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Fastest Pitchers Ever Recorded in MLB History


The Most Comprehensive List Since 2008 - Updated through World Series Game 4 10/27/2014

The question of which pitcher throws the hardest has been one of the most hotly debated questions in all of sports.

For the first time, our groundbreaking 50 Foot Equivalent (FFE) standard, allows Sports Illustrated, Wikipedia and others to rely on us to compare pitch speeds from all eras, and finally reveal the fastest MLB pitchers ever recorded.

Related: Fastest Pitcher News:
  • 10/24/2014 game 3 - one 100+ pitch, Herrera 6th 100.6 mph
  • 10/22/2014 game 2 - fastest pitch 101.4 mph (93.7 plate) 6th Herrera vs. Belt (plus 6th 100.5, 100.1,101.2,100.7,100.3,100.8,100.0 - 7th 100.1, 100.2, 100.1) - (99.8 max for Ventura 1st vs. Posey)
  • 10/22/2014 - MLB Network said 'no pitcher has thrown a 100 mph pitch in the World Series since 2007'. Neftali Feliz threw 100.2 on 10/20/2011.
  • 10/15/2014 heads up - Herrera threw a 100.3 mph pitch in the 7th, and Carlos Martinez threw 100.1 in the 5th
  • 10/7/2014 - discovered Bullet Bob Turley's 103.2 mph pitch in 1954, placing him tied at 7th on the all time list.
  • 10/7/2014 - complete revamp of the 1912-1974 Era - very complete history of various speed tests - don't miss this
  • 10/5/2014 - discovered Joe Black's forgotten 102.2 mph pitch in 1953, placing him tied at 13th on the all time list. Joe was Jackie Robinson's roommate.
  • 10/3/2014 - added known Pitch F/X data for preseason/exhibition games from 2008-2014. Discovered Andrew Cashman 103.3 mph pitch from 2012 which moved him up to 6th all time.
  • In 2014, Aroldis Chapman becomes 1st pitcher to average 100+ mph for a season - 100.2 mph average fastball speed.
  • In 2014, Aroldis Chapman threw an amazing 395 pitches - 62% of his fastballs and 42% of his total pitches - over 100 mph
  • 9/28/2014 - added qty pitches thrown over 101/102/103/104/105 mph per season for years 2008-2014
  • Hey CBS - Yordano Ventura did not throw 102.9 in 2014, or 102.8 in 2013
  • Bruce Rondon, Tigers RH rookie, makes the 102+ list for the first time in 2013 with 102.8 mph.
  • 9/12/2014 - added Mark Lowe to the 102+ list after discovering contemporary radar evidence/reports r11 from 2006.
  • 9/17/2014 - added Jeremy Accardo to the 102+ list from 2006 radar readings after discovering his name in a BIS list r9.
  • 9/19/2014 - added Josh Beckett to the 102+ list from 2004 radar readings reported by Associated Press r21 the day after the game.
  • 9/19/2004 - added the Pitch F/X 100+ mph data for the 2006 post-season
  • 10/2/2014 - realized that fangraphs does not include postseason PitchF/X data in its reports for some reason (corrected 2010-2013 years) - Verlander moves up the 102+ list with 102.4 mph pitch in 2011 postseason vs 2007 102 radar reading
  • Jul/Sep 2014 Pitch F/X Era corrections: added Yordano Ventura (101.9) to 2013, plus Rubby De La Rosa (100.3) and Brandon League (100.1) to 2011.
  • Sep 2014 Radar Era corrections: added lots of newly discovered under-102 mph pitchers/pitches during the 2002-2006 seasons
  • Aroldis Chapman did not throw 106 mph on 4/18/2011

Fastest Pitchers Ever - 102+ (UPDATED through 2014 reg season)
RankSpeed(mph)Method u12 PitcherYearThrowsLineupHt/WtERA/
SO per 162 games
1108.1 FFElaser radar Nolan Ryan bio1974RHPStarter6-2/1953.19/ 246
2107.6 FFEchronograph Bob Feller bio1946RHPStarter6-0/1853.25/ 167
3105.1Pitch F/X Aroldis Chapman bio2010LHPReliever6-4/1852.32/ 113 ('14)
4104.8Pitch F/X Joel Zumaya bio2006RHPReliever6-3/2103.05/ 84
5103.4
u3
Pitch F/X Neftali Feliz2010RHPCloser6-3/2152.53/ 75 ('14)
6103.3
preseasonu10
Pitch F/X Andrew Cashner2012RHPReliever6-6/2003.25/ 116 ('14)
T7103.2
u3
Pitch F/X Henry Alberto Rodriguez2010RHPReliever6-1/2154.31/ 68 ('14)
T7103.2 FFE
chronograph Bob Turley1954RHPStarter6-2/2153.64/ 157
8103 *
Spring Training
radar Mark Wohlers bio1995RHPCloser6-4/2073.97/ 71
T9102.8
u3
Pitch F/X Kelvin Herrera2012RHPReliever5-10/1902.56/ 69 ('14)
T9102.8
u5
Pitch F/X Bruce Rondon2013RHPReliever6-3/2753.45/ 68 ('14)
10102.6Pitch F/X Jonathan Broxton2009RHPCloser6-4/2953.07/ 78 ('14)
T11102.5 FFE
93.5 plate speed
chronograph Steve Dalkowski bio1958LHPStarter5-11/1755.38 (minors)
T11102.5
u3
93.4 plate speed
Pitch F/X Bobby Parnell2010 (and 2011)RHPReliever6-4/2003.57/ 62 ('14)
12102.4
u9
Pitch F/X Justin Verlander2011RHPStarter6-5/2253.53/ 209 ('14)
T13102.2Pitch F/X Brian Wilson2009RHPCloser6-1/1953.30/ 70 ('14)
T13102.2 FFEchronograph Joe Black bio1953RHPReliever6-2/2203.91/ 80
T14 (1st one)102radar Robb Nen1997RHPCloser6-5/2202.98/ 83
T14102radar Bobby Jenks2005RHPCloser6-3/2753.21/ n/a
T14102radar Randy Johnson2004LHPStarter6-10/2253.29/ 271
T14102radar Josh Beckett2004RHPStarter6-5/2303.88/ 194 ('14)
T14102radar Jeremy Accardo2006RHPCloser6-0/1954.30/ 53
T14102radar Brad Lidge2006RHPCloser6-5/2153.54/ 90
T14102radar Matt Lindstrom2007RHPReliever6-3/2203.68/ 47('14)
T14102radar Mark Lowe2006RHPReliever6-3/2104.16/ 61
T14102radar Armando Benitez2002RHPCloser6-4/2603.13/ 84

FFE=50 foot equivalent
Today's MLB standard uses pitch speed measured at 50 feet from home plate. See detailed calculations in that pitcher's section below.



Still Think Aroldis Chapman's 105.1 mph Pitch F/X Ball is Fastest?

Do you still think Aroldis Chapman's 105.1 mph pitch was faster than Ryan or Feller? You're skeptical of the FFE measurement?

Consider this. As the balls crossed the plate, Chapman's was traveling 96.5 mph, Bob Feller's was at 98.6 mph, and Nolan Ryan's was still moving at an astonishing 99.1 mph.


Page Navigation - Jump Directly To The Section

Fastest Pitchers Ever List - 102+ MPH
100+ MPH Pitches in the PitchF/X Era: 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
Bios: Joe Black , Aroldis Chapman , Steve Dalkowski , Bob Feller , Sidd Finch , Nolan Ryan , Mark Wohlers Joel Zumaya
FFE Calculation
Understanding Pitch Speed Measurements - Pitch F/X, Radar, Laser
100+ MPH Pitches in the Radar Gun Era: 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 1975-2001 Radar Rumors
Pitch Speeds in the Pre Radar Gun Era - 1912 to 1974
Related Articles
Sources and Updates: Radar Sources All Other Sources Updates

Pitch F/X Era - late 2006 to present

2014 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ - through 10/5/2014 [qty 100+/101+/102+/103+]

Of the 17 pitchers from the 2013 list, only 7 of these pitchers have topped 100 mph so far. Aroldis Chapman leads the way at 103.8 mph.

First the 101+ crowd from 2013:
  • 103.8 [395/207/67/11] Aroldis Chapman (Reds), closer, 7/28/2014 9th inning vs Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt 5th pitch, in Cincinnati, 95.6 mph plate speed Chapman threw an amazing 395 pitches - 62% of his fastballs and 42% of his total pitches - 100 mph or more this season
  • on DL, Bruce Rondon (Tigers), reliever
  • 99.2 Henry Alberto Rodriguez (Nationals), reliever
  • 102.0 [53/5/1] Yordano Ventura (Royals), 10/3/2014, starter (2013 rookie)
  • 101.4 [79/5] Kelvin Herrera (Royals), reliever (twice, 7/30 vs. Josh Willingham, and 10/22 vs. Giant's Brandon Belt in World Series Game 2)
  • 100.5 [9] Trevor Rosenthal (Cardinals), reliever (on 8/3/14)
  • 100.9 [21] Carlos Martinez (Cardinals), starter
  • 99.9 Craig Kimbrel (Braves), closer
  • 100.0 [1] Gerrit Cole (Pirates), starter (2013 rookie)
Only one (Eovaldi) of the under-101 mph pitchers from 2013 have cracked the 100 mph threshold:
100.4 [1] Nathan Eovaldi , (Marlins) starter (8/26/14 3rd vs. Trout), Nate Jones, reliever (97.4), Fernando Rodney, reliever (98.7), Jose Dominguez, 2013 rookie reliever (98.9), Andrew Cashner, starter (98.4), Greg Holland, reliever (99.1), Jeremy Jeffress, reliever (99.7), Matt Harvey, starter (on DL), and Danny Salazar, 2013 rookie starter (98.5).

Here are the 2014 newcomers to the 100+ list that I have confirmed:
  • 101.0 [8/1] Ken Giles, Phillies closer, 9th vs. Ian Desmond, 8/27/14
  • 101.0 [20/1] Erik Cordier, Giants rookie (7th inning vs. Matt McBride 9/3/2014) (his first MLB pitch was 100.4 mph on 9/3/2014)
  • 100.9 [6] Carter Capps, Marlins reliever, 7th vs. Matt Kemp, 5/3/14
  • 100.5 [1] Brandon Morrow, Blue Jays closer (9th inning vs Jorge Soler 9/10/2014)
  • 100.4 [4] Dellin Betances, Yankees 8/2/14
  • 100.2 [1] Jake McGee, Rays reliever (vs Edwin Encarnacion 5/28/2014)
  • 100.2 [1] Mike Foltynewicz, Astros rookie closer (9th inning vs Rangers' Rougned Odor 8/9/2014)
  • 100.1 [1] Jumbo Diaz, Reds rookie reliever (6th inning vs Casey McGehee 8/9/14)
  • 100.0 [1] Jake Diekman, Phillies reliever (vs Giancarlo Stanton 6/26/2014)
  • 100.0 [1] Hunter Strickland, Giants rookie reliever, 10/3/2014 6th inning vs. Nationals' Ian Desmond
2014 PostSeason included above
During the 2014 postseason through 10/22 there have been 41 100+ mph pitches, 102.0 [12/3/1] Yordano Ventura 10/3/14 vs David Freese , 101.4 [22/3] Kelvin Herrera , 100.3 [3] Trevor Rosenthal , 100.3 [3] Carlos Martinez , and 100.0 [1] Hunter Strickland.

