What Year Was the First 100 MPH Pitch? A Legendary Baseball Milestone
The Early Days of Fast Pitching: Before Radar Guns
Before we dive into the magical "100 mph" moment, it’s worth noting something wild: they didn’t always measure pitch speed the way we do today. In the early 1900s, there were no radar guns, no pitch tracking systems. Just raw eyes, buzzed-out batters, and hearsay.
Guys like Walter Johnson and Bob Feller were already rumored to throw blazing fastballs — but could anyone prove it hit 100 mph? Meh… not really. Still, the legends stuck.
Bob Feller’s 1946 speed test
Let’s pause here. Bob Feller. One of the OG fireballers. In 1946, his pitch was timed using a military device (a freaking motorcycle speed trap, no joke). It clocked at 98.6 mph — at home plate.
Now, that’s not how we measure velocity today (we do it right out of the hand now), so his pitch may’ve actually been over 100 mph by modern standards. But officially? It didn’t cross the line… yet.
1974: The Year of Nolan Ryan’s 100.9 MPH Pitch
Here it is. 1974. Anaheim Stadium. The golden year.
Nolan Ryan breaks the barrier
Using a Doppler radar device, Nolan Ryan — the myth, the Texas flamethrower — was officially clocked at 100.9 mph during a game against the Detroit Tigers. It was the first confirmed 100+ mph pitch in baseball history, measured in a scientifically recognized way.
And to be honest? No one was surprised. I mean, it was Nolan freakin’ Ryan. His arm practically breathed fire.
That pitch made headlines and shook the baseball world. Suddenly, 100 mph wasn’t just bar talk — it was measurable, real, and terrifying.
Did Anyone Throw 100 MPH Before 1974?
Now this gets a little fuzzy. Depends how you look at it.
The Feller and Johnson debate
Like we said earlier, pitchers like Bob Feller and Walter Johnson were probably throwing 100+. Based on biomechanics studies, they likely did. But no precise tech existed back then to seal the deal.
So, unofficially? Maybe.
But officially, by today's standards? 1974 wins.
A quick nod to Steve Dalkowski
Ah yes — Steve Dalkowski. The most mythical of them all. The man who allegedly threw so hard, no one could catch him or measure him. Seriously, there’s a story of a catcher breaking his hand trying to catch his fastball. Was it 100+? Some said even 110 mph... but again, no reliable data.
Just legend.
Modern Era: 100 MPH is Still Rare (But Not Unheard Of)
Today, thanks to tracking systems like Statcast and PitchFX, we see pitchers touching 100 mph more often — but it’s still elite territory.
Notable 100+ mph pitchers
Aroldis Chapman – holds the record with 105.8 mph in 2010
Jordan Hicks – routinely hits triple digits
Jacob deGrom – sneaky fast, even as a starter
Hunter Greene – young phenom, living in the 100 zone
Still, the number of pitchers who can sustain 100 mph heat? Very few. It’s hard on the arm, and hitters are catching up.
So, to wrap it up:
The first officially recorded 100 mph pitch happened in 1974, courtesy of Nolan Ryan. But if we include legends and “might have beens”? The story gets a whole lot murkier — and way more fun.
Funny thing is, even with all the tech we have now, that number — 100 — still feels like magic.
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How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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