How fast was the fastest pitch? This question has intrigued baseball fans for decades, as the art of pitching has evolved with remarkable advancements in technology and training. The answer, however, is not as straightforward as one might think, as the record for the fastest pitch has been broken numerous times over the years.

In the early days of baseball, pitchers relied on raw strength and natural talent to throw fastballs that could reach impressive speeds. However, as the sport progressed, players began to incorporate new techniques and training regimens to push the limits of human endurance. This has led to some truly remarkable achievements in the realm of pitching velocity.

One of the most notable instances of a fast pitch occurred in 1994, when Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers threw a fastball clocked at 100.9 mph. This pitch broke the previous record held by Tom Seaver, who threw a 100.2 mph fastball in 1967. Ryan’s achievement was widely celebrated, as it marked the first time a pitcher had reached triple digits on the radar gun.

However, just a few years later, the record was shattered by Randy Johnson, who threw a 101.9 mph fastball while playing for the Houston Astros in 1998. Johnson’s pitch was not only the fastest ever recorded, but it also held the record for the fastest pitch thrown in the regular season.

The record continued to fall in the 21st century, with several pitchers pushing the limits of human performance. In 2007, Aroldis Chapman of the Cincinnati Reds threw a 105.1 mph fastball, becoming the first pitcher to break the 105 mph barrier. This record was briefly surpassed by David Price, who threw a 105.2 mph pitch in 2012 while playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.

In 2015, the record was once again broken by another pitcher from the Cincinnati Reds, this time by Jonathan Broxton, who threw a 105.2 mph fastball. However, it was not long before the record was shattered once more, as Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets threw a 107.0 mph fastball in 2018, becoming the first pitcher to break the 107 mph barrier.

These incredible feats of pitching velocity are a testament to the dedication and hard work of these athletes. As technology continues to advance and training methods improve, it is likely that the record for the fastest pitch will continue to be broken in the years to come. The question of how fast was the fastest pitch remains a fascinating topic for baseball enthusiasts, as the quest for pitching excellence never seems to end.