2014 World Series included above
During the 2014 World Series through 10/22, there have been 12 100+ mph pitches, 101.4 [12/2] Kelvin Herrera on 10/22.

2014 Preseason not included above
One pitcher threw 7 100+ mph pitches during 2014 preseason/exhibition games. Yordano Ventura (Royals) threw 100.8 [7] on 3/17/2014 vs. Elvis Andrus. u10

Source - manual review of FanGraphs.com PITCH F/X data, and MLB PITCH F/X details , quantity of 100+ pitches indicated by '[xx]' per BaseballSavant.com's PITCH F/X data
Note- for some reason, Fangraphs does not include Pitch F/X data for postseason games


Bruce Rondon 8/30/2013 101 mph
Bruce Rondon throwing 101 mph 8/30/2013

2013 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ [qty 100+/101+/102+/103+/104+] u5 (7/31/2014) u9 (10/2/2014)

18 pitchers threw 476 pitches 100+ mph in during the 2013 regular/post season. Of the 476 pitches, 159 were 101+, 41 were 102+, 10 were 103+, and one was 104+ mph. u9

Seven starters (Ventura, Cole, Martinez, Eovaldi, Harvey, Cashner, Salazar) and 11 relievers. u9

First, 9 pitchers threw 101+ mph during the 2013 regular/post season:
  • 104.0, [215/93/27/10/1] Aroldis Chapman (Reds), 7/12/2013, 9th inning closer vs. Freddie Freeman (Braves) 3rd pitch at Turner Field Atlanta, ball, 95.3 mph plate speed
  • 102.8, [113/47/11] Bruce Rondon (Tigers rookie), 8/7/2013, 8th inning relief vs. Ryan Raburn (Indians) 4th pitch in Cleveland, swinging strike, 93.9 mph plate speed (makes 102+ list)
  • 102.3, [30/9/3] Henry Alberto Rodriguez (last game with Nationals), 6/1/2013, 10th inning relief vs. Evan Gattis (Braves) at Turner Field Atlanta, ball, 94.6 mph plate speed
  • 101.9, [4/1] Yordano Ventura (Royals), 9/17/2013, starter (2013 rookie), 3rd inning vs. Yan Gomes (Indians) at Kauffman Stadium, line drive, 92.8 mph plate speed Correction - added on 7/31/2014
  • 101.5, [47/5] Kelvin Herrera (Royals), 6/18/2013 8th inning relief vs. Michael Bourn (Indians) at Cleveland, ball, 92.9 mph plate speed
  • 101.4, [18/1] Trevor Rosenthal (Cardinals), reliever (100.9 max 2012) vs. Cesar Izturis 4/8/2013
  • 101.3, [6/1] Carlos Martinez (Cardinals), starter (rookie) vs. Junior Lake 9/27/2013
  • 101.2, [3/1] Craig Kimbrel (Braves), closer vs. Juan Uribe 10/4/2013 Correction - added on 10/3/2014 u9
  • 101.0, [11/1] Gerrit Cole (Pirates), starter (rookie) vs. Alberto Callaspo 6/21/2013
9 other pitchers threw 100+ but less than 101 mph:
  • 100.8 [10] Nate Jones, reliever on 6/5/2013
  • 100.7 [7] Fernando Rodney, reliever on 5/21/2013
  • 100.6 [4] Jose Dominguez, rookie reliever three times (twice on 6/3/2013, and on 7/12/2013)
  • 100.2 [2] Danny Salazar, rookie starter on 10/2/2013 vs. David DeJesus u9
  • 100.2 Andrew Cashner, starter on 8/31/2013
  • 100.2 Greg Holland, reliever on 6/17/2013
  • 100.1 Jeremy Jeffress, reliever on 9/4/2013
  • 100.1 Nathan Eovaldi, starter on 8/4/2013
  • 100.1 [2] Matt Harvey, starter twice 6/18/2013 and 6/23/2013
Justin Verlander, a regular on these lists, barely missed the cut at 99.9 mph max.

2013 PostSeason included above
During the 2013 postseason, there were 11 100+ mph pitches. Craig Kimbrel fastest at 101.2 mph [3/1] on 10/4/2013, Carlos Martinez 100.8 [1], Trevor Rosenthal 100.6 [2], Gerrit Cole 100.2 [3], Danny Salazar 100.2 [1], and Fernando Rodney 100.1 [1].

2013 World Series included above
During the 2013 World Series, the fastest pitch was 99.8 mph by Carlos Martinez on 10/28/2013. u9

2014 Preseason not included above
During the 2013 preseason/exhibition games, there were no 100+ mph pitches thrown. u10

Source - manual review of FanGraphs.com PITCH F/X data, and MLB PITCH F/X details , quantity of 100+ pitches indicated by '[xx]' per BaseballSavant.com's PITCH F/X data
Note- for some reason, Fangraphs does not include Pitch F/X data for postseason games


Kelvin Herrera throwing 101 mph 5/7/2012

2012 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ [qty 100+/101+/102+] u3 u9

15 pitchers threw 414 pitches 100+ mph during the 2012 regular/post season. Of the 414 pitches, 93 were 101+, and 12 were 102+ mph. u9

(See Andrew Cashner's 103.3 mph preseason pitch in Preseason section.)

  • 102.8, [81/14/2] Kelvin Herrera (Royals), 4/17/2012 9th inning closer vs. Don Kelly (Tigers) at Kauffman Stadium, fouled off, 92.5 plate speed
  • 102.7, [163/57/9] Aroldis Chapman (Reds), 8/11/2012, 9th inning closer vs. Starlin Castro (Cubs) at Wrigley Field, ball, 93.1 plate speed u9
  • 102.0, [61/13/1] Andrew Cashner (Padres), 5/12/2012 8th inning relief vs. John Mayberry (Phillies) at Citizens Bank Park, ball, 93.1 mph plate speed (see preseason section below for 103.3 mph pitch)
  • 101.5, [12/1] Bobby Parnell (Mets), 5/20/2012 8th inning relief vs Yan Gomes (Blue Jays) in Toronto, swinging strike, 91.3 mph plate speed
  • 101.5, [21/3] Justin Verlander (Tigers), 5/24/2012 8th inning start vs. Asdrubal Cabrera (Indians) at Progressive Field Cleveland, ball, 94.2 mph plate speed
  • 101.4, [26/3] Henry Alberto Rodriguez (Nationals), twice (vs Adam Kennedy and A.J. Ellis) on 4/28/2012
  • 101.2, [14/1] Trevor Rosenthal vs. Ryan Zimmerman 10/8/2012 Correction - moved to 101+ list on 10/3/2014 u9
  • 101.1, [10/1] Nate Jones (White Sox), vs Gerald Laird 9/2/2012
7 other pitchers threw 100+ but less than 101 mph:
  • 100.9 [16] Carter Capps four times 9/4 8/31 8/24 and 8/24/2012
  • 100.4 [3] Fernando Rodney twice on 9/1/2012
  • 100.2 [2] Jason Motte on 10/12/2012 u9
  • 100.1 [1] Jonathan Broxton on 5/3/2012
  • 100.1 [1] Tommy Hunter on 9/22/2012
  • 100.0 [2] John Axford twice on 5/28/2012
  • 100.0 [1] Alexi Ogando on 8/8/2012
2012 PostSeason included above
During the 2012 postseason, there were 18 100+, and one 101+ mph pitches thrown, with Trevor Rosenthal fastest at 101.2 mph.

2012 World Series included above
There were no 100+ mph pitches thrown in the World Series, Justin Verlander threw the fastest at 98.0 mph on 10/24/2012. u9

2012 Preseason not included above
During the 2012 preseason/exhibition games, one pitcher threw 13 100+ pitches. u10
  • 103.3 [13/9/7/1] Andrew Cashner (Padres) reliever 3/4/2012, 6th inning vs. Mariners' Johermyn Chavez 3rd pitch, 93.6 mph plate speed This moves him up to 6th on the 102+ list - added 10/3/2014

Source - manual review of FanGraphs.com PITCH F/X data, and MLB PITCH F/X details , quantity of 100+ pitches indicated by '[xx]' per BaseballSavant.com's PITCH F/X data
Note- for some reason, Fangraphs does not include Pitch F/X data for postseason games


2011 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ [qty 100+/101+/102+/103+] u3 u9

13 pitchers threw 312 pitches 100+ mph during the 2011 regular/post season. Of the 312 pitches, 70 were 101+, 12 were 102+, and 2 were 103+ mph. u9

  • 103.4, [110/40/10/2] Aroldis Chapman (Reds), 4/9/2011 8th inning vs. Miguel Montero (Diamondbacks) at Chase Field, ball in dirt, plate speed 95.9 mph
  • 102.5, [45/11/1] Bobby Parnell (Mets), 6/29/2011 7th inning vs. Miguel Cabrera (Tigers) at Comerica Park, ball, plate speed 92.3 mph
  • 102.4, [29/10/1] Justin Verlander (Tigers) 10/13/2011 5th inning vs. Adrian Beltre (Rangers) 1st pitch in Detroit, plate speed 93.8 mph He moves up the 102+ list from his previous 102 radar reading in 2007 u9
  • 101.4, [73/6] Henry Alberto Rodriguez (Nationals) 8/6/2011 vs Chris Nelson
  • 101.4, [19/2] Neftali Feliz on 10/8/2011 vs. Austin Jackson u9
  • 101.2, [4/1] Maikel Cleto (Cardinals) on 6/21/2011 vs Chase Utley
7 other pitchers threw 100+ but less than 101 mph:
  • 100.6 [18] Jordan Walden three times - twice on 7/10/2011 and on 5/25/2011
  • 100.5 [4] Daniel Bard twice - on 8/6/2011 and 7/5/2011
  • 100.4 [2] Jeremy Jeffress on 4/16/2011
  • 100.3 [1] Rubby De La Rosa on 7/25/2011 (**)
  • 100.2 [4] Chris Carpenter twice on 6/22/2011
  • 100.1 [1] Brandon League on 6/8/2011 (**)
  • 100.0 [2] Craig Kimbrel twice - on 9/28/2011 and 9/12/2011
2011 Postseason included above
During the 2011 postseason, there were 15 100+ mph pitches - Justin Verlander fastest at 102.4 mph [8/3/1] and Neftali Feliz 101.4 [7/2].

