The Scariest Pitchers In Baseball History

[@uhoh7541]

I never understood what people expected Martinez to do with Zimmer charging at him? Regardless of age, that's a grown ex athlete coming at you with violent intentions. Was he supposed to just stand there and take whatever Zimmer was about to dish out?

[@satisfactors]

um yea duh cmon man don’t u know it’s woke culture era? he was supposed to actually pay zimmer for charging at him and it’s pedro’s fault zimmer charged at him, if pedro wasn’t there zimmer wouldn’t have been thrown down.

[@decker528]

I've been conflicted the same way. I guess he could've just pushed him some or gotten out of the way, but in the moment I don't think it's completely unreasonable what he did

[@Glostahdude]

Jesus…. It’s not like he laid him low with a haymaker…. He used Zimmermans own momentum against him. Helped him on his way, figuratively.

[@elijahjones2889]

Zimmer had no business having his old ass out there. I credit pedro for only lightly brushing him aside.........

[@m1ke176]

Yeah, Pedro had mercy on the old guy. He could've done him real dirty but just set him down.

[@scottwaldo]

Randy Johnson is my favorite pitcher of all time. As an Astros fan, the little time he was on the Astros was amazing. He was so dominant

[@thepoisonouspotato3631]

For sure, there are many great Astros pitchers all time, Randy Johnson, Mike Scott, Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt, Larry Dierker, Dallas Keuchel, Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, and more, also hey buddy

[@ethanniedorowski116]

Not a bad time to like randy lol

[@dukedematteo1995]

His run was something else. He had 290 or more Ks 9 times. Going to the National League in his prime should have been illegal.

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

Nolan Ryan for me. Angel fan here.

[@jasonkorby]

And his rookie cards are a dollar

[@endebtedone]

You failed to mention for Bob Gibson that he was so feared because he refused to wear his glasses when he pitched because it was a sign of weakness. He squinted at the catcher and never fully saw the sign. He used it to his advantage.

[@josephmatthews7698]

That's wild considering the average ballplayers eyesight is like 20/10. They got some of the best eyesight and hand eye coordination in the world.

[@freeguy77]

I got a funny story with Hoot and Mays. Hoot and good friend/teammate, Bill White (who is black), went to see Mays at his home one day. Hoot was wearing his glasses, that Mays never saw on him before. Hoot and White go to the door and Mays opens it. They come in. Mays is astonished at Hoot wearing his glasses. He says, in that funny, high-squeaky voice to Hoot-White, "You wear glasses?! You could have KILLED somebody!" --Willie Mays I think that is one of the funniest stories I've ever heard on baseball, either on or off the field!

[@alanleework510]

This is so true. Just listen to Tim McCarver his catcher. This is what is says. Gibson was blind as a bat.

[@Pensfan5919]

Yeah, Gibby shares the same reason for aura as Stan Hansen had in Japanese pro wrestling. Blind as a bat, but holds some of the most impactful weaponry despite that. For Gibson, it was a 95+ fastball. For Hansen, it was literally using his forearm as a club.

[@chaost4544]

@@alanleework510 I've heard a lot of Tim McCarver/Bob Gibson stories over the years and feel Tim McCarver was one of the few catchers in mlb history who could withstand Bob Gibson's wake.

[@seabrook1976]

15:16 Dave Winfield once said JR Richard was the only pitcher who ever intimidated him. That says a LOT when you can intimidate Dave Freaking Winfield.

[@bitterbob30]

JR Richard would have been better than Bob Gibson if not for the stroke. That guy was by far the most intimidating pitcher of his time for a very short period.

[@othgmark1]

@@bitterbob30 JR was tragic since he was robbed of what was going to be an incredible career. Not sure l would go better than Gibson though. Growing up in St. Louis as a child you almost took Bob for granted. 55 years of watching baseball later you realize how incredible he was. It was as Hank Aaron said when he wasn't unanimously voted into the Hall of Fame. If you didn't vote for him what was your reason? Same when Gibson wasn't unanimously voted in, did the people that didn't vote for Bob even watch the game?

[@manifestgtr]

Left handed hitters used to say that Randy Johnson’s pitches seemed like they were coming from behind you…that insane sidearmed delivery meant the ball was crossing paths with your body on basically every pitch. Pile on his speed, stride and documented control issues…that must’ve been a *brutal* day at the office for all but the most fearless hitters.

[@leecowell8165]

yeah like Bonds. Johnson wanted no part of that guy.

[@JonesyTerp1]

I can still picture Jon Kruk turning his batting helmet around!!

[@ianmangham4570]

Amazing arm

[@nacoran]

I was watching Ryan pitch in a game on TV once, later in his career. He was 'only' throwing around 96 at that point. He got the first two strikes with 96 mph high fast balls. (I think it was maybe the year he last got 300ks?) Anyway, he went into his leg kick, and it seemed a bit higher than normal. It came with a grunt. The batter jumped at the pitch... and it was an mid 80s changeup. Batter looked so silly. /I used that fake grunt in the next backyard game and got good results too.

