What Is The Average Baseball Pitch Speed?

Do you know what the average baseball pitch speed is? If you’re a fan of the sport, you might have a general idea, but do you know the specific numbers?

Whether you’re a player, a coach, or just a casual fan, it’s always interesting to know the statistics behind the game. Read on to find out the average baseball pitch speed, and see how it has changed over the years.

Introduction

Pitching is one of the most important aspects of baseball. A pitcher’s job is to throw the ball towards the hitter, and hopefully get them out. The speed of a pitch can be crucial in determining its effectiveness. So, what is the average baseball pitch speed?

The answer to this question can be tricky, as there are a few different factors that can affect a pitcher’s speed. Age, experience, and even the type of pitch being thrown can all play a role. However, according to research conducted by the website FiveThirtyEight, the average major league fastball speed is about 92 miles per hour.

Of course, not all pitches are created equal. Different types of pitches can have very different speeds. For example, sinkers tend to be thrown slower than four-seam fastballs. Meanwhile, curveballs and sliders are usually thrown even slower than sinkers. The speeds of these pitches can vary widely depending on the pitcher, but they tend to be around 10 miles per hour slower than fastballs on average.

So, there you have it! The average baseball pitch speed is about 92 miles per hour for a fastball. Of course, there is some variation between pitchers and types of pitches, but this should give you a general idea of what to expect.

The Different Pitches

There are five main types of pitches in baseball: the fastball, the curveball, the slider, the cutter, and the changeup. The fastball is the most common type of pitch, and it is thrown by almost all pitchers. The curveball is a pitch that curves as it approaches the batter, and it is often used to surprise batters who are expecting a fastball. The slider is a pitch that also curves, but not as much as a curveball. The cutter is a variation of the fastball that is thrown with a special grip that makes it spin differently; cutters often “cut” across the plate rather than going straight. The changeup is a pitch that looks like a fastball but is actually thrown slower than a fastball; it is used to trick batters who are expecting a fastball.

The Average Fastball

The average fastball is between 90 and 95 miles per hour. There are a few pitchers who can throw the ball 100 miles per hour or faster, but this is very rare. The majority of pitchers throw between 80 and 95 miles per hour.

The Average Curveball

The average curveball is around 75 miles per hour, but can range from 65-80 miles per hour. A typical curveball will have 10-12 inches of break.

The Average Slider

The average slider is around 84 mph. Sliders tend to have a tight spin and break late. They’re one of the harder pitches to control, which is why you’ll see a lot of walks given up with slider-dominant pitchers.

The Average Changeup

The changeup is a type of baseball pitch that is slower than a fastball and has movement that makes it harder to hit. Changeups are typically thrown by pitchers who also throw fastballs, and the key to throwing a successful changeup is to make it look like a fastball while delivering it at a slower speed. Changeups are often used to surprise hitters who are expecting a fastball and end up swinging at the ball too early.

The Average Knuckleball

The average knuckleball pitcher throws the ball between 60 and 70 miles per hour. pitchers who can consistently throw the knuckleball between 60 and 70 miles per hour are very successful at the major league level. The knuckleball is a very difficult pitch to throw, and very few pitchers have the ability to throw it consistently for strikes.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, the average fastball pitcher in MLB will throw their fastball around 93 mph. However, there is a lot of variation in fastball velocity between pitchers. Some will throw their fastball well above 95 mph, while others will sit around 91 mph. There are also a lot of different types of fastballs that pitchers can throw, like a cutter or sinker, which can make things even more confusing. The best way to know how fast a specific pitcher throws their fastball is to look at their player profile or ask someone who knows them well.