2011 World Series included above
During the 2011 World Series, there was one 100+ mph pitch by Neftali Feliz of 100.2 mph on 10/20/2011. u9

2011 Preseason not included above
No pitcher threw 100+ mph during the 2011 preseason/exhibition games. u10

Source - manual review of FanGraphs.com PITCH F/X data, and MLB PITCH F/X details , quantity of 100+ pitches indicated by '[xx]' per BaseballSavant.com's PITCH F/X data
Note- for some reason, Fangraphs does not include Pitch F/X data for postseason games

(**) corrected to add to list on 9/11/2014


Henry Alberto Rodriguez throwing 101 mph in 2010 u4

2010 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ u3 u9 [qty 100+/101+/102+/103+/104+/105+]

19 pitchers threw 455 pitches 100+ mph during the 2010 regular/post season. Of the 455 pitches, 143 were 101+, 45 were 102+, 16 were 103+, 2 were 104+, and one was 105+ mph. u9

  • 105.1, [87/51/32/14/2/1] Aroldis Chapman (Reds), 9/24/2010 8th inning, vs. Tony Gwynn Jr. (Padres) a PETCO Park, ball, plate speed 96.5 mph u9
  • 103.4, [35/14/4/1] Neftali Feliz (Rangers), 9/1/2010 entered 9th inning in relief, vs. Mike Aviles (Royals) at Kauffman Stadium, ball, plate speed 91.7 mph u9
  • 103.2, [89/24/3/1] Henry Alberto Rodriguez (Athletics), 9/15/2010 reliever 7th inning, vs. Mike Aviles (Royals) at Kauffman Stadium - 93.0 plate speed, ball for walk
  • 102.5, [18/4/2] Bobby Parnell (Mets), 8/18/2010 entered 11th inning, vs. Chris Johnson (Astros) at Minute Maid Park, swinging strikeout, 93.4 plate speed
  • 102.2, [144/43/4] Joel Zumaya (Tigers), 5/28/2010, entered 9th inning vs. Landon Powell (Athletics) at Comerica Park, ball, 93.5 plate speed
  • 101.6, [15/4] Justin Verlander (Tigers) 9/29/2010
  • 101.5, [28/3] Jordan Walden (Angels) 9/22/2010
12 other pitchers threw 100+ but less than 101 mph:
  • 100.8 [18] Daniel Bard 6/1/2010
  • 100.6 [5] Ubaldo Jimenez 5/3/2010 (corrected on 9/11/2014 from 100.1 mph)
  • 100.4 [3] Stephen Strasburg 6/13/2010
  • 100.4 [2] Mitchell Boggs 7/22/2010
  • 100.3 [2] Chris Sale 8/21/2010
  • 100.2 [2] Alexi Ogando twice on 8/31/2010
  • 100.2 Jonathan Broxton 7/18/2010
  • 100.1 [2] Andrew Cashner 6/26/2010
  • 100.1 Jason Motte 7/6/2010
  • 100.1 Fernando Rodney 8/5/2010
  • 100.1 Kyle Farnsworth 4/23/2010
  • 100.1 Edwin Jackson 9/17/2010
2010 PostSeason included above
During the 2010 postseason, there were 14 100+ mph pitches - Aroldis Chapman fastest at 103.5 mph [12/2/1/1] and Neftali Feliz 100.3 [2]. u9

2010 World Series included above
During the 2010 World Series, Neftali Feliz threw the fastest pitch of 98.8 mph twice on 10/30/2010.

2010 Preseason not included above
One pitcher threw 4 100+ mph pitches during 2010 preseason/exhibition games. Neftali Feliz threw 100.5 [4] on 3/29/2010. u10

Source - manual review of FanGraphs.com PITCH F/X data, and MLB PITCH F/X details , quantity of 100+ pitches indicated by '[xx]' per BaseballSavant.com's PITCH F/X data
Note- for some reason, Fangraphs does not include Pitch F/X data for postseason games

Note: Pitch F/X shows Phil Coke with 2 pitches of 101.3 and 101.5 mph on 6/5/2010 vs. Jose Guillen. I have not included these pitches in the above list, since his fastest career pitch was over 4 mph slower at 97.2 mph on 9/4/2010. The odds are better that Pitch F/X was wrong vs. him throwing 4 mph faster than ever.


2009 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ (qty 100+/101+/102+)

16 pitchers threw 272 pitches 100+ mph during the 2009 regular/post season. Of the 272 pitches, 64 were 101+, and 9 were 102+ mph.

  • 102.7 (138/47/6), Joel Zumaya (Tigers) reliever, 6/23/2009 8th inning vs. the Cubs' Milton Bradley 2nd pitch, in Detroit, 94.7 plate speed, (he threw 10 100+ mph pitches that game) and again on 6/30/2009, 7th inning vs. Oakland's Matt Holliday 7th pitch, Oakland Coliseum, 91.4 mph plate speed (he threw 8 100+ mph pitches that game)
  • 102.6 (39/8/2), Jonathan Broxton (Dodgers) closer, 7/3/2009, 9th inning vs. Padres' Kevin Kouzmanoff 4th pitch, PETCO Park, 94.3 mph plate speed
  • 102.2 (16/6/1), Brian Wilson (Giants) closer, 9/5/2009, 9th inning vs. Brewers' Jason Kendall 2nd pitch, Miller Park, 92.2 mph plate speed
  • 101.3 (12/1), Daniel Bard (Red Sox), 7/30/2009, Fenway Park
  • 101.1 (14/1), Neftali Feliz (Rangers), 8/7/2009, Angel Stadium Anaheim
  • 101.0 (15/1), Justin Verlander (Tigers), 9/19/2009, Metrodome
10 other pitchers threw 100+ but less than 101 mph.
  • 100.9 (3) Bobby Parnell 7/3/2009
  • 100.6 (11) Henry Alberto Rodriguez (Athletics) twice on 10/2/2009
  • 100.6 (14) Ubaldo Jimenez 8/7/2009
  • 100.3 (1) Juan Morillo 4/27/2009
  • 100.2 (1) Matt Lindstrom 6/13/2009
  • 100.2 (1) Merkin Valdez 9/6/2009
  • 100.2 (4) Kyle Farnsworth 9/4/2009
  • 100.1 (1) Fernando Rodney 8/24/2009
  • 100.0 (1) Kevin Jepsen 8/8/2009
  • 100.0 (1) Mark Lowe 6/5/2009
2009 PostSeason included above
In the 2009 postseason, 8 100+ mph pitches were thrown - Jonathan Broxton 101.3 (2/1), Daniel Bard 100.6 (3), and Ubaldo Jimenez 100.5 (3) u9

2009 World Series included above
In the 2009 World Series, no 100+ mph pitches were thrown - Joba Chamberlain was fastest at 97.1 on 11/1/2009.

2009 Preseason not included above
There was some Pitch F/X data for 2009 preseason games on March 15,16,17, and 19th, and for exhibition games in home parks on April 2,3, and 4th, but no pitcher threw 100+ mph. u10

Source - eFastball.com PITCH F/X data, and MLB PITCH F/X details , quantity of 100+ pitches per eFastball.com Pitch F/X , qty of 101+ and above per BaseballSavant.com's PITCH F/X data


2008 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ (qty 100+/101+)

10 pitchers threw 67 pitches 100+ mph during the 2008 regular/post season. Of the 67 pitches, 6 were 101+ mph.

  • 101.3 (32/4), Joel Zumaya (Tigers) reliever, 6/20/2008, 8th inning vs. Padres' Paul McAnulty 8th pitch PETCO Park, 90.7 mph plate speed (he threw 7 100+ mph pitches in this at bat) (corrected 12/11/12 u2)
  • 101.0 (12/1), Jonathan Broxton (Dodgers) closer, 8/21/2008, 9th inning vs. Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki 1st pitch, Dodger Stadium, 92.2 mph plate speed
  • 101.0 (9/1), Matt Lindstrom (Marlins) reliever, 7/10/2008, 7th inning vs. Dodgers' Matt Kemp 1st pitch, Dodger Stadium, 92.0 mph plate speed
7 other pitchers threw 100+ but less than 101 mph.
  • 100.6 Ervin Santana (2) 6/25/2008
  • 100.4 Ubaldo Jimenez (3) twice - 8/12/2008 and 4/15/2008
  • 100.3 Brandon League (3) 9/13/2008 (added - see update u2)
  • 100.2 Fernando Rodney (1) 8/5/2008
  • 100.2 Brian Wilson (1) 7/28/2008
  • 100.2 Joba Chamberlain (1) 6/8/2008 (see note below)
  • 100.1 Juan Morillo (3) three times on 7/20/2008

2008 PostSeason included above
During the 2008 postseason, there was not a single pitch thrown 100+ mph. The fastest postseason pitch was 99.8 mph by Jonathan Broxton on 10/4/2008,

2008 World Series included above
The fastest World Series pitch was 97.8 mph by Edwin Jackson on 10/26/2008. u9

2008 Preseason not included above
There was some Pitch F/X data for 2008 exhibition games in home parks on March 28, 29, and 30th, but no pitcher threw 100+ mph. u10

Source - eFastball.com PITCH F/X data, and MLB PITCH F/X details , quantity of 100+ pitches per eFastball.com Pitch F/X , qty of 101+ and above per BaseballSavant.com's PITCH F/X data

Note - Joba Chamberlain threw a 99.6 mph pitch on 7/19/2008 in the 6th inning that showed 101mph on the stadium radar.




2007 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ u7u3 u9 (These is only the partial year Pitch F/X data)

18 pitchers threw 100+ mph during the 2007 regular/post season. (It is unknown at this time how many 100+ mph pitches each pitcher threw)

  • 102.2, Joel Zumaya (Tigers), 4/12/2007 vs. Blue Jays' Frank Thomas 9th inning last pitch, 91.1 mph plate speed (threw 13 pitches 100+ that game)
  • 101.7, Justin Verlander (Tigers), 7/15/2007 vs. Mariners' Ben Broussard 1st inning 3rd pitch, 89.4 mph plate speed (threw 8 100+ pitches that game)
  • 101.6, Felix Hernandez (Mariners), 8/13/2007 vs. Twins' Alexi Casilla 1st inning 4th pitch, 90.3 mph plate speed (see note below)
  • 101.6, J.J. Putz (Mariners), 7/28/2007 vs. Oakland's Nick Swisher 9th inning 5th pitch, 88.5 mph plate speed (he threw 8 100+ pitches that game)
  • 101.4, Jonathan Broxton (Dodgers), 4/29/2007 vs. Padres' Khalil Greene 8th inning 2nd pitch, 87.4 mph plate speed (he threw 4 100+ pitches that game)
  • 101.2, Ubaldo Jimenez (Rockies), 8/15/2007 vs. Padres' Josh Bard 3rd inning 3rd pitch, 90.5 mph plate speed (he threw 15 100+ pitches that game)
  • 101.0, Joba Chamberlain (Yankees), twice - 9/7/2007 vs. Royals' Billy Butler 7th inning 2nd pitch, 91.4 mph plate speed (3 100+ pitches that game) ,
    then again on 9/12/2007 vs. Toronto's Frank Thomas 8th inning 2nd pitch, 86.7 mph plate speed (threw 3 100+ pitches that game)
11 other pitchers threw 100+ but less than 101 mph.
  • 100.9 Kyle Farnsworth Yankees, 5/12/2007 8th vs. Mariners' Kenji Johjima (also threw 100.0, 100.1, and 100.2 in the same inning)
  • 100.8 (2) Daniel Cabrera, 7/18/2007 2nd inning vs. Mariners' Richie Sexson (also threw 100.3 on 6/6)
  • 100.7 (2) Jeremy Guthrie Orioles, 8/19/2007 7th inning vs. (Blue Jays) Troy Glaus 1st pitch (he also threw 100.2 that game) (see note)
  • 100.6 Matt Lindstrom Marlins, 7/3/2007 8th inning vs. Padres' Josh Bard 2nd pitch (also threw 100.4 and 100.3 same inning)
  • 100.5 Jim Hoey Orioles, 8/18/2007 7th inning vs. Toronto's Vernon Wells 3rd pitch (he also threw 100.2 and 100.4 in the same inning)
  • 100.5 Dustin McGowan, Blue Jays, 6/29/2007 1st inning vs. Mariners' Kenji Johjima 2nd pitch (threw 3 100+ pitches that game)
  • 100.2 (2) Manny DelCarmen RedSox, 8/5/2007 8th inning to Mariners' Adam Jones 1st pitch (he also threw 100.1 to Jones on 8/3)
  • 100.2 Jake Peavy Padres, 5/16/2007 1st inning vs. Reds' Brandon Phillips 3rd pitch
  • 100.1 A.J. Burnett Blue Jays, 9/13/2007 1st inning vs. Yankees' Johnny Damon 2nd pitch
  • 100.0 Jonathan Papelbon Red Sox, 6/27/2007 9th inning vs. Mariners' Ben Broussard 3rd pitch
  • 100.0 Edwin Jackson Rays, 8/27/2007 6th inning vs. White Sox' Paul Konerko 3rd pitch
2007 Postseason/World Series included above
During the 2007 postseason, there was not a single pitch thrown 100+ mph. I do not know the fastest pitch thrown during the 2007 postseason or the world series - it's a manual todo item.u9

2007 Preseason not included above
(There may be some Pitch F/X data for 2007 exhibition games in home parks, but they have not yet been reviewed and are not listed here) u10

Source - manual review of FanGraphs.com PITCH F/X data, and MLB PITCH F/X details. Since Fangraphs doesn't include postseason Pitch F/X data, I scoured every postseason 2007 game manually.

