Average Pitch Speed MLB: Uncovering the Secrets to Pro Performance

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In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the average pitch speed of Major League Baseball (MLB) players. With more pitchers reaching triple-digit pitch speeds, fans and analysts are eager to understand how this trend has developed over time.

The average MLB pitching velocity at the beginning of the 2017 season was 88 miles per hour (mph). This impressive speed has continued to rise over the years, with a noteworthy increase in pitches exceeding 100 mph. However, it is important to note that the total number of starting pitchers able to reach such speeds has not grown at the same rate.

Understanding the factors that contribute to this increase in overall pitch speeds and comparing the performance of different pitchers provides valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of MLB pitching. This allows fans, coaches, and players to better appreciate the skill and athleticism of these elite baseball athletes.

Average Pitch Speed in MLB

Average pitch speeds in Major League Baseball (MLB) can provide valuable insight into the effectiveness and potential success of pitchers at the professional level. Pitch speed is often used as an indicator of a pitcher’s arm strength and their ability to overpower hitters..

The average velocity in MLB at the beginning of the 2017 season was 88 miles per hour (MPH). This speed can vary depending on factors such as pitch type, pitcher age, and experience.

Data shows that the average pitching velocities are based on age, with 26 years old being the peak age for top velocity in an MLB career. After the age of 30, pitching velocity experiences a sharp decline.

It is important to note that pitch movement, not just speed, plays a significant role in the success of a pitch. Pitch movement is compared to the average movement of other MLB pitch types within +/- 2 MPH and from within +/- 0.5 feet of extension and release. Better pitch movement can lead to increased deception and difficulty hitting the pitch, regardless of its velocity.

The average pitch speed in MLB is around 88 MPH. It’s crucial to remember that a combination of speed and movement are both necessary ingredients for a pitcher’s overall effectiveness. Not just the pitcher’s average velocity. The pitcher must also have exceptional pitching mechanics.

Historical Trends and Notable Pitches

Evolution of Pitch Speed

Throughout the history of Major League Baseball (MLB), the average pitch speed has been steadily increasing. Advances in player training, nutrition, and technology, coupled with the popularization of advanced statistical analysis, have contributed to this trend.

With the introduction of radar guns and later, the Statcast system, measurement of average pitch speeds and average velocity has become more accurate and easily accessible. Pitchers now have the tools to refine their techniques and increase their average velocity, often prioritizing fastball speed as a critical factor in their success.

Milestone Speeds

Over the years, several pitchers have broken records and reached milestones in pitch speed. The MLB as a whole has seen a steady increase in both average pitching speed and average velocity. Here are some notable examples:

  • In 1974, Nolan Ryan became the first pitcher to be recorded throwing a pitch over 100 mph. His famous 100.9 mph fastball set the tone for future generations of high-velocity pitchers.
  • Aroldis Chapman, a reliever for the Cincinnati Reds, set the MLB record for the fastest pitch ever recorded on September 24, 2010. He threw a fastball that reached a staggering 105.1 mph, a record that still stands today. More information about Chapman’s record-setting pitch can be found here.
  • On May 1, 2022, Ben Joyce threw the fastest recorded pitch in college baseball history at 105.5 mph while playing for the Tennessee Volunteers.

These milestone speeds demonstrate the exceptional talent and relentless pursuit of improvement by pitchers in both professional and amateur levels of the sport.

Pitch Types and Speed

In Major League Baseball, pitchers utilize various types of pitches to challenge hitters and keep them guessing. Understanding the different pitch types and their average speed is essential for both the players and the fans. The pitch use to determine pitch velocity is the fastball. The fastball is the pitch that is used to throw the hardest. Pitchers who throw hard and get the radar gun to reach triple digits, are those that are most often measured. They are also the most discussed for average fastball velocity or average fastball speed. That’s why we hear names such as Aroldis Chapman and Ben Joyce, because they throw heat.

Fastball

The fastball is the most common pitch in baseball and usually has the highest velocity. Typically, pitchers in the MLB throw fastballs ranging from 90 to 100 MPH. The average pitch speed across all MLB teams is around 92.96 MPH. There are variations of the fastball, such as the four-seam and two-seam fastball, each with distinctive movement and grip. The best pitch to throw to review your fastball velocity and average fastball velocity is the four-seam fastball. The four-seam fastball is the fastest pitch to throw.

The reason being is the four-seam fastball gains the most spin and travels the most straight. The two-seam fastball tends to cut inside or outside (depending on the dexterity of the pitcher) and thus, has a little less velocity on the radar gun.

 

Curveball

A curveball has a substantial downward break and slower velocity compared to a fastball. With an average speed between 75 and 85 MPH, the curveball is designed to deceive the hitter with its sudden drop. The curve is a popular off-speed pitch and relies on the pitcher’s skill to create the necessary spin to achieve the desired break.

Slider

The slider is another breaking pitch that combines the speed of a fastball with the movement of a curveball. It is usually thrown around 80 to 90 MPH, slightly faster than the curveball. The slider’s unique feature is its lateral movement, making it challenging for the hitter to anticipate its final location.

Changeup

The changeup is an off-speed pitch that closely resembles a fastball in motion but is thrown with significantly less velocity. Averaging between 80 and 85 MPH, the changeup’s purpose is to disrupt the hitter’s timing by creating a significant difference in speed compared to the fastball. The grip and arm action for a changeup are critical factors in achieving the desired deception.

Impact on Player Performance

Hitters’ Reaction Time

The average pitch speed in Major League Baseball (MLB) can have a significant impact on hitters’ reaction time. Higher pitch speeds, such as those thrown by Aroldis Chapman who recorded a pitch at 105.7 mph, require hitters to have an incredibly short time to react and make contact with the ball.

For instance, at a pitch speed of 90 mph, a hitter has about 0.4 seconds to decide whether to swing and then make contact with the ball. As the average pitch speed increases, the available reaction time decreases, making it more challenging for hitters to adjust their swing and maintain their stance.

Pitchers’ Stamina and Health

Although increasing pitch speed may seem advantageous, it can also have a negative impact on pitchers’ stamina and health. Throwing at higher velocities places greater stress on a pitcher’s arm, which can lead to a higher risk of injury over time.

As a result, pitchers often have to find an optimal balance between generating higher velocity and maintaining their fitness to play throughout the season. Furthermore, the highest velocity is not always the key factor in determining success, but rather the way the ball moves and how well the pitcher can manipulate it. The Statcast Pitch Movement Leaderboard provides insights into this aspect of pitching performance.

In summary, the average pitch speed in MLB has a direct impact on both hitters and pitchers, influencing their performance and physical demands of the game. As the game continues to evolve, player development will focus on addressing these challenges and finding ways to optimize performance under these conditions.