Pitching position

In baseball, there are two legal pitching positions: the windup, and the set. Colloquially, the set is often referred to as "the stretch", although this term actually only refers to one part of the pitching motion when pitching from the set.

Each type of pitching position has its strengths and weaknesses. Compared to the set, the windup has a relatively slower execution, so therefore is better suited for situations in which there are no baserunners, or when the lead runner is on third base, since it is difficult to steal home plate. Conversely, a pitch from the set, having a relatively faster execution, is preferred when there are baserunners. Faster execution is important to prevent stolen bases. A pitcher may also use other techniques to prevent stealing; these are ways of holding the runner on and include the pickoff, the pitchout and the slide step.

However, some pitchers, particularly relief pitchers, are more comfortable pitching from the set position, and thus use it regardless of the situation.

The Stretch (novel)

The Stretch is a thriller written by Stephen Leather, published in 2000. The novel, his twelfth, was based on the script for his television miniseries of the same name.

History

Leather originally wrote The Stretch as a two-part miniseries for Sky One. Filmed in the United Kingdom and Spain in 1999, it aired in 2000. His previous television experience was writing for the program The Knock. Leather’s editor at Hodder & Stoughton encouraged him to turn the screenplay into a book. The publication of the novel was timed to coincide with the TV broadcast.

Novel

Publication

The Stretch was published by Hodder & Stoughton in hardcover in 2000, followed by a paperback edition in 2001.

Plot summary