Note: Roy Halladay
The Pitch F/X data on 6/30/2007, shows Roy Halladay (Blue Jays vs. Mariners) with a 101.8 mph pitch in the 3rd vs. Jose Guillen and a 100.7 mph pitch in the 2nd vs Kenji Johjima. I don't think this data is correct and have not listed these pitches above. The 101.8 pitch showed an 'end speed' of 80.1 mph. That's not possible at 101.8. The 100.7 mph pitch showed an 'end speed' of 78.9 mph. Again, not possible. Other than these two recordings, Halladay was throwing fastballs ranging from 90.4 mph start speed and 80.1 end speed, to a max of 96.3 mph start speed and 85.0 end speed - generally 10 mph reduction from the hand to home plate. So, it's more likely that these two 100+ recordings were 10 mph too fast. I'm not sure how this happened.

Note: Felix Hernandez
Manually checked the Jul/Aug 2007 100+ Pitches by game - 7/7 (0), 7/12 100.2 max (6), 7/17 and 7/22 (0), 7/27 100.8 max (10), 8/1 101.1 max (8), 8/13 101.6 max (8), 8/19 100.3 max (4), 8/24 (0), 8/29 101.0 max (4),

Note: Jeremy Guthrie
Reviewed all Pitch F/X games 6/3, 6/20, 7/6, 7/17, 7/22, 8/2, and 8/19/2007.


2006 Post Season - Pitch F/X was used for some games (qty 100+/101+/102+/103+/104+) u8

MLB began to use Pitch F/X late 2006, and I scoured every post-season game for 100+ mph pitches. There was speed data for only 23 of the 31 postseason games, and here are the results.

2006 PostSeason
Four pitchers threw 27 pitches 100+ mph in these 23 games during the 2006 postseason. Some of these are likely duplicates of the 2006 radar readings section. Of the 27 pitches, 12 were 101+, 6 were 102+, 3 were 103+, and one was 104+ mph.

  • 104.8 (14/9/6/3/1) Joel Zumaya Tigers, 10/10/2006 8th inning vs Oakland's Frank Thomas 3rd pitch, 93.7 mph plate speed
  • 101.9 (11/3) Justin Verlander Tigers, 10/5/2006 1st inning vs Yankees' Bobby Abreu 3rd pitch, 90.9 mph plate speed
  • 100.8 (1) Esteban Loaiza, Athletics 10/11/06 5th inning vs Tigers' Ivan Rodriguez 5th pitch, 89.5 mph plate speed
  • 100.7 (1) Scott Proctor, Yankees 10/5/06 8th inning vs Tigers' Ivan Rodriguez 1st pitch, 92.7 mph plate speed
dategameinning pitcherstartplatebatterPitch # to batter
10/05/06NYY vs DET8Scott Proctor429984100.792.7Ivan Rodriguez1
10/05/06NYY vs DET1Justin Verlander434378101.990.9Bobby Abreu3
10/05/06NYY vs DET1Justin Verlander434378101.390.5Gary Sheffield4
10/05/06NYY vs DET1Justin Verlander434378100.889.8Jason Giambi1
10/05/06NYY vs DET1Justin Verlander434378100.990.4Jason Giambi2
10/05/06NYY vs DET2Justin Verlander434378100.190.2Robinson Cano4
10/05/06NYY vs DET2Justin Verlander434378100.590.3Robinson Cano6
10/05/06NYY vs DET7Joel Zumaya45149110192.2Derek Jeter1
10/05/06NYY vs DET8Joel Zumaya451491100.791.5Jason Giambi2
10/05/06NYY vs DET8Joel Zumaya451491102.991.3Jason Giambi5
10/05/06NYY vs DET8Joel Zumaya451491102.593.4Hideki Matsui2
10/05/06NYY vs DET8Joel Zumaya451491102.291.9Hideki Matsui3
10/05/06NYY vs DET8Joel Zumaya451491100.290.7Hideki Matsui4
10/10/06DET vs OAK8Joel Zumaya451491103.492.8Frank Thomas1
10/10/06DET vs OAK8Joel Zumaya451491104.893.7Frank Thomas3
10/10/06DET vs OAK8Joel Zumaya451491101.590.8Frank Thomas4
10/10/06DET vs OAK8Joel Zumaya451491103.492.8Jay Payton1
10/11/06DET vs OAK5Esteban Loaiza 117842100.889.5Ivan Rodriguez5
10/11/06DET vs OAK1Justin Verlander434378100.489.4Frank Thomas2
10/11/06DET vs OAK1Justin Verlander43437810189.8Eric Chavez4
10/11/06DET vs OAK1Justin Verlander434378100.790.5Eric Chavez5
10/11/06DET vs OAK3Justin Verlander434378100.590.1Milton Bradley1
10/24/06DET vs STL7Joel Zumaya45149110088.2Preston Wilson4
10/24/06DET vs STL7Joel Zumaya451491100.789.4Albert Pujols1
10/26/06DET vs STL8Joel Zumaya451491100.690.2Aaron Miles5
10/26/06DET vs STL8Joel Zumaya451491101.690.9So Taguchi1
10/27/06DET vs STL1Justin Verlander434378100.191.2Ronnie Belliard4


Note on radar readings for these games - radar readings for Verlander on 10/11/06 1st inning reached 101 mph (Pitch F/X said 101.0), and in the 3rd inning reached 103 mph (Pitch F/X says 100.5 was the max for the inning) (r23)

2006 World Series included above
Joel Zumaya and Justin Verlander are the only pitchers to throw 100+ in the 2006 World Series. Zumaya threw four, topping at 101.6 on 10/24/2006. Verlander threw one at 100.1 mph on 10/27/2006.

There was no pitch F/X data recorded for the following 2006 postseason games:
  • Mets vs. Dodgers series Oct 4 (NY), 6 (NY), 7 (LA)
  • Det vs. NYY Oct 3, NYY vs. Det Oct 7
  • STL vs. SD Oct 3, SD vs. STL Oct 8
  • OAK vs. MIN Oct 3


Standardized Speed Readings - FFE Calculations u3

Today's highly accurate PITCH F/X pitch speeds are measured at a point near the pitcher's hand at 50 feet from the plate.(*) Many earlier 'radar' and artillery measuring methods used varying distances along this spectrum to measure the speed of the ball. Therefore, it's not easy to compare, say, Nolan Ryan's well known speed record of 100.9 mph to other pitchers' radar readings, or even today's PITCH F/X speeds.

We know that typical pitch speeds drop 8-11 mph (average 9 mph) from 50 ft away to the front of the plate.

So, we make an adjustment, based on the known distance used and an estimated speed drop, to standardize all known pitch speeds to what we refer to as a 'Fifty Foot Equivalent'.

(*) However, according to this blog post at GoRangers,
In the early months [of 2007], they were measuring the release point at 55 feet from the plate. During June, they started measuring it at 40 feet, then later moved it to 50 feet.


Fastest Pitcher Biographies

Nolan Ryan - The Fastest - 108.1 mph FFE in 1974 s1 s3 s22 s23

Top view - <%=term%>
Compare Nolan Ryan and Joel Zumaya

Our best estimate is that Nolan Ryan's pitch on 8/20/1974 (exactly 28 years after Bob Feller's record pitch in 1946) was 108.1 mph FFE using today's standard of measurement at 50 feet from the plate.

Background of the Tests

Nolan Ryan in his 2nd year with the Angels broke Sandy Koufax's record with 383 strikeouts in 1973. The Angels wanted to use their strikeout king to boost sagging attendance for 1974. So in August 1974 George Lederer, the Angels Director of Public Relations and Promotions, and former L.A. Dodgers beat writer for the Long Beach Independent Press-Telegram, began the groundwork for a scientific test to be conducted by Anaheim-based Rockwell International scientists (likely using a coherent laser radar).

They tested the device for baseball purposes first on "an asphalt parking lot at the Rockwell International facility in Anaheim, the Rockwell engineers sought to test their device in a dry run before taking it to the stadium for an upcoming Ryan outing" using Charlie Sands, the Angels catcher on the DL, and the LH former high-school pitcher son of George Lederer, Tom.

They decided to get some readings during a live game, then try it again with a big promotional event.

The First Ever Live Speed Test 8/20/1974 - 100.9 mph Records3

The first ever test of pitch speeds during a live game was conducted on Tue. 8/20/1974 in Anaheim Stadium (Angels) vs. the Detroit Tigers.

Four Rockwell scientists recorded two of Nolan Ryan's pitches at 100.9 mph.

There were fears about aiming a laser directly at Ryan, so they aimed it from the press box to a point 9-10 feet in front of the plate.

That speed was also 'verified' by the Guinness Book of World Records s1. This Guinness record still stands to this day (although they did not convert the result to FFE).

Only the pitches that passed through an infrared beam 17 inches wide and 2 inches high recorded a reading.s3

The results of this test were not publicly announced until the second test on 9/7 - although Ryan was told the night of 9/6.

Promoting the Speed Test

Since the first test was deemed a big success, the following day on 8/21/1974, the Angels announced to the nation that there would be a second test for the public during an upcoming home game. The Angels decided to have a promotion where fans would get to guess Ryan's fastest speed at that next home game.
"The Angels are staging a contest in conjunction with the experiment. Fans will have the opportunity to guess Ryan's top speed by sending entries on a postcard to Ryan Express, P.O. Box 3820, Anaheim, CA 92803. Estimates should be made to the nearest one-tenth mile per hour. Entries also should include the number of pitches Ryan will make during the game of Sept. 6 [later changed to Sep 7]. This figure to be used only in case of ties for speed. Postcards must be received by September 5.

