Pitching

It would present a remarkable challenge for one to attempt the aimless task of “pitching” a basketball, much less something more globular and less compact, such as a fully inflated beach ball - at least in the technical sense of the term.  “Pitching” requires directed aim, some force, even ferocity, and thereby substantially higher velocity relative to the lackadaisical efforts consistent with the technical definition of “tossing”.  “Pitching” requires some sort of hurling effort to be exerted, as if the pitcher did not merely want to get rid of the object, but to propel it to kingdom come.  That may even be why a properly directed pitch in a game of baseball is referred to as a “strike”.  For if properly thrown, the baseball ought to strike the back of the catcher’s mitt with such impulse as to create a palpable compression of air and subsequent ruckus.  Indeed, the baseball is quite the perfect size, shape, and binding design as to afford it the capacity to be “pitched” with the most efficient acceleration and directness that the human arm can achieve.  The baseball, were it alive, should have much reason for trepidation if a major league pitcher were to select it for his next pitch, all the more if the pitcher intended it to be smashed by his opponent.  

In the same way, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.