11.   So long as Maddux and Hernandez could comfortably grip the ball, they were working in conditions highly favorable to them.

12.   Sometimes, Giambi even notices a tendency, how a pitcher grips the ball or places his glove, and knows the type of pitch before it is released.

13.   Sunday Irabu appeared to throw only one or two curves, probably because of the wet conditions that might have diminished his ability to grip the ball.

14.   The injury made it difficult to grip the ball, much less shoot it.

15.   There was no strength, no way to grip a ball or grasp a saddle horn.

16.   They say it smudges easily and gets into the seams, making it difficult to grip the balls.

17.   Trying too hard to do too much, he started gripping the ball too tightly.

18.   When it was his turn to bowl, Hargrove gripped his ball like a bear claw and swung it back and forth in the air briskly.

19.   And those lollipop tosses, the ones where he grips the ball with all five fingers like a grapefruit -- yikes!

20.   Bowlers also find it difficult to grip the ball, while the fielders have a tough time gauging the shots.