Grand prize will be a trip tor two to the first two games of the American League Championship series in the Western Division City, October 5-6. Other prizes are an Angels desk watch, an Angels pen and pencil set with official emblems, and 25 baseballs autographed by Ryan. Winners need not be present on Sept. 6." s26
It would be interesting to know who won each of these prizes. I'll keep looking.


Nolan Ryan Speed Test promotion 9/6/1974s26
Announcing Ryan Speed Test 1974
Announcing Ryan Speed Test 1974
8/21/1974 Nationwide



Rockwell Scientists and Laser Devices27
Rockwell Laser Devices27
Rockwell Laser Devices27
Rockwell Laser Devices27



The Public Promotional Event - 9/7/1974

Top view - <%=term%> Top view - <%=term%>
Ryan's 2nd fastest pitch 9/7/1974 s1
The game was on Sat. 9/7/1974 in Anaheim Stadium vs. The Chicago White Sox.

Ryan's fastest pitch in that second game reached 100.8 mph (at 9-10 feet from plate) on 9/7/1974 s1. See chart at right.


OK, How Fast Was It? - The FFE Calculation

Today's pitch speeds are measured from 50 feet away from the plate, but Ryan's was measured at approx. 10 feet. Pitch speeds drop 8-11 mph (average 9 mph) from 50 ft away to the front of the plate. So we must add 6-8 mph to the speed measured by Rockwell in order to be equivalent to today's readings.

Therefore, Nolan Ryan's pitching speed as measured today would be at minimum 106 mph and could have been as high as 110 mph.

How did we arrive at 108.1 mph? The facts are 100.9 at 10 feet, plus 9 mph drop per 50 feet. So add 7.2 mph (9/50*40) to 100.9 to get 108.1 mph.

The speed of the ball as it crossed the plate would have been 99.1 mph - calculated as 100.9 at 10 feet less (9/50X10) or 1.8 mph. u3

The Press

In the Sports Illustrated article Speed Trap For An Angel on 9/16/1974 Ron Fimrite reported:
As Ryan mowed down the Chicago White Sox 3-1 last Saturday for his 18th win of the season, a team of electronics technicians from Rockwell International fidgeted upstairs in the press box with some complicated radar timing equipment. The results supported Ryan's own contention that he throws harder in the late innings, for his fastest pitch of the night was the third one he threw to the Sox' Bee Bee Richard, who led off the ninth inning. Rockwell timed that high hard one at 100.8 mph, exceeding the 98.6 mph once recorded by Bob Feller with entirely different equipment.

Under less official conditions Ryan had thrown even faster. During an 11-inning game on Aug. 20 in which Ryan fanned 19 Detroit Tigers, the technicians timed two of his pitches at 100.9 miles per hour.


Ryan Was Still Bringing It 14 Years Later s25

In 1988, 14 years after the 1974 tests, when Ryan was 42 years old and in his last year with the Astros, he was still hitting 97 mph, and averaging 93.2 mph.


GIFs of Nolan Ryan's Pitching Motion Throughout The Years

Nolan Ryan Astros 1 Nolan Ryan Astros 2 Nolan Ryan Astros 3
Nolan Ryan Pitching for the Astros
Nolan Ryan Rangers 1 Nolan Ryan Rangers 2 Nolan Ryan Rangers 3
Nolan Ryan Pitching for the Rangers


It's interesting to note that all 6 of the above hitters wait much longer to begin their stride than most today.



Bob Feller - 2nd Fastest - 107.6 mph FFE in 1946

<% call display_youtube("aMPxpOapRuU","300","350")%>
Bob Feller's record pitch in 1946
In early 1946, the Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith set up an exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians and, in an effort to boost sagging attendance, started a promotion where he told fans they could see how fast the Indians' Bob Feller could throw. He borrowed a photo-electric cell device, referred to as a 'Sky Screen Chronograph', from the Aberdeen, MD ordnance plant so Feller could pitch through it just prior to the game.s4s5 These devices were used to measure the speed of artillery rounds during the war.

The problem was, he never told Feller until he got to the field. So on August 20, 1946, Bob Feller threw approximately 30 pitches in front of 31,000 fans (20,000 more than normal) into a device the newsreels called a "lumiline chronograph" using "photo electric cells".

He pitched from the mound through a v-shaped opening (the first sky screen) in the device located just in front of the plate. The ball then passes through the second sky screen, and the separate chronograph/timer calculates the time/speed between the two screens.

His fastest speed recorded was 98.6 mph on the second throw, but the measurement took place at home plate, or 60.5 feet from the pitchers plate. To compare his speed to others, you must add the average 9 mph speed drop from 50ft to the plate. Therefore, his pitch speed was 107.6 mph at the equivalent 50 ft mark.


Bob Feller Speed Test 1946
Catcher Frankie Hayesu4
Bob Feller Speed Test 1946 - notice broken frame! 5th pitchu4





From "Now Pitching, Bob Feller" by Bob Feller and Bill Gilbert, 2002, p. 128-129
Bob Feller Speed Test 1946 Closeup
photo-op only - not real test - notice it's broken
Lewiston (ME) Daily Sun
8/19/1946
Clark Griffith... announced that I would throw some pitches through a special photoelectric measuring device at home plate so my fastball could be clocked in those days before radar guns. He announced the test a week before the Indians came to Washington, and he had a large crowd in his ball park the night of the test. Mr. Griffith came in... He told me it was about time to get out there and start throwing smoke. I told him as soon as he paid me for it. I asked him for $1,000 and settled for $700 before leaving the clubhouse to do it.
For my 700 bucks, I threw several balls through an opening in that photoelectric machine, and 31,000 fans watched almost in silence as they awaited the announcement of the speeds recorded by the machine, which came from Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.



Disputed Speeds24

Some news reports indicated that Feller threw 98.6 mph. Some indicated 145 fps and 98.6 mph. Some indicated 145 fps and 98.8 mph.

If you convert 145fps to mph, you get 98.86 mph, not 98.6 mph. So, either the 145fps is rounded and 98.6 is correct. Or the conversion from fps to mph was performed incorrectly from the start. We are going to assume the 98.6 mph is correct since that speed has been reported ever since, and not corrected by anyone. Plus, one press report indicates that he will be timed to '1-10,000 of a second', indicating fps with decimals.


How does that compare to Nolan Ryan?
Ryan's plate speed would have been at least 99 mph (100.9 less 2 mph reduction per 10 feet) and was roughly 0.4 mph faster than Feller's 98.6 mph at the plate.

<% call display_youtube("LXkrHS_fQl0","300","350")%>
Bob Feller at 17 Years Old in 1936 u4
Still not convinced? Try to hit one going this fast.
Bob Feller's Fastball u4



Feller's Speed Test vs. a Motorcycle in Chicago's Lincoln Park 1940 u6

See the event at Cavalcade of Sports Bob Feller

Lew Fonsecas11 produced a film for the American League, released January 16, 1941s11, where Feller in 1940 threw a ball as a speeding Indian police motorcycle (incorrectly referred to as a Harley in most reports) raced by at 86 mph. s10

How fast was the ball going?

Let's count the video frames
This pitch speed is approx. 93-94 mph out of his hand. The calculation is based on: approx. 10 moving frames from release to 'contact' (two are repeated), at 24fps video, equals approx. 89.2 mph average speed. This calculation assumes, based on Feller's book 'Bob Feller’s Little Blue Book of Baseball Wisdom', that he started 60.5 feet from the target.
Let's use the motorcycle speed
The pitch speed is approx. 103 mph out of his hand. This calculation is based on:
  • 1. Plate is 60.5 ft away from the target.
  • 2. The motorcycle traveled 47.5 feet during the pitch. It had a 10 ft head start (see photo) before Feller released the ball, and was 3 feet from the target when the ball struck.
  • 3. The motorcycle maintained 86 mph during the test.
  • 4. So, 86 mph for 47.5 feet lasts .3766 seconds.
  • 5. The pitch covering 54.5 feet (after estimated 6 ft. stride) lasting 0.3766 seconds would have been averaging 98.7 mph
  • 6. Add 4 mph for speed at release. to get approx. 103 mph.
Feller Motorcycle Test 1940
Motorcycle Got a 10 foot lead
Indian Motorcycle Going 86 mph






Aroldis Chapman - 3rd Fastest - 105.1 mph in 2010

The Cincinnati Reds' Aroldis Chapman threw 105.1 mph (96.5 mph plate speed) on 9/24/2010 in the 8th inning against Tony Gwynn, Jr. of the San Diego Padres. The slowest pitch he threw in the 8th inning was 99.6 mph.

Aroldis Chapman u4
Aroldis Chapman 100 mph vs Poseyu4








Joel Zumaya - 4th Fastest - 104.8 mph in 2006

Joel Zumaya u4
Joel Zumaya u4

The Detroit Tiger's Joel Zumaya threw 104.8 mph (93.7 mph plate speed) on 10/10/2006 in a post-season game (the first game in the American League Championship series where they beat Oakland 5-1) at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland. It was 63° with the wind blowing left to right when the game started. Oakland's Frank Thomas was the 2nd batter he faced in the 8th inning. The record-breaking throw was the 3rd pitch on a 1-1 count and was thrown outside for a ball.

This was measured at 45-50 feet away from the plate using MLB's very accurate gameday video system that is in use today.

How does that compare to Nolan Ryan?
Ryan's plate speed would have been at least 99 mph (100.9 less 2 mph reduction per 10 feet) and was roughly 5 mph faster than Zumaya's 93.7 mph at the plate.

June 2009 - 102.7 mph

Zumaya radar shows 104 mph June 2009
This is the 104 mph Fox radar display on 6/23/2009 after striking out Milton Bradley in the 8th. The actual Pitch F/X readings for Zumaya vs. Bradley were 101.4 (swinging strike), 102.7 (ball), 101.6 (foul), and 102.2 mph for the above strikeout pitch. So this gun was either 1.3+ mph too fast, or it happened to pick up the speed within the first 3-4 feet out of his hand, or before 50 feet from the plate.

Zumaya threw another 102.7 mph pitch on 6/30/2009 in the 7th inning against Oakland's Matt Holliday for a foul tip on a 3-2 count.

June 23, 2006 104 mph radar

Several sources indicate that Zumaya threw a pitch on 6/23/2006 in the 10th against the Cardinals which registered 104 mph on stadium radar - 4 others were 100+. We are told the announcer said the reading could not have been right (haha).


Understanding Pitch Speed Measurements

Most important - Where was the pitch measured?

A 100 mph fastball pitch will lose 8-11 mph (average 9 mph) from just out of the pitchers hand (50 feet way) until it reaches the front of the plate.

Was the measurement taken at the plate? 50 feet away? Most confusion over comparing pitch speeds arises over this issue.

Radar guns can provide fastest speed, slowest speed and average speed. So, on a 100 mph pitch a gun could provide readings of 100, 91 and 96 mph on the same pitch. Different parks and venues display different readings.

Where along the flight path was the fastest speed measured? Nobody knows. So, it's possible a radar gun could provide a slower than actual reading if the gun caught the ball closer to the plate.

However, a radar gun should not provide a reading that is too high (except for rounding up), regardless of what you read in blogs and articles.

