What is Behind Pitcher's Increased Velocity The Last 10 Years?

[Doug Y]

The average MLB fastball has increased dramatically for both starting pitchers and relievers over the past 10-15 years.

 

In 2007, 11 pitchers averaged 95+ on their fastball, in 2011 the number jumped to 35 pitchers, and in 2015 according to Fangraphs that number has increased to 87 pitchers.

 

Check out the Velocity by Years charts from Pitchf/x.

 

 

 

That is an increase in 2 mph for every fastball thrown in 6 years.

 

What is behind this massive increase in velocity in such a short period of time?

 

Here are some of my theories:

 

1. Statcast vs Older Radar Guns ~ Statcast measures the peak velocity of a pitch at any point from its release to the front edge of home plate. Older radar guns varied greatly. Some took the speed out of a pitcher's hand, others measured the speed as it crossed the plate, and others would average the two. This would give a wide range of measurements depending on which gun you used.

 

2. Max Effort ~ Most young pitchers have learned to pitch with max effort, meaning higher velocities, but less stamina. Max effort came about from trying to impress scouts in all the all-star type baseball leagues and tournaments, but also from more specialization in the bullpen. Starters are not required or needed to pitch as deep into games as in the past.

 

3. Specialization ~ Closers, Setup Men, left handed specialist, and in the last few years the 7th inning specialist has appeared as well. This bullpen specialization has allowed starters to be more max effort type pitchers and really strive for 6 quality innings pitched and then let the bullpen take over. Bullpen guys now have a more defined role, and are usually not required to throw more than 1 inning, allowing more max effort type pitching.

 

4. Muscle Strength ~  With new technology has come a better understanding of pitching biomechanics, and an increased knowledge of strength training and muscle building specifically designed for pitching.  The 1980's ushered in an era where professional athletes finally realized that building muscle will not make you less flexible, and will improve performance. Hence the steroid era that quickly followed. Now technology and science and helped pitchers to know exactly which muscles to strengthen, instead of randomly lifting weights. They have learned that the deceleration muscles on the back side of the shoulder are just as important, if not more important, for adding velocity.

 

5. Time & Money ~ With the amount of money that even a below average pitcher can make, players have more time and better access to the highest quality training. Players can fly to any of the "performance institutes" that have propped up around the country and spend a few weeks learning new techniques and ideas, and quickly take them back home and apply them.

 

 

Those are just some of my ideas of why velocity has increased so much, I would love to hear what everyone else thinks or knows?

 

 

 

[gunnarthor]

Better PEDs.