I’ve always found the race to find the MLB’s fastest pitcher to be an incredibly exciting one. Every fan who follows the game has an opinion on who they think throws the fastest, and the competition is fierce. Every season, pitchers come out of the pen, ready to show that they are the fastest. It’s truly electrifying watching them wind up and let one fly.
I remember watching some of my favorite MLB games as a kid, and seeing some of the fastest pitchers in action. There was something so mesmerizing about watching a pitch reach its top speed, and then rocket past the batter’s bat as if it couldn’t be stopped. Those moments made you hold your breath, they were just that captivating.
When I think about which teams were in conference championships last year mlb pitchers possess the most velocity, one name stands out above the rest: Aroldis Chapman. He is the undisputed king when it comes to the fastest fastball in the game. According to Statcast, Chapman has thrown a fastball as high as 105.1 MPH- that’s unrivaled when it comes to mlb jerseys speed. He is also no slouch in the pitch variety department, throwing multiple off-speed pitches that make batters’ heads spin.
It’s not just his speed that sets Chapman apart – it’s also his demeanor. He’s a composed yet menacing presence out on the mound. He may not be flashy, but his quiet, focused approach to pitching really comes through when he’s in his zone. His pitches appear to be almost effortless as he props his arm back and delivers the heat.
Of course, Chapman isn’t the only guy out there with something special. Jordan Hicks is another pitcher who is lighting up speed guns everywhere with fastballs at an amazing 102.9 MPH. He seems to be even more deadly than Chapman, as his delivery is more deceptive and hard to read. This makes it even more dangerous for opposing batters.
These two pitchers are the clear examples of the elite velocity group. There are other guys out there who could earn the title of “fastest in the game” but Chapman and Hicks definitely stand out from the pack. What do you think, who throws the fastest in MLB? I think it’s between those two!
A question you may ask is ‘how have these pitchers achieved such speeds?’ Some say genetics, while others believe it is training. Regardless of the cause, it is clear that proper technique, a good diet, and the ability to stay injury-free all play a major role for any pitcher who wishes to join the elite velocity group. Furthermore, the younger academy prospects entering the game with already impressive speeds, makes it more likely that we will see more guys earning that label in the years to come.
Speaking of academy prospects, there is one young phenom who looks to be the future of MLB. Garrett Harris is only 19 years old, yet his fastball speed is already an impressive 102.6 MPH. He has already caught the attention of some of the top sports commentators around the country and is seen as a true prodigy. With his unbelievable poise and delivery, you can expect to see Harris breaking records with that fastball for years to come.
So what does the future hold for the fastest pitchers in the league? It’s really anyone’s guess. But I have a feeling we are going to be seeing some amazing fastballs flying around as more pitchers enter the fray. It’s an incredible time to be a fan of the great American pastime and I can’t wait to see what’s next!