How accurate is MLB Enhanced Gameday (PITCH F/X) pitching speed? When did Pitch F/X begin?

Very accurate. There is no more accurate system for measuring pitch speed.

The MLB Enhanced Gameday system (and Pitch F/X) was started during the 2006 postseason. On opening day April 1,2 and 3, 2007 every park was publishing very basic data, but only the White Sox, Seattle, and Anaheim had detailed speed data. By the end of 2007, they rolled out the system to 28 of the 30 parks, but it is said that only about 1/3 of the total games are included. At the start of the 2008 season, all 30 ballparks had this capability. s2

MLB began tracking data for any exhibition (spring training) games played in MLB parks beginning in the 2008 season. 2008 dates include exhibition games only in home parks on March 28, 29 and 30. 2009 dates include March 15,16,17,19 plus April 2,3,4. Beginning the Spring Training 2010 season, certain (maybe most?) spring training fields had Pitch F/X capabilities.u10

This system does not use radar guns. Each park's system utilizes 2 high speed video cameras (60 frames per second), a setup crew to layout a grid before each game, and a crew in the truck sizing up each batter, pitcher and pitch using computer software. See Dr. Alan Nathan's Guide to Pitch F/X - by Mike Fast.

This system provides 2 different speed stats - 50 feet from the plate and just in front of the plate.

Radar Guns

Related: The History of Radar Guns

Stadium Radar Gun Displays



Radar guns are regularly lampooned unfairly in the press and in blogs. Radar gun readings are very accurate, but they may vary by gun brand. The best are within 0.5 mph because they display results rounded to the nearest 1 mph. Home guns can be within 1.0 mph. That's very accurate.

Radar Guns should theoretically only give slower readings not faster readings

The gun may give a slower reading if the angle of the gun is not the same angle as the pitched ball. The bigger the difference, the slower the reading.

The biggest confusion over gun readings is where the reading is taken from (how far is the ball from the plate?). Was the reading out of the pitcher's hand, over the plate, or somewhere in the middle? Some guns pick up the fastest speed, some pick up the speed at 15 feet out of the hand, some over the plate, etc. Obviously, the ball will be fastest right out of the pitcher's hand and will slow down as much as 11 mph as it approaches the plate.

Given the above, it is unlikely that a radar gun would ever provide a reading that is over 2 mph too high.

However, there would be inconsistencies between parks as the gun may be shooting at different plate distances.

Coherent Laser Radar (Doppler)

From Tom Lederer in Remembering the Ryan Express in Baseball Analysts quotes the 9/2/1974 LA Times article by Dan Hafner giving a preview of the 9/7 event:
A device called a coherent infrared radar, developed by Rockwell International, will measure the velocity of Ryan's fastball. Other devices have clocked nine other major league fireballers and the fastest of the nine was Bob Feller, at 98.6 m.p.h. in 1946. The Cleveland star was 27, Ryan's age now.

But the comparison will be exact. Rockwell International calls its device the most sophisticated ever used to measure the speed of a thrown baseball.

The machine will operate from the press box, making use of a phenomenon called the Doppler frequency shift.

The infrared beam from a low-power transmitter is aimed at a spot 9 or 10 feet in front of home plate. Because infrared wave lengths are 20 times longer than those of visible light waves, the beam cannot be seen.

As the ball crosses the beam, the waves are compressed by the motion of the ball and reflected back to the equipment. The returning waves have less spacing between them than when they were transmitted. The device measures that difference to determine the ball's speed.

There's no guarantee that Ryan's fastest pitch will be timed. The narrower the beam, the more accurate the measurement, so the beam will be narrowed to the width of home plate. Ryan, who is sometimes wild, may miss it with his best throw.

Radar Gun Era (1975 on)

Related: The History of Radar Guns

100+ mph Pitchers Measured with Radar Guns

Only pitchers that were measured and documented are listed

2007 Radar (partial year - see Pitch F/X section for more 2007 pitches)

  • 102 Matt Lindstrom r3r25, 5/16/2007, PNC Park (Pirates), Pittsburgh, 8th inning (no Pitch F/X speed data on that day)
  • 102 Justin Verlander r3r4, 6/12/2007, Comerica Park (Tigers), Detroit, 9th inning of a no-hitter (no Pitch F/X speed data on that day)
  • 101 Jonathan Broxton r3 r4, 6/26/2007, Chase Field (DBacks), Arizona
  • 101 Joba Chamberlain r3, 8/24/2007, Comerica Park (Tigers), Detroit
  • 101 Seth McClung r3r4, 8/21/2007, Chase Field (DBacks), Arizona
  • 101 Tony Pena r3, 6/7/2007, AT&T Park (SF Giants), San Fran
  • 100 Ubaldo Jimenez r3r4, 9/10/2007, Citizens Bank Park (Phillies), Phila.
  • 100 Radhames Liz r3r4, 8/25/2007, Oriole Park (Orioles), Baltimore
  • 100 Rafael Soriano r3r4, 5/4/2007, Turner Field (Braves), Atlanta
  • 100 Joel Zumaya r13, 4/10/2007 8th inning Orioles' Corey Patterson homered on his 2nd pitch (no Pitch F/X that day)

From 2002-2006, Baseball Info Solutions tracked stadium radar gun readings and they were annually recapped in the Bill James Handbook

2006 Radar

There were 335 pitches thrown 100+ in 2006. Joel Zumaya threw 233 of those.r1

  • 104 (233) Joel Zumaya, Tigers r8r9 2006 season
  • 102 (3) Brad Lidge, Astros r8r9, 2006 season
  • 102 (1 or 2) Mark Lowe, Marlins rookie reliever r8r9r11 , 8/2/2006 8th inning vs Ramon Hernandez at Camden Yards in 102 degree heat (on 8/20/2006 he went on DL and ended up with TJ surgery)
  • 102 (1) Jeremy Accardo r8r9, 2006 season

  • 101 (26) Kyle Farnsworth, Yankee r8r9 2006 season
  • 101 or more (19) Justin Verlander, Tigers r8r9r15 , 4/23/2006 vs Mariners' Richie Sexson 1st inning
  • 101 (3) Bobby Jenks, White Sox r8r9, 2006 season
  • 101 (1) David Aardsma, Cubs r8r9, 2006 season
  • 101 (1) Daniel Cabrera, Orioles r8r9, 2006 season
  • 101 (1) Manny Delcarmen, Red Sox r8r9, 2006 season
  • 101 (1) Mark Lowe, Mariners r8r9, 2006 season
  • 101 (1) Joe Nathan, Twins r8r9, 2006 season
  • 101 (1) Francisco Cordero, Brewers r8r9, 2006 season
  • 101 (1) Seth McClung, Rays r8r9 2006 season

  • 100 (5) Ambriorix Burgos, Royals r8r9, 2006 season
  • 100 (5) Billy Wagner, Mets r8r9, 2006 season
  • 100 (3) Denny Bautista, Rockies r8r9, 2006 season
  • 100 (1) Jeremy Affeldt, Royals r8r9, 2006 season
  • 100 (1) Francisco Cordero, Rangers r8r9, 2006 season
  • 100 (1) Jorge Julio, DBacks r8r9, 2006 season
  • 100 Brandon League, Blue Jays r3, 7/14/2006, Rogers Centre, Toronto

  • 10? (7) Felix Hernandez, Mariners r8r9, 2006 season
  • 10? (5) Matt Thornton, White Sox r8r9, 2006 season
  • 10? (3) Derrick Turnbow, Brewers r8r9, 2006 season
  • 10? (3) Robert Novoa, Cubs r8r9, 2006 season
  • there are 8 100+ pitches missing (likely 8 different pitchers)

Note - Mark Lowe is listed at 101 per BISr8, but r11 shows 102 mph - not sure if that is on a different day or the same pitch

2005 Radar

There were 134 pitches thrown 100+ in 2005. Daniel Cabrera threw 37 of those.r1

  • 102 (10) Bobby Jenks, White Sox r3r7r20, 8/27/2005, Safeco Field (Mariners), Seattle (103 mph in Winter ball r19)
  • 101 (17) A.J. Burnett, Marlins r3r7, 5/31/2005 (see Note below), PNC Park (Pirates), Pittsburgh, and r24 again on 4/12/2005 Dolphin Stadium vs. Phillies
  • 101 (?) Brandon League, Blue Jays r13 8/19/2005 Chris Shelton hit a home run on the 4th inning pitch
  • 10? (37) Daniel Cabrera, Orioles r7
  • 10? (18) Billy Wagner, Phillies r7
  • 10? (15) Kyle Farnsworth, Tigers/Braves r7
  • 10? (11) Seth McClung, Devil Rays r7
  • 100 Rich Harden r3, 5/13/2005, McAfee Stadium (A's), Oakland
  • 100 Dustin McGowan r3r4, 10/2/2005, Rogers Centre (Blue Jays), Toronto
  • 100 Derrick Turnbow r3, 5/27/2005, Miller Park (Brewers), Milwaukee
  • 100 Kerry Wood r3r4, 8/10/2005, Wrigley Field (Cubs), Chicago
  • there are 21 missing 100+ pitches (likely 21 different pitchers)
Note on A.J. Burnett 5/31/2005 game. The 104 stadium radar reading during the game was not considered credibler27.

2004 Radar

There were 82 pitches thrown 100+ in 2004. Kyle Farnsworth threw the most at 30. r1

  • 102 Randy Johnson r3, 7/9/2004, Pac Bell Park (SF Giants), San Fran
  • 102 Josh Beckett, Marlins r21, 4/17/2004, vs. Braves in Atlanta
  • 101 (30) Kyle Farnsworth r1r2r3f , 5/26/2004, Minute Maid Park (Astros), Houston
  • 101 or more (8) Billy Wagner, Phillies r2r14 , 4/16/2004 vs. Expos 9th inning during one of the 2 strikeouts (he threw 4 100+ pitches in that game)
  • 101 Eric Gagne r3, stadium reading 4/16/2004, 9th inning vs. Barry Bonds 6th pitch (Bonds hit it foul into the water) in SBC (now AT&T) Park (SF Giants), San Fran (Bonds hit his 662nd home run on the next pitch - 100mph)
  • 100 Jorge Julio r3, 9/16/2004, Skydome (Blue Jays), Toronto - and again in 2006 r8
  • 100 Ben Sheets r3, 7/10/2004, Miller Park (Brewers), Milwaukee
  • 10? (8) Jesus Colome r5
  • 10? (4) A.J. Burnett r2
  • 10? (2) Edwin Jackson r2
  • there are 25 missing 100+ pitches

2003 Radar

There were 204 pitches thrown 100+ in 2003. Billy Wagner threw 159 of those. r1

  • 101 (159) Billy Wagner, Astros r1r3r4 , 7/30/2003, Turner Field (Braves), Atlanta (122 of his 100+ mph pitches were at home r7)
  • 10? (12) Bartolo Colon, White Sox r6
  • 10? (8) Kyle Farnsworth r6
  • 10? (4) Jorge Julio r6
  • 100 (3) Josh Beckett r3r6 , 10/12/2003, Pro Player Park (Marlins), Miami
  • 10? (3) Jesus Colome r6
  • 10? (2) Francisco Cordero r6
  • 10? (2) Tom Gordon r6
  • 10? (2) Braden Looper r6
  • there are 9 missing 100+ pitches (likely 9 different pitchers)

