the prepitch glove point while warming up

[Megunticook]

I've always wondered why some pitchers like to "flip" or "point" their glove to the target right as they begin their delivery motion. This seems to happen more in the bullpen or while warming up then during an actual live game.

Is this simply a little ritual to help the pitcher focus on their target? Is it taught or just something some guys like to do?

Watch what Nolan Ryan does with his glove at 0:20 in this video if you're wondering what I'm talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cTv-LrzIPw

[Rufus67]

Others with definitive knowledge can reply/correct, but I believe this is to communicate to the bullpen/warmup catcher what pitch the pitcher is going to throw. Pointing with the glove is a fastball (2-seam, 4-seam) while flipping the glove is something with a bend in it (curve, slider, change, etc.). Since most warm up catchers know their pitcher's arsenal of pitches they then know what to expect simply by seeing the glove motion.

[davewashere]

Others with definitive knowledge can reply/correct, but I believe this is to communicate to the bullpen/warmup catcher what pitch the pitcher is going to throw. Pointing with the glove is a fastball (2-seam, 4-seam) while flipping the glove is something with a bend in it (curve, slider, change, etc.). Since most warm up catchers know their pitcher's arsenal of pitches they then know what to expect simply by seeing the glove motion.

This is correct. In the bullpen, the pitcher might have some particular pitches he wants to work on and he doesn't want to waste time waiting for signs from the catcher. The catcher wants to know what pitch is coming for his own preservation.

[Megunticook]

That explains it--thanks.