Mr. Friscus
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- Dec 28, 2020
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That's what the physics-backed estimate is for Nolan Ryan's measured pitch in 1974 if you measure it at the same distance from the mound as we do today.
The modern way they measure pitch speed is 50 ft in front of home plate, only 10.6 ft in front of the mound. By this method, Araldis Chapman has the highest recorded fastball at 105.1 MPH.
However, other pitchers had their pitches measured, but far further from the mound. Once you apply physics, Chapman's feat is knocked off considerably.
Walter Johnson was clocked at 83mph in the early 1900's, considered the fastest pitch ever, but it was measured a good 7ft behind home plate, or 67.6 ft from where Johnson threw it.... If you compare it and apply the physics, at 10.6 ft in front of the mound, his ball was traveling around 93.8 MPH. And again, this was the early 1900's. No modern training techniques or weight lifting, minimal knowledge of mechanics, no supplements, etc. For his time, he was the fastest, and if today's pitchers went back to the 1900's and were brought up without the luxuries they enjoy, the probably wouldn't touch 93 MPH.
Bob Feller was measured in 1946 at 98.6 right at home plate, 60.6 ft from the mound. After the physics adjustment, He threw approx 107.6 MPH.
Nolan Ryan was measured in 1974 at 100.9 MPH 10 ft in front of home plate. After physics adjustment and under today's standards, that pitch would have been approx 108.5 MPH.
It's all in the baseball documentary called "Fastball", it's on Youtube, I suggest you watch it.
Crazy that these guys threw so hard.
The modern way they measure pitch speed is 50 ft in front of home plate, only 10.6 ft in front of the mound. By this method, Araldis Chapman has the highest recorded fastball at 105.1 MPH.
However, other pitchers had their pitches measured, but far further from the mound. Once you apply physics, Chapman's feat is knocked off considerably.
Walter Johnson was clocked at 83mph in the early 1900's, considered the fastest pitch ever, but it was measured a good 7ft behind home plate, or 67.6 ft from where Johnson threw it.... If you compare it and apply the physics, at 10.6 ft in front of the mound, his ball was traveling around 93.8 MPH. And again, this was the early 1900's. No modern training techniques or weight lifting, minimal knowledge of mechanics, no supplements, etc. For his time, he was the fastest, and if today's pitchers went back to the 1900's and were brought up without the luxuries they enjoy, the probably wouldn't touch 93 MPH.
Bob Feller was measured in 1946 at 98.6 right at home plate, 60.6 ft from the mound. After the physics adjustment, He threw approx 107.6 MPH.
Nolan Ryan was measured in 1974 at 100.9 MPH 10 ft in front of home plate. After physics adjustment and under today's standards, that pitch would have been approx 108.5 MPH.
It's all in the baseball documentary called "Fastball", it's on Youtube, I suggest you watch it.
Crazy that these guys threw so hard.
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