[@snerdterguson]

Nolan Ryan is my all time favorite non Yankee player. His combination of pitches was just flat out unsportsmanlike. I mean he would throw it 99 up at your ear then buckle your knees with the curve. And he did a great job disguising his off speed stuff. I've seen the same as what you mentioned. A couple fastballs to get two strikes, then see a batter jump so early that he might have time to swing a second time at the changeup. One of my favorite facts about him is his final no hitter is still one of the top ten greatest games ever pitched. He was 44, and before the game he told his manager, Bobby Valentine, that he better get someone up in the pen because he didn't think he'd get out of the first. His back pain was so bad, he thought he might have reached the end of his career. He then proceeded to go 9 hitless, striking out 16 and walking just 2. One of the greatest things I've ever seen in my life watching sports. That, Jordan's 55 against the Knicks and games 4 and 5 of the 2001 world series.Plus the perfectos tossed by Wells in 98 and Cone in 99 and lastly, Jim Abbott's no hitter.

[@dominicstanziano1456]

the way they measured the velo of pitches back then is different than how we do now, so his fastball would’ve easily translated to 105

[@markmac2206]

he threw a no hitter around that time too. 43 throwing a damn no hitter.

[@thebiggianthead8364]

If radar had been available in the early 70's Chapman would be a distant second. I used to watch him pitch in person at Anaheim Stadium and the one thing that was noticeable was the "POP" the sound made hitting the catchers glove. Merv Rettmund was his regular catcher and had a glove made with an extra 1/2" of padding because Ryan kept breaking his fingers. Last pitch in the Majors, at age 46, 98 mph. Find another guy over 40 who can even break 90.

[@Chuck_EL]

​@@markmac2206 he's built different On the Mt Rushmore of great pitchers

[@bryansmith9431]

You missed one incredible fact about Bob Gibson. 7 consecutive Complete Game wins in the World Series. Yes… SEVEN.

[@BluesImprov]

YES!!!!!!! Glad you pointed that out. NOBODY ever does! I don't think ANY pitcher will ever top that. That's an incredible record and I've never heard any of the so-called expert analysts mention that. . .Not once! I don't think many of them are even aware of that fact. RIP Gibby. . .

[@tygrkhat4087]

My dad was a lifetime Cardinals fan because of Stan Musial. But my favorite Cardinal was Bob Gibson.

[@itstheman0nthem00n]

He played insane in every single World Series. It’s too bad his BEST performance was in the World Series he lost. He also was just outpitched in Game 7. What a shame. You win some, you lose some. Props from a Yankees fan we’re not all toxic =(

[@jamessweet5341]

@@BluesImprov To be fair to current pitchers, Gibson pitched before the relief specialists were common. Bob didn't need them, of course, but managers didn't really have anyone as good as a tired Gibson. Still, it's an amazing fact.

[@shrapnel77]

The man was also a great hitter. Just a great athlete.

[@michaeldavid6284]

In 1974 when I was 14 I saw Bob Gibson pitch at Riverfront Stadium against The Big Red Machine. He threw a complete game, gave up 3 hits, one of them a home run to Johnny Bench, and beat the Reds 3-1. And what was really amazing is he did it in 2 hours and 1 minute!

[@JoshGibson-fb7mf]

That’s how good Gibson was and the big red machine 🐐

[@bigglilwayne7050]

Who got the other two hits, Pete??

[@michaeldavid6284]

@@bigglilwayne7050 Rose singled and Griffey doubled.

[@johnt6773]

Johnson, Ryan, and Maddux have got to be the holy trio. Velocity, break, control and even consitency are absolutely magnified by these 3 monsters above almost all other pro slingers in history.

[@CAW78]

Agreed. And the funny thing about Ryan is that he has always been one of the best human beings there is. But on the mound, he was a mean SOB....lol.

[@kieferonline]

Agreed. These three were my favorites among the players in my lifetime--although I also like the stories of Sandy Koufax. Incredible pitchers.

[@bigglilwayne7050]

RA Dickey was more feared than Maddux😂😂😂

[@3roxxxy]

In a game seven I'll take the Rocket

[@benn454]

Never heard Nolan Ryan and control mentioned together before. He was notoriously effectively wild. That's why he also has the MLB record for walks.

[@thebigbear4696]

Look at Gibson’s follow through and where he ended and realize HE WON 9 GOLD GLOVE AWARDS. He was also one of the best hitting pitchers of all time. The guy was an athletic freak.

[@benn454]

Played basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters

[@ryancrawford8042]

@@benn454 really? Didnt kmow that. That is amazing.

[@benn454]

@@ryancrawford8042 Yep. Only for one year (1957), though. He had to give up basketball because of all the traveling (no pun intended) conflicts, and focused on baseball.

[@Nyesafah]

That’s amazing. I thought he looked a little far from the plate after each pitch

[@stephen_cs]

Yordano Ventura absolutely would have made this list at the end of his career. Wild pitches at heads, 103+ mph pitches, crazy flailing limbs, and a propensity to fight anyone at any time. RIP Ace

[@bryantlucas6006]

❤❤❤❤❤💯💯💯💯

[@JVTrickypants]

I was at Johnson's perfect game in Atlanta. Those things are always great how the home team fans even starts rooting for the opposing pitcher when it starts becoming a possibility.