2002 Radar

There were 106 pitches thrown 100+ in 2002. Billy Wagner threw 42 of those.r1

  • 102 Armando Benitez r3, 5/24/2002, Shea Stadium (Mets), NYC
  • 101 Guillermo Mota r3, 7/24/2002, Qualcomm Stadium (Padres), San Diego
  • 100 C.C. Sabathia r3, 6/28/2002, Jacobs Field (Indians), Cleveland
  • 100 Bartolo Colon, Indians r13, 5/9/2002 (Mike Sweeney hit a home run off of it - 6th or 8th inning)
  • 10? (42) Billy Wagner, Astros r1, 2002 season (26 of his 100+ mph pitches were at home r7)
  • there are 60 missing pitches from this list

Radar - pre 2002

Robb Nen 1997 World Series Game 1 vs. Jim Thome
Robb Nen 1997 World Series Game 1
vs. Jim Thome
  • 102 (6 or more) Robb Nen, Marlins r17 , twice on 10/18/1997 World Series Game 1, 9th inning vs Indians' David Justice (who pulled it for a hit) , and again to strike out Jim Thome, Pro Player Stadium (Marlins), Miami
  • 101 Rob Dibble r3, 6/8/1992, Candlestick Park (SF Giants)
  • 101 Jose Mesa r3, 5/1/1993, Cleveland Stadium (Indians)
  • 100 Bartolo Colon r3, 10/6/1999, Jacobs Field (Indians), Cleveland
  • 100 Roger Clemens r3, 10/10/2001, Yankee Stadium, New York
  • 100 J.R. Richard r3, 5/25/1976, Candlestick Park (SF Giants), San Francisco
  • 100 Dwight Gooden r3, 6/17/1990 Three Rivers Stadium
  • 100 Billy Wagner, Astros r16, Sunday 8/9/1998 9th inning vs Doug Glanville (Phillies) in the Astrodome

Mark Wohlers
Mark Wohlers

Mark Wohlers - 8th Fastest - 103 mph in 1995

Mark Wohlers threw 103 mph several times on the stadium radar gun during a March 1995 Spring Training Game against the Marlins in Joe Robbie Stadium.r18

Wohlers also has a confirmed pitch of 101 mph on 7/5/1995 9th inning vs Dodgers in Atlanta r22

The fastest pitch that Wohlers threw in the 1995 World Series was in Game 3 10/24/95 9th inning vs the Indians' Albert Belle 100 mph, 2nd pitch. r26

Radar Gun Rumors

There are rumors in articles of other pitchers that have been gunned at 100+. But, until I find harder evidence for these events, I won't list them.

  • JR Richard at 101 (vs 100 above) and again here. In the 1st inning of the 1980 All Star game, the announcer said he threw a 94 mph slider to Reggie Jackson (see GIF at right).
  • JR Richard also threw at least 101 mph somewhere, but it's not clear when or exactly how fast, in this ESPN clip at the 1:50 mark in what appears to be the 1980 All Star game, Keith Jackson says
    and that ladies and gentlemen, was a fastball that was better than 100 miles an hour
  • Billy Koch at 101 or 100 mph
  • Brad Penny at 101 mph per MLB.com in 2007 "Penny hit 101 mph with his fastball at times, according to the Chase Field radar gun"
  • Jesus Colome reportedly threw 101 mph for the Devil Rays in 2000
  • Mark Kroon reportedly threw a Japanese record 101 mph in 2008
  • Lee Smith, Cardinals reliever according to Paul Votano's book, Late and Close: A History of Relief Pitching, page 107, reportedly was 'clocked at 101mph'
  • Bobby Jenks 2003 threw 103 in Winter ball, but when? see r19
  • Billy Wagner 2003 threw two additional 101 mph pitches on what I derive to be 7/11/2003 Astros vs. Pirates 9th inning striking out someone with 101 on 3rd and 4th pitch per a Phillies forum
    First pitch .... 100 MPH!!!, second pitch ...100 MPH, third pitch ..... 101 MPH!!!, fourth pitch 101 MPH!! Sit Down Pal!
  • Francisco Cordero 100 mph 2004 - per Mark Newman's MLB article Pitchers packing powerful heat (it doesn't mention a specific game)
    Francisco Cordero has been nearly automatic for the Rangers, giving him entrée into baseball's newly elite among closers, going under 95 mph only on breaking balls and topping out at 100.
  • Eric Gagne 102 mph 4/2004 - per Mark Newman's MLB article about a 4/16/2004 game Pitchers packing powerful heat (it doesn't mention a specific game)
    Giants reliever Matt Herges said Gagne also hit 102 in the [Dodgers-Giants] series
    This youtube shows Gagne vs Bonds 4/16/2004 with the 101 mph pitch going into McCovey Cove foul.
  • Troy Percival 102 mph 9/20/2001 - Mike DiGiovanna's 8/21/2001 article Glaus Enjoys a Rare Good Day in Safeco
    I saw [Percival] hit 102 mph and me 97 mph; all I can say is that gun is accurate as any in the league," Washburn joked.
  • A.J. Burnett 102 mph June 2004 - Burnett Jockbio page says
    A.J. worked hard during his rehab and returned in June of 2004 throwing an astonishing 102 mph. His control was better, too.
    Bill Gutman's 2010 book Yankees by the Numbers says
    Burnett had Tommy John surgery in 2003, yet returned the next year to throw a fastball at 102mph. In 2005, his fastball averaged 95.6 mph, best in the league.
  • Jim Kerns White Sox, 100 mph 1970s/80s
  • Maels (pronounced Miles) Rodriguez became the first in Cuban National League history to throw 100 mph in a game on 12/8/1999 (Chapman broke his record in 2008 at 101.2 mph), two weeks later he threw the league's first ever perfect game, then he threw 100 mph again in the Summer 2000 Olympic Games for Cuba. He worked out for 15 MLB teams on 1/22/2004, but no offers materialized after he couldn't hit 90 on the gun (after his 2002 arm injury). He was drafted in 2005 by the Diamondbacks but never played. So, even though he hit 100 mph, he never actually played for the MLB in any capacity.


Pitch Speed Tests Before Radar Guns - 1912 to 1974u11

Only pitches that were measured and documented are listed below.


Everybody Loves Speed

The speed of pitched balls has been of intense interest since the earliest days of baseball. Team owners and newsmen have long known that the public has a thirst for fastball speeds. The world's first speed test in 1912 of Walter Johnson and Nap Rucker became a sensation and made headlines all over the country.

Baseball pitches were measured using a variety of methods by the US Army ballistics/artillery labs, West Point, time and motion engineers, and engineering firms:
  • Chronographs with various screen devices - called 'lumiline', 'photo-electric pitching meters', 'gravity drop interval recorders', 'DuMont cathode-ray oscilloscope [with a] photoelectric eye'
  • High speed and low speed video cameras
  • Racing against a speeding motorcycle
  • Early 'coherent laser radar'

Demystifying Chronographs and Screens

Chronographs are still used and sold today
Chronographs still used and sold today
the two triangles are the 'screens'
The military, arms companies, archery firms, engineering firms, and sports enthusiasts use ballistic test devices to measure speeds of fast moving objects like bullets, missiles, and arrows.

These devices are generally comprised of two 'screens', and a chronograph.

The chronograph, or its cousin the oscilloscope/oscillograph, is like a stopwatch/timer used to measure the start and stop times. But it needs two or more 'screens' to tell it when to start and stop as the object passes through the screens.

The screens are the start and end points and are usually called 'sky screens', 'lumiline screens', or 'make or break' screens and look like the triangle-shaped devices seen in pictures on this page. Some early screen devices used small copper wires in the opening and a steel plate for the end point.

Screens usually work using a photoelectric beam, just like your home burglar alarm sensors, your garage door sensor, or an elevator door sensor. When something crosses the light beam, it triggers some action.

When the ball (or bullet) passes through the starting point, it begins the timer, then the object passes through or hits the end point, which stops the timer. The distance between the start and end points are known, so its easy to calculate the speed in terms of feet per second (fps) of the moving object/ball/bullet/missile.

Here is a link to an interesting 1982 document from US Army Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD that "describes methods for measuring projectile velocity, including time of flight distance measurements, and equipment.". Sec 2.2 Instrumentation List includes: "Sky screens and chronographs, lumiline screens and chronographs, make or break screens and chronographs, can test velocity to 3000 m/s with +-0.1%" maximum error. So, these devices are very accurate.

Accuracy

Stalker uses Chronographs
Even Stalker uses Chronographs to verify speed
Oehler Model 57 Photoelectric Screens
I am amused when I read articles and forum comments about how these pre-radar devices are 'primitive' or 'not accurate'. Of course, the low speed camera test in 1913 and the motorcycle test in 1940 were indeed primitive and not very accurate. But in many cases, chronograph/ballistic devices are more accurate than radar.

Radar and chronograph devices work mostly the same way in that a timer starts, then something causes the timer to end, and you know the distance between the start/end points (radar uses different wave lengths, and chronographs use the sky screen openings - ex. the triangle shaped box).

However, with radar (even with the best Stalker/JUGS gun), you don't know exactly where, along the path taken from pitchers hand to the plate, the reading was taken - was it measured out of the hand? 10 feet away? 12 feet away? There is no way to know. With the chronograph device, you know the precise location of the measurement since it's based on the physical location of the device itself.


Why Did Portable Radar Guns Overtake Chronographs for Pitch Speed Tests?

The reason that radar overtook chronographs in measuring pitch speeds is not because radar is more accurate, but because radar is more practical, in that a ball no longer had to be thrown through a device. Radar allowed a game to be played, and measurements to be taken, during a live game, which means that every pitch could be measured, not just a few warmup pitches before the game started.

But, this practicality led to continued confusion during the 30 years of the radar era, from 1975 through 2006, because of 'fast guns' (with readings taken near the pitchers hand) , 'slow guns' (readings averaged, or taken near the plate) , and other radar guns/devices where you had no idea where the ball was along the path when the measurement was taken.




50 Foot Equivalent for Comparing Pitch Speeds Across Eras

I have calculated the 50 foot equivalent (FFE) speed for each pitcher, based on how far they were from the device, and what type of device, so they can be compared to each other, and to today's speeds.


