Pitchers would sometimes hop forward within the box before releasing the ball, and some would leap into the air during the process. Batters made fun of Whitney when he did this, giving him the nickname "Grasshopper Jim", but Whitney's pitching was effective for several years.
Pitchers occasionally advanced within the box before releasing the ball, and some would jump during the action. Batters mocked Whitney's behavior, nicknaming him "Grasshopper Jim," but his pitching was effective for a number of years.