In 1942, during the U.S. professional baseball season, a pitcher introduced an unconventional new pitch known as the “Eephus ball.” Unlike the typical fastball, the Eephus was remarkably slow, traveling only about 80 to 90 km/h (50 to 56 mph), roughly half the speed of a standard pitch. It followed a high, looping arc before dropping sharply toward the batter. This unusual trajectory and reduced speed threw many hitters off, making it difficult to time their swings effectively.
The pitcher behind the Eephus ball was Rip Sewell. A successful professional player at the time, Sewell suffered a devastating foot injury in an accident, leaving him barely able to walk, much less throw fastballs. With his career hanging in the balance, he refused to give up. Instead, he adapted developing a pitch that matched his new physical limitations: one he could still throw, even without full strength.
The following season, Sewell returned to the mound. By mixing in the Eephus ball with traditional fastballs, he disrupted hitters’ timing and revitalized his performance. Over the course of 300 games, he gave up only a single home run—a remarkable feat. In 1948, he even led the league in win percentage. What could have been the end of his career instead became a turning point, thanks to one daring, creative decision born out of adversity.