The Slowest Pitch in MLB History: An Analysis

Baseball enthusiasts have long debated the slowest pitch ever thrown in Major League Baseball (MLB). The discussion often revolves around the legendary Eephus pitch, a pitch with an extraordinarily high arc that confounds batters. However, the record is not just about the pitch alone but the skill and timing required to deliver it.

Phil Niekro's Pitch

Phil Niekro, a Hall of Famer, delivered a famous slow pitch during a game against the Blue Jays in 1985. While this pitch was certainly slow, measurable at around 52 mph, it was still effective enough to strike out Lou Thornton, demonstrating the unique challenge it posed to batters. As a pitcher with 300 wins at 46 years old, Niekro's ability to control a pitch at such a low speed was a testament to his unparalleled skills.

Eephus Pitch: The Quirky Velocity

The Eephus pitch is perhaps the most famous of these slow, high-arcing pitches. Bill Lee, a pitcher remembered for his unconventional style, is often credited with developing and popularizing the Eephus pitch in the 1970s. However, umpires and players, notably Tony Perez, were still able to adapt and often crush these pitches, as evidenced in the 1975 World Series. The Eephus pitch typically has a forward velocity in the low 40s, making it an intriguing and unpredictable tool for pitchers.

Other Slow Pitches

There have been other notable slow pitches in recent history. For instance, Jake Faria's 44 mph pitch in a slip-up during a game exemplifies the physical challenges a pitcher faces. Similarly, Dennis Springer's 43 mph pitch to Barry Bonds in 2001 is often cited as a record slow pitch, with Bonds going on to hit his 73rd home run of the season. These pitches showcase the psychology of hitting, with batters often waiting to make contact until it is too late.

Pitching Speed Records: An Analysis

To further understand the slowest pitches, let's analyze the measurements and speeds of some notable slow pitches. Orlando Hernandez's 45 mph pitch in 2006, which took 27 frames at 30 frames per second to travel 60 feet, was exceptionally slow. Similarly, Bill Lee's 49 mph pitch, which took 23 frames to be hit, was another example of a very slow pitch. The 31 mph swing and miss by Dave LaRoche in a 2009 game against the Mets is perhaps the slowest and most memorable, with the pitch taking 40 frames to travel 60 feet.

Another notable pitch was thrown by Steve Hamilton, a left-handed reliever for the New York Yankees in the 1980s. Known for his "Folly Floater," Hamilton consistently threw a pitch around 45 mph, making it one of the slowest and most entertaining deliveries in baseball history, especially due to his height of 6'7".

Conclusion

The slowest pitch in MLB history remains a debate, with various pitches achieving speeds between 31 mph and 52 mph, depending on the measurement and context. The Eephus pitch remains the most famous and the most memorable, but every player and pitcher contributes to the rich history of slow pitches in baseball. These unique pitches showcase the unpredictability of the game and the ingenuity of baseball's pitchers.

References

1. 2. 3. Baseball-Reference