Leephus Pitch

Question
My father's favorite player was on the '75 Red Sox, Bill Lee. My father always mentions a Leephus pitch. What exactly is it and how do you throw it?

Answer
Dear Alan,

The "Eephus" pitch, not leephus, is a gimmick pitch that very few have ever attempted to throw.  It is much like a high arching slow pitch softball pitch, but it is thrown overhanded.  I personally do not know how to throw it nor would I recommend it to anyone.  I last remember seeing it back in the early 80's being thrown to homerun hitting Gorman Thomas of the Milwaukee Brewers.  I do not remember the pitcher but Thomas struck out the first time I saw this pitch thrown to him.  It is a very high arching pitch that is very slow.  The next at bat the pitcher threw it again, and Thomas depositted it over the left field wall.

I say stick to the fast ball and breaking stuff.  But it was certainly a conversational pitch.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Take Care,

Mike Boss