When to Throw Forkball?

Younger players are discouraged from attempting to throw the forkball before reaching the age of 17-18. However, these injuries are avoidable; if the pitcher does not snap his wrist in the motion, then the forkball theoretically should have no damaging effect to his arm.

Is throwing a forkball bad for your arm?

It's slower than the split-fingered fastball, but, when thrown properly with a snap of the wrist, has a sharp break like a curve. But having the fingers split apart puts stress on the elbow, which led to a rash of injuries among forkball pitchers.

Does anyone throw a forkball?

Use in the Major Leagues

The forkball has been favored by several current and former major league pitchers, including Tom Henke, Kevin Appier, Hideo Nomo, José Valverde, José Arredondo, Ken Hill, Justin Speier, Kazuhiro Sasaki, José Contreras, Chien-Ming Wang, Junichi Tazawa, Robert Coello, and Edwar Ramírez.