Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun baseball A forespin pitch thrown by rotating the index and middle fingers down and resulting in motion down "curve"
  • noun An unexpected turn of events initiated by an opponent or chance.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

curve +‎ ball

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Examples

  • He can still light up a radar gun with a 95-mph fastball, and his curveball is a "plus" pitch, too.

    Collin Balester provides some relief Adam Kilgore 2010

  • Not every story has a fairytale ending, of course, but simply being able to move on and move forward after life throws you a curveball is a powerful ability.

    April Scientiae Carnival @ Candid Engineer in Academia Peggy 2009

  • According to Lu, who helped to design a popular Web animation that illustrates the science behind what he calls the curveball illusion, the ball travels relatively straight toward the batter, curving somewhat but not nearly as much as claimed.

    The Situationist 2009

  • Not even the sentient monkey named Madison could throw me out of the story, though it was a curveball from the author, and the little critter makes a sizeable contribution to how the story unfolds.

    Archive 2009-06-01 2009

  • Not even the sentient monkey named Madison could throw me out of the story, though it was a curveball from the author, and the little critter makes a sizeable contribution to how the story unfolds.

    Book Review: "Afraid" by Jack Kilborn 2009

  • While Barry Zito's curveball is considered his out pitch, he throws a first-pitch fastball 57% of the time.

    USATODAY.com - Oakland's power sources limited in playoffs 2006

  • Anytime you've got a guy throwing 94 (miles per hour) with sink using both sides of the plate and his curveball is one of the best in the league also, it certainly makes it tough.

    USATODAY.com 2005

  • "His (Floyd's) curveball is going to be pretty damn good and he was able to locate his fastball," Burrell said.

    USATODAY.com 2004

  • His curveball is nowhere near where it was before his injuries and his mechanics are out of whack.

    USATODAY.com - Prospects try to get back on the radar 2002

  • He might not throw quite as hard, but that curveball is not going to be hit, Pratt said.

    USATODAY.com - Want a race? Check out the NL East 2002

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