The game has changed so much over the years. There have been a few “hard” throwers but most of them had to learn how to pitch rather than just throw when they reached higher level ball. So speed isn’t everything. Movement, control, and variety of pitches works just as well.
One pitcher I remember, who still is coaching, became the 13th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 strikeouts, and the 9th pitcher in MLB history with 300 career wins (355) and 3,000 strikeouts; he is still the only pitcher in MLB history with 300 wins, 3,000 strikeouts and less than 1,000 walks. He won four ERA titles (in 1993–1995 and 1998), and led the NL in shutouts five times. And he holds the record for most seasons finishing in the top 10 in the league in wins. Early in his career he was as high as 93 mph but during most of his career he never threw over 86. Gregg Maddux. Drive for show, but putt for the dough example. So speed isn’t everything. Neither is the home run as Maddux made many of them look like fools.
wy69
Does anyone throw a knuckleball anymore?