It’s heat.
The recipe for success in the Bigs is to throw heat. Sure, there have been exceptions with guys who could through a great knuckleball, slider, and curve, but there’s nothing like being able to throw in the high 90s and beyond.
That said, who is the fastest of the fastest?
As many as 15 MLB pitchers may hold the record. For example, consider the Reds’ Aroldis Chapman, who threw a high and tight pitch to the Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen that was clocked at 106 MPH. Years ago, the Marlins’ recorded a pitch at 102 MPH. But topping the list is Nolan Ryan, who played for four MLB teams, including two of my home state clubs, the Astros and Rangers.
The Ryan Express was in full force on the night of 1974 when he threw a fastball measured at 108.1 MPH. It was one of Ryan’s many accomplishments over his long career.
Will anyone ever top that? Time will tell.
https://youtu.be/DqNb1fAwZ_g
I remember this well. I was 10 years old playing little league. Awesome feat. Who would’ve guessed that almost 35 years later, I’d be working for the Round Rock Express (the AAA team of the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers). The Ryan’s are part owner of the Express. Reed Ryan was founder and CEO at one point. I met Nolan Ryan on a couple of occasions. Reed is Nolan’s oldest son.