Chin Music

Chin music is a pitch thrown high and inside, close to the batter's chin or face. The term evokes the sound a batter might make, gasping or exclaiming, when a pitch buzzes near their head.

Purpose of Chin Music

Pitchers throw chin music to:

• Back the batter off the plate: Establish the inside part of the zone
• Send a message: After a teammate was hit or a perceived slight
• Set up an outside pitch: Make the batter think inside, then throw outside
• Intimidate: Show the batter they'll pitch inside aggressively
• Protect the plate: Keep hitters from leaning over it

The Unwritten Rules

In baseball's unwritten rules, chin music is often thrown:

• After a batter "shows up" a pitcher (bat flip, admiring a home run)
• When the previous hitter hit a home run
• In retaliation for your own batter being hit
• To establish dominance early in the game
• Against hitters who crowd the plate

Chin Music vs. Headhunting

There's a difference:

• Chin music: High and tight, meant to intimidate but not hit
• Brushback: Similar intent, closer to the batter
• Headhunting: Intentionally trying to hit a batter (unacceptable)

Famous Chin Music Moments

Hall of Fame pitchers like Bob Gibson, Don Drysdale, and Nolan Ryan were known for their willingness to pitch inside and deliver chin music when necessary. It was part of how they controlled the plate.