hicks threw his splitter several ticks harder compared to last season. This significant increase in velocity has left fans and experts alike in awe and wondering what has caused this improvement in Hicks’ already impressive repertoire.
For those who may not be familiar with baseball terminology, a splitter is a type of pitch that is thrown with the same arm action as a fastball, but at the last moment, the pitcher will use their fingers to split the ball into two, causing it to drop sharply as it approaches the plate. This makes it a very difficult pitch for batters to hit, and when thrown at a high velocity, it becomes almost unhittable.
Last season, Hicks’ splitter averaged around 87-88 mph, which was already considered above average. However, this season, he has been consistently throwing it at 90-91 mph, and in the game against the Brewers, he even hit 93 mph. This increase in velocity has made his splitter one of the fastest in the league, and it’s no surprise that it has become one of his go-to pitches.
So, what has caused this sudden jump in speed for Hicks’ splitter? The answer lies in his offseason training and dedication to improving his game. Hicks has always been known for his hard work and determination, and this offseason was no different. He spent countless hours in the gym, working on his strength and conditioning, which has undoubtedly contributed to his increased velocity on the mound.
But it’s not just his physical training that has led to this improvement. Hicks has also been working closely with the Cardinals’ pitching coach, Mike Maddux, to fine-tune his mechanics and perfect his splitter. With Maddux’s guidance, Hicks has been able to make slight adjustments to his grip and release point, which have resulted in a significant increase in velocity.
But it’s not just about the numbers for Hicks. He has also been focusing on the mental aspect of his game. In an interview, Hicks stated, “I’ve been working on my mental game a lot this season. I’ve been focusing on staying calm and not letting my emotions get the best of me on the mound. I think that has helped me to be more confident in my pitches, including my splitter.”
And that confidence has certainly shown in his performance on the field. In addition to his increased velocity on the splitter, Hicks has also been able to locate it better and use it more effectively against both right and left-handed batters. This has made him a formidable force on the mound and a valuable asset to the Cardinals’ pitching rotation.
Hicks’ impressive performance has not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches. Cardinals’ manager, Mike Shildt, has been impressed with Hicks’ dedication and growth as a pitcher, stating, “Jordan has always been a hard worker, and it’s great to see that hard work paying off. He has been a key player for us this season, and I have no doubt that he will continue to improve and become an even better pitcher.”
Teammate and fellow pitcher, Adam Wainwright, also had high praise for Hicks, saying, “It’s amazing to see the progress he has made. His splitter has always been a great pitch, but now that it’s faster, it’s almost unfair to the batters. He’s been a huge asset to our team this season.”
With the season still in its early stages, it’s exciting to think about what Hicks will be able to accomplish with his improved splitter. If he continues to work hard and stay focused, there’s no telling how far he can go and how many batters he can strike out with this devastating pitch.
In conclusion, Jordan Hicks’ increased velocity on his splitter is a testament to his hard work, determination, and dedication to improving his game. It has made him an even more formidable pitcher and has contributed to the Cardinals’ success this season. As fans, we can only look forward to seeing what else Hicks has in store for us and how he will continue to dominate on the mound.
