Top 10 fastest pitches in MLB history

For more than a century baseball pitching has been an art and for just as long pitchers have tested the physical limitations of the human body. Numerous pitchers have dazzled spectators with their tremendous speed and power on the mound during the Major League Baseball (MLB) era. Extreme fastball velocity has become a highly desired trait, making players that possess it some of the most in-demand in the game.

Pitchers may throw fastballs at speeds that have continuously grown through time, a fastball’s velocity is measured in miles per hour (mph). Pitchers have been setting records and going beyond what was formerly considered to be feasible in recent years. Fans can’t get enough of the thrill of witnessing a pitcher hurl a fastball at over 100 mph since it seems like pitchers are becoming quicker and faster with each passing season.

This article takes a closer look at the top 10 fastest pitches in MLB history. From Aroldis Chapman to Jordan Hicks, these pitchers have thrown some truly incredible pitches that have left fans in awe. With each pitch, they have pushed the limits of what was once thought possible and have left a lasting impression on the game of baseball.

Related: “He could have hit a ROSIN bag for a HOMER,” Manny Machado displays admiration towards masterly Albert Pujols

Curt Schilling to Walter Johnson: Dominating the fastest pitch list

10. Curt Schilling

Curt Schilling ranks 15th all-time with 3,116 strikeouts and relied heavily on his fastball for these outs. Schilling’s fastball came in hot at around 96-98 mph, particularly early in his career, and was definitely his strikeout pitch for his career.

9. Goose Gossage

During Goose Gossage’s 21-year career, most notably with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres, Gossage recorded 310 saves with a 3.01 ERA. This was in large part due to his electrifying fastball that tormented hitters every time the game was on the line. He had a K/9 of 7.5 during his dominant career.

8. Randy Johnson

The 6’10” southpaw won 303 games and recorded an enormous 4,875 strikeouts during his 21-year career. Randy Johnson fastball sat in the high 90s and was consistently around 100 mph during his younger days, which was mainly the reason why he was a five-time Cy Young Award winner and led the league in strikeouts nine times.

7. Bob Gibson

Bob Gibson’s 3,117 strikeouts rank him 14th on the all-time list, in large part thanks to his devastating fastball that scared hitters from digging in too close to the plate. His fastball was the driving force behind his historical 1968 season that could very well be considered the greatest single season of all time.

6. Steve Carlton

Steve Carlton’s fastball was the pitch that elevated him to fourth all-time in strikeouts with 4,136. At times during his career he was actually the leader in career strikeouts while him and Nolan Ryan continued to add to their totals. He was a four-time Cy Young winner and led the league in strikeouts five times.

https://twitter.com/goodguygreg1234/status/1316919885520379905

5. Sandy Koufax

Sandy Koufax used his fastball to win an MVP and three Cy Young Awards. He also led baseball in strikeouts four times and had the highest K/9 in the majors on five separate occasions. His career 9.3 K/9 also points to a pitcher who could throw a ball by any hitter when he really needed.

4. Lefty Grove

Lefty Grove is another player who does not have an overwhelming number of career strikeouts, just 2,226, but deserves to be on this list nonetheless. He pitched in a much different era when strikeouts were not as prevalent. Grove’s fastball was described as “blinding,” and it was his most relied upon pitch to set up the rest of his impressive arsenal.

3. Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan is the all-time leader in strikeouts with a whopping 5,714. He accomplished this feat by throwing his fastball, which was clocked at an incredible 100.9 mph, harder than anyone else in history. Ryan’s fastball and 12-6 curveball were his two primary pitches, but his fastball was his most dominant and fearsome.

2. Roger Clemens

Roger Clemens’ fastball was one of the most feared in the game, and he used it to strike out an impressive 4,672 batters during his 24-year career. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards and an MVP, and he was known for his bulldog mentality on the mound. At his peak, Clemens’ fastball sat in the high 90s and could touch 100 mph, and he threw it with pinpoint accuracy.

His ability to mix his fastball with other pitches and change speeds made him a devastating pitcher who was nearly impossible to hit. Clemens’ fastball played a key role in his success and is a big reason why he is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

1. Walter Johnson

Walter Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best pitchers of all time, and his fastball was a major reason why. Johnson’s career spanned 21 years, during which he racked up 3,509 strikeouts and won two MVP Awards. At the time, his fastball was the fastest in the game, and it helped him to 417 career wins, a record that still stands today.

Johnson’s fastball was known for its incredible speed and movement, and he was able to generate it with a smooth and effortless delivery. His fastball was so dominant that opposing teams would often make special trips to watch him pitch, and it became one of the most feared weapons in baseball history. Johnson’s fastball was a testament to his incredible talent and work ethic, and it solidified his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Baseball has been and continues to be a beloved sport for millions of people around the world. Through its rich history, the game has produced numerous legendary players who have left their mark on the sport and inspired generations of fans.

Whether it’s their incredible skill on the field, their impact on society, or their record-breaking achievements, these players have become part of the fabric of baseball and will continue to be celebrated for years to come. The game of baseball has the power to bring people together, to inspire, and to create lasting memories, and it will undoubtedly continue to do so for many generations to come.

In case you missed it:

Manny Machado ejected after arguing over pitch clock violation

“Definitely the best player”: Luke Voit prefers Manny Machado over Yankees’ Aaron Judge