List of All Recorded Pitch Speed Test Results - 1912-1974

FFENameTested SpeedMethodTested distanceWhenWhereDeviceComment
108.1Nolan Ryan100.9 mph (twice)Early radar10 ft from plate08/20/74Anaheim Stadium during game, in press boxRockwell Intl coherent infrared laser radar1st test with Guinness
108.0Nolan Ryan100.8 mphEarly radar10 ft from plate09/07/74Anaheim Stadium during game, in press boxRockwell Intl coherent infrared laser radar2nd test for public
107.6Bob Feller98.6 mphlumiline chronographplate08/20/46Griffith Stadium Washington DC, home platePortable lumiline chronograph using photo electric cells from ordnance plant at Aberdeen, MD 
103.2Bob Turley.00362/6in-138.12fps-94.17 mphoscillograph60.5 feet, device at plate05/12/54Baltimore Stadium, home plateDumont Labs cathode-ray oscillographadded to 102+ list 10/7/2014
102.5Steve Dalkowski93.5 mphlumiline chronographplateJun 1958US Army Aberdeen Proving Ground, MDUS Army Aberdeen Proving Ground lumiline chronograph 
102.2Joe Black93.2 mphoscillograph60 feet 6 inches, device at plate09/20/53Ebbets Field, Brooklyn NYDumont Labs cathode-ray oscillographadded to 102+ list 10/5/2014
102.1Terry Forster (White Sox)94.9 mphEarly radar10 ft from plate09/07/74Anaheim Stadium during game, in press boxRockwell Intl coherent infrared laser radar2nd Ryan test for public
100.1Steve Barber95.55 mph50fps cameracounted frames, avg speedSpring 1960Miami?50fps camera 
99.8Don Drysdale95.31 mph50fps cameracounted frames, avg speedSpring 1960Miami?50fps camera 
99.3Atley Donald139 fps/ 94.77 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft away08/30/39Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
99.3Rudy York139 fps/ 94.77 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft awaySummer 1939Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
99.3Ralph Kress139 fps/ 94.77 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft awaySummer 1939Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
99.3Roy Cullenbine139 fps/ 94.77 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft awaySummer 1939Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
98.1Mickey Lolich (Tigers)90.9 mphEarly radar10 ft from plate08/20/74Anaheim Stadium during game, in press boxRockwell Intl coherent infrared laser radar1st Ryan test
97.7Sandy Koufax93.20 mph50fps cameracounted frames, avg speedSpring 1960Miami?50fps camera 
97.6Jack Kucek (White Sox rookie)90.4 mph (twice)Early radar10 ft from plate09/07/74Anaheim Stadium during game, in press boxRockwell Intl coherent infrared laser radar2nd Ryan test for public
97.5Johnny Podres88.5 mphoscillograph60 feet 6 inches, device at plate09/20/53Ebbets Field, Brooklyn NYDumont Labs cathode-ray oscillograph 
96.7Dee Miles136 fps/ 92.7 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft awaySummer 1939Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
95.7Ryne Duren91.16 mph50fps cameracounted frames, avg speedSpring 1960Miami?50fps camera 
95.6Herb Score91.08 mph50fps cameracounted frames, avg speedSpring 1960Miami?50fps camera 
95.4Walter Johnson134 fps/ 91.4 mphgravity drop interval recorder?1917Remington Arms lab, Bridgeport CTgravity drop interval recorder 
95.3Bob Turley90.75 mph50fps cameracounted frames, avg speedSpring 1960Miami?50fps camera 
94.0Bob Feller10 framesmotorcycle and 24fps? video60 feet 6 inches1940Chicago street in Lincoln Parkmotorcycle and 24fps video 
93.3Steve Sundra131 fps/ 89.3 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft awaySummer 1939Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
93.3Wally Moses131 fps/ 89.3 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft awaySummer 1939Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
92.5Bob Milliken83.5 mphoscillograph60 feet 6 inches, device at plate09/20/53Ebbets Field, Brooklyn NYDumont Labs cathode-ray oscillograph 
90.6Johnny Humphries127 fps/ 86.6 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft away06/06/39Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
90.6Christy Mathewson127 fps/ 86.6 mphgravity drop interval recorder?1917Remington Arms lab, Bridgeport CTgravity drop interval recorder 
88.5Smokey Joe Wood124 fps/ 84.5 mphgravity drop interval recorder?1917Remington Arms lab, Bridgeport CTgravity drop interval recorder 
87.7Walter Johnson122 fps/ 83.2 mphchronograph 10/06/12Remington Arms bullet testing rangechronograph with copper wires and a steel plateHow far away? 20/60ft?
87.2Jimmy Foxx122 fps/ 83.2 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft away06/06/39Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
87.2Jim Tabor122 fps/ 83.2 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft away06/06/39Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
87.2Roger Cramer122 fps/ 83.2 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft away06/06/39Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
86.0Van Mungo113 fps/ 77.0 mph? June 1933West Point Ballistics lab? 
85.1Bob Feller119 fps/ 81.1 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft away06/06/39Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
85.1Ben Chapman119 fps/ 81.1 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft away06/06/39Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
85.1Julius Solters119 fps/ 81.1 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft away06/06/39Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
85.1Jim Shilling119 fps/ 81.1 mphphotoelectric chronograph20 ft away06/06/39Cleveland Stadium, side of fieldRex D. McDill's Cleveland Speed Meter – photoelectric chronograph 
84.7Lefty Gomez111 fps/ 75.7 mph? June 1933West Point Ballistics lab? 
81.5Nap Rucker113 fps/ 77.0 mphchronograph 10/06/12Remington Arms bullet testing rangechronograph with copper wires and a steel plateHow far away? 20/60ft?
??Billy Loes??oscillograph60 feet 6 inches, device at plate09/20/53Ebbets Field, Brooklyn NYDumont Labs cathode-ray oscillograph 
??Ben Wade??oscillograph60 feet 6 inches, device at plate09/20/53Ebbets Field, Brooklyn NYDumont Labs cathode-ray oscillograph 
??Lou McEvoy150 fps/ 102.27 mph? 05/23/30West Point Ballistics lab?


Rumors

  • Jim Maloney (Reds) 1965 99.5 mphs20 when? where? device?


1974 Speed Test – Ryan s1 s22 s23

See Ryan bio section for more details of the two games, the promotion of the contest, and the testing.

First Live Test During the Angels-Tigers Game 8/20/1974 – Ryan's record 100.9 mph, 108.1 FFE

On 8/20/1974 both Ryan and Lolich (Tigers) pitched complete games over 11 innings. Ryan struck out 19 batters, with no run support to lose 1-0.

Earlier, on 6/14/1974, he had struck out 19 Red Sox batters in 13 innings using 235 pitches, resulting in a no decision.

Second test – Live Promotional Event During the Angels-White Sox Game 9/7/1974 – 100.8 mph, 108.0 FFE

On 9/7/1974, Ryan threw 159 pitches, striking out 9 batters, and faced Jack Kucek the White Sox rookie.

Terry Forster (White Sox LH reliever) pitched the final 1.2 innings (7th/8th), there is no mention of his speed in the same articles, but he was reported months later to have thrown 94.9 in 'September 1974', so I am going to assume it was on 9/7. Forster led the AL that year with 24 saves, then he injured his arm in 1975.

(However, I am not including Forster's speed on the 102+ list until I get more verification of the reading) s21

Speed Results for Both Tests

Assuming they were 10 feet away – add 7.2 mph (9mph/50*40) to get to the 50ft FFE – and deduct 1.8 mph (9/50*10) to get plate speed:
  • Nolan Ryan (Angels) 8/20/74, 100.9 mph at 10 ft away, or 108.1 mph FFE, 99.8 mph est. plate speed, 1st inning vs. Tigers' Ron LeFlore (he threw two 100.9 pitches that game)
  • Nolan Ryan (Angels) 9/7/74, 100.8 mph at 10 ft away, or 108.0 mph FFE, 99.7 mph est. plate speed, 9th inning vs. White Sox' Lee "Bee Bee" Richard
  • Mickey Lolich (Tigers) 8/20/74, 90.9 mph at 10 ft away, or 98.1 mph FFE, 89.1 mph est. plate speed
  • Jack Kucek (White Sox rookie RHP) 9/7/74, 90.4 mph at 10 ft away, or 97.6 mph FFE, 88.6 mph est. plate speed (he threw 90.4 twice during the game)
  • Terry Forster (White Sox reliever) 9/7/74, 94.9 mph at 10 ft away, or 102.1 mph FFE, 93.1 mph est. plate speed


Other Nolan Ryan pitches reported on 9/7/1974:
  • Warmup – 88.5 mph at 10ft, 86.7 mph plate speed, 95.7 mph FFE (warmup readings 68.5, 55, 88.5 and 70.7 mph)
  • Inning 1 – 87.6 mph at 10ft, 85.8 mph plate speed, 94.8 mph FFE
  • Inning 2 – 93.4 mph at 10ft, 91.6 mph plate speed, 100.6 mph FFE
  • Inning 3 – 94.1 mph at 10ft, 92.3 mph plate speed, 101.3 mph FFE
  • Inning 4 – 98.8 mph at 10ft, 97.0 mph plate speed, 106.0 mph FFE vs. Jerry Hairston
  • Inning 5 – 96.4 mph at 10ft, 94.6 mph plate speed, 103.6 mph FFE
  • Inning 6 – 91.3 mph at 10ft, 89.5 mph plate speed, 98.5 mph FFE
  • Inning 7 – 96.7 mph at 10ft, 94.9 mph plate speed, 103.9 mph FFE
  • Inning 8 – 94.1 mph at 10ft, 92.3 mph plate speed, 101.3 mph FFE


1960 Speed Test – High Speed Cameras15

This Week 6/19/1960
This Week 6/19/1960
Who's The Fastest Pitcher?
This Week, which was a nationwide newspaper insert, did some testing during spring training 1960 and published an article June 19, 1960 Who's the Fastest Pitcher By LESLIE LIEBER, which described the test:
Here's how we did the testing: We set up a high-speed movie camera which takes 50 frames a second. It photographed the ball from the pitcher’s mound until it crossed home plate — 60 feet, six inches away.

By counting the number of frames it took the ball to reach the plate, our mathematicians were able to translate the velocity into miles per hour.

The results were arrived at not on the basis of one pitch — but by averaging the five fastest pitches thrown by each man. The final standings are [below]
50 frames per second is sufficient to get a good speed reading (even today). You could have as much as 3-4 mph error on a single reading, but 5 readings should reduce the error significantly.

Since they were 60.5 feet away, and the speed had essentially been averaged – add 4.5 mph (50% of 9 mph speed reduction to the plate) to get to the 50ft FFE:
  • Steve Barber (Orioles rookie) 95.55 mph, or 100.05 mph FFE
  • Don Drysdale (Dodgers) 95.31 mph, or 99.81 mph FFE
  • Sandy Koufax (Dodgers) 93.20 mph, or 97.70 mph FFE
  • Ryne Duren (Yankees) 91.16 mph, or 95.66 mph FFE
  • Herb Score (White Sox) 91.08 mph, or 95.58 mph FFE
  • Bob Turley (Yankees) 90.75 mph, or 95.25 mph FFE
Reports say this film was taken in Miami. The Orioles held their Spring training in Miami Stadium in 1960, maybe it was there? The Dodgers played in Vero Beach, the Yankees in St Petersburg, and the White Sox in Sarasota.



1958 Speed test – Steve Dalkowski – 11th Fastest (tied) – 102.5 mph FFE

Steve Dalkowski
Steve Dalkowski
5'11" 170 lbs.
In June 1958 the Orioles sent Dalkowski to the U.S. Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland .. was clocked at 93.5 mph s7 where he threw through a metal box the width of home plate through which a laser was beamed (or lumiline?). s8 We understand he pitched into an opening that was used to test bullet/ artillery speeds. He also did not pitch from a mound.

(Assuming he was pitching from 60.5 feet away) this pitch was equivalent to a speed measurement taken at the plate. So we should add the 9 mph average speed reduction from the 50ft mark to the plate to get today's equivalent speed, his speed would range from 101.5 to 104.5 and was likely 102.5 mph.