Pitch velocity measures, in miles per hour, how fast the ball travels from the pitcher’s hand to the plate. It’s the flashiest number in pitching and one of the things that has changed modern baseball the most.
How fast is fast?
The average fastball in the Major Leagues today sits around 94 mph, quite a bit more than two decades ago. Hitting triple digits, once exceptional, is now something many relievers do.
| Fastball velocity | Level |
|---|---|
| 100 mph or higher | Elite / fire |
| 95 – 99 mph | Very fast |
| 91 – 94 mph | Average |
| Below 90 mph | Below average |
Records
- Fastest pitch on record: Aroldis Chapman, at 105.8 mph.
[Live data — Statcast] Fastest pitches of the current season: (filled in automatically).
Why it matters (and its risk)
More velocity usually means more strikeouts, which is why teams chase it. But it’s also tied to a rise in elbow injuries, one of the big debates in baseball today.
Related stats
Frequently asked questions
What is the average fastball in MLB?
Around 94 mph, and it climbs every season.
What is the fastest pitch in history?
105.8 mph, by Aroldis Chapman.
