What is the deadliest pitch in baseball?

There's no single "deadliest" pitch, but the fastball is most dangerous due to its velocity, leading to high injury risk and potential for severe impact injuries (like the tragic beanball that killed Ray Chapman), while the screwball is infamous for the immense arm torque it creates, making it extremely hazardous to a pitcher's health. Modern debates also center on how wildly thrown, high-velocity fastballs (like a 98+ mph fastball missing the zone) pose a major threat to batters.

What is the most dangerous pitch in baseball?

There isn't one single "deadliest pitch," but it refers to pitches that are incredibly difficult to hit due to extreme velocity, sharp movement, or unpredictable patterns, often resulting in strikeouts or even injuries, with Mariano Rivera's cutter, Randy Johnson's slider, and fastballs over 100 mph being legendary examples of devastating pitches that baffle hitters. Historically, the "Spitball" was infamous for its unpredictable movement before being banned, and a pitch hitting Ray Chapman in 1920 led to his death, highlighting the danger.
 

Who threw a 104 mph pitch?

Mason Miller threw a 104.5 mph pitch in the 2025 MLB postseason, the fastest in playoff history, while Aroldis Chapman holds the record for the fastest MLB pitch ever recorded at 105.8 mph (and also threw 104+ mph multiple times). Miller's recent heater was a postseason record, but Chapman's overall velocity is unmatched, with other hard throwers like Ben Joyce also reaching over 104 mph.
 

What is the toughest pitch to hit?

The toughest pitch to hit in baseball is subjective and depends on the hitter's strengths, weaknesses, and approach. However, most baseball players and coaches, from High School to Major League Baseball, agree that a high velocity fastball at the top of the strike zone is one of the hardest pitches to hit consistently.

Who threw a 108 mph pitch?

While Nolan Ryan is famously rumored to have thrown 108 mph due to old radar gun readings being measured differently (closer to the plate), leading to estimated speeds around that mark with modern metrics, the fastest officially recorded pitch in MLB is closer to 105.8 mph by Aroldis Chapman, but some unofficial drills have seen pitchers hit 108 mph, like Casey Weathers in training.
 

The deadly pitch that changed baseball

Who threw 106 mph baseball?

Aroldis Chapman: 100+ mph Pitches in Baseball | TikTok.

Is a 120 mph pitch possible?

No, a 120 mph pitch is considered virtually impossible for a human pitcher due to the extreme forces and biomechanical limits, with the current record being just over 105 mph, though some simulations use 120 mph to test the absolute limits of human reaction time, showing how difficult it would be to even hit, let alone hit into play. The energy and stress on the arm at 120 mph far exceed what the body can safely handle, risking severe injury.
 

What is the rarest pitch in baseball?

The rarest pitches in baseball are often considered the Eephus pitch, a high-arcing, slow lob designed to disrupt timing, and the Knuckleball, known for its unpredictable, spin-less flutter, though other pitches like the Gyroball and Screwball are also extremely uncommon in modern baseball. While the Eephus is famously rare, the Knuckleball is a true rarity requiring unique mechanics, and the Gyroball and Screwball are nearly extinct due to their difficulty and arm strain. 

Is throwing 70 mph at 13 good?

Yes, throwing 70 mph at 13 years old is very good, generally considered elite or well above average, as the typical range for that age is often in the 50s and low 60s, with 70+ mph being an outlier and indicating significant potential, though focus should remain on mechanics, control, and arm health for long-term development.
 

Which pitch is hard to bat?

In present time South African pitches are the toughest one , earlier used the west indies & Australia!!

Who was the fastest pitcher ever?

15 Years ago today, Aroldis Chapman threw the fastest pitch in MLB history. Officially recorded at 105.8 mph, don't blink or you will miss it. Chapman is currently in his 16th year of his career, and rumor has it he just started locating his fastball this year.

What pitch is banned in MLB?

A spitball is a now-illegal baseball pitch in which the ball has been altered by the application of a foreign substance such as saliva or petroleum jelly. This technique alters the wind resistance and weight on one side of the ball, causing it to move in an atypical manner.

What is a filthy pitch in baseball?

Definition. 1. Said of a pitch that features a combination of speed, movement, and location that makes it unhittable; e.g., Mariano Rivera's cut fastball, thrown so hard that its movement is explosive, very late and very sharp.

Can a 12 year old throw 90 mph?

No, a 12-year-old throwing 90 mph is extremely rare, virtually unheard of, as average speeds are around 50-60 mph, with elite players reaching the low 70s; attempting such velocity at that age risks severe arm injuries due to underdeveloped growth plates, and focus should be on mechanics, not speed. 

How rare is it to throw 90 mph?

Throwing 90 mph is rare but becoming more common, especially with modern training, but it's still a significant milestone, separating the top tier of high school and college pitchers from the rest, with only a small percentage of varsity players hitting that mark, though it's less of a barrier in top-tier D1 programs where 87-95 MPH is typical. While it's a major achievement for youth and amateur players, with some reports suggesting less than 1% of varsity players reach 90+ mph, it's the standard for elite college recruits and pros, requiring dedicated training, mechanics, and athleticism, not just raw talent. 

How fast can a 7 year old pitch?

In this age group, kids are just beginning to understand the mechanics of pitching. The average speed for a youth pitcher is typically around 40–50 mph. While velocity is not the primary focus at this stage, proper form and arm health are crucial.

Who threw a 106 mph pitch?

The pitcher most famously associated with throwing 106 mph is Aroldis Chapman, who hit that speed in 2011, setting the record for fastest MLB pitch at the time, though officially recorded slightly lower (around 105.8 mph); however, Ben Joyce also reached 106 mph in a minor league game and 105.5 mph in college, challenging Chapman's record and nearing the 106 mph mark in MLB.
 

Is a 1 pitch inning possible?

Alternatively, it is possible for a pitcher to enter a situation where there are two runners on base and no outs. He could throw one pitch that results in a triple play, and for that one pitch, he would be credited with a full-inning pitched.

Has anyone ever thrown a 27 pitch game?

No, a pitcher has never thrown a 27-pitch complete game because batters would inevitably put the ball in play or take pitches, making it statistically impossible; however, minor league pitcher Ron Necciai famously struck out 27 batters in a nine-inning game in 1952, a feat requiring many more pitches but showcasing an extreme strikeout performance.
 

Who threw a 108 mph fastball?

While Nolan Ryan is famously rumored to have thrown 108 mph due to old radar gun readings being measured differently (closer to the plate), leading to estimated speeds around that mark with modern metrics, the fastest officially recorded pitch in MLB is closer to 105.8 mph by Aroldis Chapman, but some unofficial drills have seen pitchers hit 108 mph, like Casey Weathers in training.
 

How fast is Yamamoto's fastball?

Pitch Repertoire At-A-Glance

In 2025, they relied primarily on their Fourseam Fastball (95mph) and Splitter (91mph), also mixing in a Curve (77mph), Cutter (91mph) and Sinker (95mph). He also rarely threw a Slider (86mph). In 2025, compared to other RHP: Their fourseam fastball has slightly above average velo.