Who Has the Nastiest Pitch in Baseball?
Baseball is a game of skill and strategy. Every team has its own unique style of play, and each player has different strengths and weaknesses. But one skill that all pitchers share is the ability to throw a nasty pitch. This type of pitch is designed to fool or surprise the batter, and can help the pitcher get a crucial out. So who has the nastiest pitch in baseball?
What Makes a Nasty Pitch?
To answer this question, it’s important to understand what makes a pitch “nasty.” Generally, a nasty pitch is one that is difficult for the batter to predict or hit. It can have a lot of movement, making it hard to hit, or it can be thrown with a lot of speed, making it hard to time. It is also important to have control over the pitch, as that can help fool the batter.
The Fastball
When it comes to nastiness, the fastball is often the first pitch that comes to mind. It’s the most common pitch in baseball, and can reach speeds of up to 100 mph. This speed makes it hard for the batter to time the pitch correctly, and can also make it difficult to hit.
The fastest fastball ever thrown was by Aroldis Chapman, who clocked 105.1 mph in 2010. That’s not just the fastest fastball ever thrown, it’s the fastest pitch ever thrown in any sport. It’s no surprise that Chapman is considered one of the nastiest pitchers in the game.
The Curveball
The curveball is another pitch that can be incredibly nasty. It’s a slower pitch, usually thrown around 70-80 mph, but it has a lot of movement. The ball appears to be headed straight for the plate, and then it curves in a different direction. This movement can be difficult for the batter to predict, and can help the pitcher get an out.
The curveball is also one of the oldest pitches in baseball. It was first used in the late 1800s, and has been a staple of the game ever since. It’s no wonder that it is still considered one of the nastiest pitches in the game.
The Slider
The slider is another pitch that can be very nasty. It’s similar to the curveball in that it has a lot of movement, but it is thrown with more speed. It is usually thrown around 80-90 mph, and can be difficult for the batter to predict. It is also a very versatile pitch, as it can be thrown as a strike or as a ball, depending on the situation.
The slider is often used as a strikeout pitch, as it can be difficult for the batter to hit. It is also often used to induce weak contact from the batter, as the movement of the pitch can make it hard to hit solidly.
The Knuckleball
The knuckleball is a unique pitch that can be incredibly nasty. It’s a slow pitch, usually thrown around 60-70 mph, but it has no spin on it. This makes it difficult for the batter to predict where the ball will go, and can make it hard to hit.
Knuckleballs are notoriously difficult to control, and they can be unpredictable. But when thrown correctly, they can be very effective. The best knuckleball pitchers in baseball, such as R.A. Dickey and Tim Wakefield, have been able to use the pitch to get outs and strikes.
The Splitter
The splitter is a relatively new pitch in baseball, but it can be incredibly nasty. It’s a faster pitch, usually thrown around 85-90 mph, but it has a lot of movement. The ball appears to be headed straight for the plate, and then it drops at the last moment. This movement can make it difficult for the batter to predict or hit.
The splitter is often used as a strikeout pitch, as it can be difficult for the batter to make contact. It’s also a great pitch for inducing weak contact, as the movement of the ball can make it hard to hit solidly.
The Changeup
The changeup is another pitch that can be very nasty. It’s a slower pitch, usually thrown around 70-80 mph, but it has a lot of movement. The ball appears to be headed straight for the plate, and then it changes direction at the last moment. This can make it difficult for the batter to predict or hit.
The changeup is often used as a strikeout pitch, as it can be difficult for the batter to time correctly. It’s also a great pitch for inducing weak contact, as the movement of the ball can make it hard to hit solidly.
The Cut Fastball
The cut fastball is a relatively new pitch in baseball, but it can be incredibly nasty. It’s a faster pitch, usually thrown around 90-95 mph, but it has a lot of movement. The ball appears to be headed straight for the plate, and then it breaks in a different direction. This can make it difficult for the batter to predict or hit.
The cut fastball is often used as a strikeout pitch, as it can be difficult for the batter to time correctly. It’s also a great pitch for inducing weak contact, as the movement of the ball can make it hard to hit solidly.
The Screwball
The screwball is another pitch that can be very nasty. It’s a slower pitch, usually thrown around 70-80 mph, but it has a lot of movement. The ball appears to be headed straight for the plate, and then it curves in a different direction. This movement can be difficult for the batter to predict, and can help the pitcher get an out.
The screwball is often used as a strikeout pitch, as it can be difficult for the batter to hit. It’s also a great pitch for inducing weak contact, as the movement of the pitch can make it hard to hit solidly.
The Nastiest Pitchers in Baseball
So who are the nastiest pitchers in baseball? Here is a list of some of the nastiest pitchers in the game today:
- Aroldis Chapman – Chapman is one of the nastiest pitchers in the game, and is known for his blazing fastball and devastating slider.
- Max Scherzer – Scherzer is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, and his fastball and slider are among the nastiest in the game.
- Gerrit Cole – Cole is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, and his fastball and curveball are two of the nastiest pitches in the game.
- Jacob deGrom – deGrom is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, and his fastball, slider, and changeup are all incredibly nasty.
- Stephen Strasburg – Strasburg is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, and his fastball and curveball are two of the nastiest pitches in the game.
- Clayton Kershaw – Kershaw is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, and his fastball and curveball are two of the nastiest pitches in the game.
Conclusion
The nastiest pitch in baseball is a difficult question to answer, as there are many different pitches that can be considered nasty. The fastball, curveball, slider, knuckleball, splitter, changeup, cut fastball, and screwball are all pitches that can be considered nasty.
The nastiest pitchers in the game today include Aroldis Chapman, Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole, Jacob deGrom, Stephen Strasburg, and Clayton Kershaw. These pitchers have some of the nastiest pitches in the game, and can use them to great effect.
In the end, the answer to who has the nastiest pitch in baseball is subjective. Every pitcher has their own unique style, and they all have different strengths and weaknesses. But one thing is for sure: when a pitcher has a nasty pitch, it can be a great advantage.