pitcher (n.1)

"jug with an open spout and generally a handle," originally of metal or earthenware, c. 1200, pichere, from Old French pechier, pichier (12c., altered from bichier), and Medieval Latin picarius, picherius (altered from bicarium), both probably from Greek bikos "earthen vessel" (see beaker). Pitcher-proud (early 15c.) was "drunk." The pitcher-plant (1819) is so called for the shape of the modified leaves, which commonly contain liquid and are adapted to capture and assimilate insects.

1722, "one who pitches" in any sense, agent noun from pitch (v.1). Originally of one tossing hay into a wagon, etc. In ball games, "player who serves the ball to the batsman," by 1845.