Could I Hit Todays MLB Pitching?
MLB Pitching Since the 1980s
Perhaps, I’m being naïve, and despite having little confidence when I played, I have it now. As to whether I could hit 2023 major league pitching, here’s my argument, and for a big hint to that answer – I believe I could, so my answer is in the affirmative - YES. But, of course, I’m talking about doing it in my younger days, not now.
As a former MLB Player, it's natural to ponder whether I could compete against the players and level now, so I do it occasionally. Specifically, could I hit the modern pitcher, whose speeds are consistently faster than when I played? Now, pitchers throwing 95-plus miles per hour are commonplace. When I roamed the major league infields, that was not the case. If a guy threw that fast, he was named Nolan, Roger, Goose, and not many others. It’s worth noting that today’s radar guns are juiced, that dirty word no one likes hearing in baseball circles. But, indeed, the radar guns used now record speed out of hand instead of at home plate. The documentary Fastball calculates that Nolan Ryan threw the fastest of all pitchers at 108 mph. We will never know, but the documentary makes a good case.
Of course, I often question whether I would even get drafted these days. Having virtually no power, only two major league home runs, and a weak arm that relegated me to 2nd base my whole career gives me those doubts. But that’s a story for another day.
So why do I think I could hit today’s MLB pitching?
1. Because speed is relative. Sure, speeds upwards of 95 are highly formidable, as even 90 is, but when you see something every day, it’s not as intimidating as when only experienced occasionally. When I played, I’m guessing the upper 80s to low 90s was average, and as mentioned, even that is a test, but seeing it day in and day out, makes it easier, in a sense. When suddenly we faced a pitcher throwing 95, it was different and became a challenge. I assume the same occurs today; adjusting is easier as players see the upper 90s enough. Nowadays, it takes over 100 to create an unfair challenge that 95 was back in the early 1980s.
2. Because I had no power and would not have any today either. Why is that an advantage? When a pitcher and catcher know a fastball, even a down-the-middle one, will not be deposited beyond the fence, they will throw it when they are behind in the count. That is not a luxury for Aaron Judge and most batters in the MLB now. Knowing a fastball is coming, not a 90-mile slider or an 86-mile changeup, is enormous for making contact. Advantage me!
3. Because the proof is in the pudding. Let it be known that I hit a double off a Roger Clemens fastball, who is also considered one of the hardest throwers in major league baseball history. Further evidence is that I put the ball in play, although weakly, off another legend, Hall of Famer Goose Gossage. Additional proof, and perhaps the most telling, that I could hit today’s pitching comes from the fact that I fouled a fastball off Nolan Ryan. And in case you forgot what I wrote above, he was thought to be the hardest-throwing pitcher ever. So even if he wasn’t throwing 108 the day I faced him, let’s say he had an off day; even though he threw a no-hitter that game and was down to 104 mph, I was right on his fastball. I fouled it off and didn’t smoke it because of the location, up and in. I was so confident I would hit the next one but never got the chance because he sensed that and threw an unhittable curve ball, immortalized in the movie Facing Ryan on Netflix. Ha. The point remains that I felt I could put that pitch speed into play if it weren’t in such a difficult location. I believe the same goes with hitting today’s pitching; if it’s anywhere but up and in, lookout fielders!
4. Because I was blessed. God blessed me with hand-eye coordination. Unlike today, I had great vision back in the day, which was the start of being able to hit fast, moving objects. As proof and a further pat on the back, I finished my career with more walks than strikeouts, which I suppose would play in any era. The thing is, more strikeouts are in today’s game from guys chasing balls out of the strike zone and wanting to hit home runs, so I believe my patient, singles approach to hitting and great vision would help me maintain that pattern of more walks than strikeouts despite the nastier pitching of today. We will never know, I realize.
5. Just because. This way of thinking may be a reach, but I, for one anyway, believe I would figure out ways to meet the eras’ criteria. With today’s training methods, equipment, and playing conditions being improved from my day, I would have been bigger, stronger, and faster. My hand-eye skills would still exist, so I believe 95 plus would be within my capabilities.
The above is my story, and I will stick with it. Additionally, after discussing with my make-believe agent, my subsequent imaginings will be how much money I will hold out for on my next contract. I’m thinking in the 100 million range and will relay the amount to you when I sign.
