Tennessee Volunteers pitcher Ben Joyce recently fired the fastest pitch in college baseball history. The 6-foot-5 right-hander delivered multiple pitches over 102 MPH, a mark even big leaguers struggle to hit. But it was his 104 MPH fastball that was record-breaking. Seeing that kind of heat at 18, 19, or 20 years old has to be unbelievable!
Rob Friedman, who also goes by “Pitching Ninja” in the baseball world, shared his reaction to Joyce’s fire-blazing pitch on Twitter.
“Facing Ben Joyce an At Bat from Hell. 102mph, 103mph & 104mph Fastballs. 91mph Changeup. 102mph Fastball (for the K).”
Friedman made a good point. Joyce’s 91 MPH changeup is incredible on its own. Most pitchers are ecstatic when they hit 90-plus with a heater, but utilizing that kind of velocity on an off-speed pitch in college baseball is crazy.
Volunteers writer Wes Rucker shared his thoughts as well.
“Getting a 104 mph fastball thrown by you on the final pitch of a 10-0, sweep-clinching loss will make for a miserable bus ride back to Columbia. SEC baseball is a different kind of beast.”
Nolan Ryan and Bob Feller are believed to have thrown the fastest pitches in MLB history. However, radar guns were not as reliable as they are nowadays when they were on the mound. Nonetheless, Ryan reportedly hit 108 and Feller hit 107 on the radar gun. New York Yankees LHP Aroldis Chapman has thrown the fastest pitch in MLB history among active players, as the big lefty hit 106 MPH on the gun.
Joyce could end up becoming the leader in MLB history someday if he continues to build up arm strength. For now, the Volunteers will live with 104 MPH.
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