The hardest thrower in baseball is a topic of much debate and speculation among fans and experts alike. However, if we were to analyze the data and look at the historical records, two names stand out as the most dominant in terms of velocity: Emmanuel Clase and Jordan Hicks.
Emmanuel Clase, currently playing for the Cleveland Guardians, has gained a reputation as the hardest-throwing pitcher in baseball history. His fastball consistently reaches triple digits on the radar gun, with an average velocity of 101.1 mph in the 2021 season. Clase’s ability to consistently hit those high velocities has earned him the nickname “The Wild Horse.”
However, right on Clase’s heels is Jordan Hicks, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. Hicks has also showcased an incredible ability to bring the heat, with a career average fastball velocity of 100 mph. While he may fall slightly behind Clase in terms of recent playing time due to injuries, Hicks has proven himself as one of the most formidable flamethrowers in the game.
It is worth noting that Hicks’ career has been hampered by injuries. In July 2019, he underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that requires a lengthy recovery period. Additionally, Hicks dealt with elbow inflammation during the 2020 season, further limiting his playing time. These injury setbacks have prevented him from fully showcasing his abilities and potentially challenging Clase for the title of the hardest thrower in baseball.
In terms of sheer velocity, both Clase and Hicks have demonstrated exceptional power on the mound. Their ability to consistently reach and surpass the 100 mph mark is a testament to their incredible arm strength and mechanics. It is truly a sight to behold when these pitchers unleash their fastballs, leaving batters in awe and struggling to catch up.
While Clase may currently hold the crown as the hardest thrower in baseball, Hicks is not far behind. With his career average fastball velocity matching Clase’s, Hicks has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with when healthy. As he continues to recover from his injuries and gain more playing time, it will be fascinating to see if he can challenge Clase for the top spot in terms of pure velocity.
The title of the hardest thrower in baseball is a highly contested one, but based on historical data and average fastball velocities, Emmanuel Clase and Jordan Hicks stand out as two of the most dominant flamethrowers in the game. While Clase may currently hold the edge, Hicks is a close second and has the potential to challenge for the top spot if he can stay healthy and consistently showcase his exceptional velocity on the mound.