How the changeup has changed the game

For now, the changeup is more finishing piece than fundamental, but its impact is undeniable, any way you spin it.

Joe Lemire | Sep 18, 2013

How the changeup has changed the game /

Chris Tillman's changeup grip, seen here, has helped turn him into an All-Star. — Chris Tillman's changeup grip, seen here, has helped turn him into an All-Star :: Gail Burton/AP

Justin Verlander is known for his fastball but his changeup can be just as important to him. — Justin Verlander is known for his fastball but his changeup can be just as important to him :: Paul Sancya/AP

For now, the changeup is more finishing piece than fundamental, but its impact is undeniable, any way you spin it.

Published Sep 18, 2013

JOE LEMIRE

Staff Writer, Sports Illustrated Staff writer Joe Lemire is in his seventh year at Sports Illustrated and his fourth season covering baseball full time. Lemire writes features and analysis for SI and SI.com and is responsible for the website's weekly MLB Power Rankings. He has profiled Pirates star Andrew McCutchen and Braves rookie sensation Evan Gattis for the magazine. Lemire's penchant for covering America's pastime is to be expected considering his inspirations, Tom Verducci and Peter Gammons, are among the most well-known writers in the sport. Before his current role, Lemire spent his first three years with SI oscillating between baseball, college basketball, high school football and sports business. This came on the heels of a summer internship with the magazine in 2004 and a tenure as a stringer with SI: On Campus. Born in Richmond, Va., and raised in Lowell, Mass., Lemire graduated from the University of Virginia in 2005 with a B.A. in government and a minor in economics. Before joining SI he covered high school and college sports for the Daily News-Record in Harrisonburg, Va. He earned two Virginia Press Association awards for his work, one while a student writing at University of Virginia's Cavalier Daily and one at the Daily News-Record.