Who Hits the Baseball the Hardest?
Baseball has been a sport that has resonated with fans since it’s birth in the mid 1800’s. The action on the field, the strategy, and the skill of the players have all been part of the appeal. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the power hitters. Players who can hit the ball with tremendous force and great distances. So who hits the baseball the hardest? Let’s take a look.
Powerful Batting Averages of Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball’s current batting averages range from .200 to .350. The players with the highest averages are typically the most powerful and consistent hitters. Players such as Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Christian Yelich have all seen their batting averages in the .310 to .350 range over the last few seasons. While these players are certainly powerful hitters, they don’t necessarily hit the ball the hardest.
Advanced Statistic Measurements
To accurately measure who hits the ball the hardest, advanced statistic measurements are used. These measurements look at the Exit Velocity, Launch Angle, and Distance of each batted ball. The higher the Exit Velocity, the harder the ball is hit. The higher the Launch Angle, the more likely the ball will stay in the air and travel farther. The Distance measures how far the ball travels after it has been hit.
The Hardest Hitters in Baseball
Using the advanced statistic measurements, several players have stood out as the hardest hitters in baseball.
Christian Yelich
Christian Yelich has been one of the most consistent hitters in Major League Baseball for the last few seasons. In 2019, he had an average Exit Velocity of 93.6 mph, a Launch Angle of 15.1 degrees, and a Distance of 269 feet. These numbers indicate that Yelich is one of the hardest hitters in the game.
Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge is one of the most feared hitters in the game. His average Exit Velocity in 2019 was 93.3 mph, Launch Angle of 15.3 degrees, and Distance of 272 feet. His power is often on full display when he hits home runs.
Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton is another power hitter that has been one of the hardest hitters in the game for the last few years. His average Exit Velocity in 2019 was 93.1 mph, Launch Angle of 14.9 degrees, and Distance of 271 feet.
Other Notable Hard Hitters
Here is a list of other notable hitters who have been known to hit the ball very hard.
- J.D. Martinez
- Cody Bellinger
- Khris Davis
- Joey Gallo
- Nelson Cruz
Power Hitting in the Minor Leagues
The minor leagues are also full of talented hitters who are capable of hitting the ball hard. Players such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Austin Riley, and Ronald Acuna Jr. have all seen their batting averages in the .310 to .350 range. They also have the potential to hit the ball with tremendous force.
The Physics of Hitting the Ball Hard
There is a lot of physics involved in hitting the ball with power. The hitter’s body generates the force that propels the ball. The speed at which the bat moves through the air is determined by the strength and speed of the swing. The angle of the bat as it makes contact with the ball also plays a role. All of these factors combined create the power that is seen when a player hits the ball.
Hitting the Ball Hard Takes Practice
Hitting the ball hard does not happen overnight. It requires a lot of practice and dedication. Players must work on their swing mechanics, develop the proper muscle memory, and understand the physics involved in the swing. It also requires a great deal of physical strength and conditioning.
The Future of Hard Hitting
The future of hard hitting in baseball looks bright. With the improvements in technology, advanced statistic measurements, and player development, there is no telling how much harder players can hit the ball. As the game evolves, the power hitting in the game will become more and more impressive.
Conclusion
The hard hitting players in Major League Baseball are some of the most impressive athletes in the world. They have the ability to hit the ball with tremendous force and great distances. Using advanced statistic measurements, players such as Christian Yelich, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton have been identified as some of the hardest hitters in the game. The future of hard hitting continues to look bright, as players continue to get better and technology advances.