[@ShhooterMcGavin]

Wasn’t even alive when Gibson pitched, but he’s always been my favourite pitcher…

[@catman-du8927]

How did he become your favorite pitcher?

[@fuktrumpanzeeskum]

Same here

[@whitemexican5981]

@@catman-du8927 probably from stories that former Cardinals and even his opponents, told about him. There was one when he was pitching in the All Star game and his All Star teammates tried talking to him and he pretty much told them to pound sand or get rocked. Dude was an animal

[@jeffreybomber4251]

Gibson, Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson. These 3 guys I consider the most intimidating pitchers in MLB

[@othgmark1]

Gibson was a beast on the mound. Lets not forget he took at bats too. It was incredible growing up at that time in St. Louis watching him. I think the only city that would have compared was living in San Francisco and seeing Willie Mays in his prime.

[@studgerbil9081]

There is virtually no footage of him, but Walter Johnson threw sidearm, almost submariner sometimes and had the greatest fastball of his generation. His only "weakness" was that he was afraid of killing the batter, and Cobb for one took advantage of that by crowding the plate against him. He was among league leaders in hit batters nine times but few if any of them were intentional. They just hadn't seen speed like that from a side-armer before.

[@poindextertunes]

you should watch the movie fastball. I’m pretty sure they estimated WJs fastball around 88mph, which back when he pitched was the fastest anyone had ever seen

[@scattau41]

I love Walter Johnson but he has to be mentioned with Smokey Joe Williams, who threw major gas, was only 1 year older than Johnson so they played in the same era, and was the best pitcher Satchel Paige ever saw. But because he played in the segregated era, people like Stud Gerbil and GoodLuckBeatz fail to mention him.

[@yankees29]

There is an account of Cobbs first encounter with Johnson written somewhere. It’s great. He was a nightmare to pick up apparently.

[@yankees29]

@@poindextertunesthey think Johnson topped out around 92 mph.

[@trentbateman]

Is the sidearm pitcher far more intimidating to batters of the same side? I would think if Ryan or Chapman were throwing sidearm to rightys nobody would get in the box fearing it didn’t hook in !

[@triadmad]

My brother got to see Nolan Ryan pitch one time. Him and his buddies got seats down low in the stands, and that allowed them to hear Ryan's pitches. He said Ryan's just sounded so different from any of the other pitchers.

[@davidkugel]

When Ryan's pitches hit the catcher's mit you would hear a "pop" even in the upper deck. I saw Ryan pitch for the Angels. He would walk almost as many as he would strike out in his early career. He improved his control over time.

[@AJFar-tm7dn]

@@davidkugel It must be intimadating for a batter to hear that pop.

[@thebiggianthead8364]

I've been saying this comment for years, glad someone else backs it up. Thank you!!! It is true, the pop was like nobody else ever, including Chapman throwing 105-106. If they had radar guns for pitching in the early 70's Chapman would be a distant second. He also was know to break his catchers fingers and Merv Rettmund his regular catcher had an extra padded glove made just so he could catch Ryan. Age 46, last MLB pitch, 98 mph. Most guys would have gone to the knuckle ball 10 years prior just to remain in the league.

[@AJFar-tm7dn]

@@thebiggianthead8364 Great comment. I watched him on TV as a teenager in the 1970s and he got into opposing hitters' minds like no one I've ever seen. The Intimidator.

[@74Spirit1]

Johnson actually was advised by Ryan, a fellow terrorizing pitcher.

[@jamesl1809]

My dad and I were at the game when Gibson got the broken ankle. We were about half way up on the rt field line looking directly at the mound. I can still see it it my minds eye. The whole stadium was in shock. The only Cardinals game I ever saw and I was and still am, a die hard Red Birds fan.

[@anthonychiulli7736]

Was the leg , not ankle. And he pitched to win 67 Ws.

[@margaretjiantonio939]

I remember the time Gibson was announcing a game. He came out with a line about a pitcher who had great control. "He hasn't missed a bat yet."

[@stephanielane4707]

Randy Johnson Deserves the number one spot. A pitch of his actually killed a bird flying by

[@CAW78]

What was the call on that pitch that hit the bird? Ball? Interference? "Do -over?" lol

[@calichekid8897]

Dave Winfield killed a seagull in right field throwing between innings in the 1970's. Got into some trouble over it since he threw at it on purpose!

[@CamBam269]

those Bob Gibson pitches are just magical

[@Boyso5407]

Physically Randy is definitely the most intimidating pitcher of all time but in terms of just pure stuff I think Pedro may have been the most difficult to hit. Just go look at his numbers from 99’ & 00’. That was during the height of the steroid era and not only was he dominant, his numbers compared to the rest of the league are almost incomprehensible. He also had to pitch in the AL East against teams like the Yankees and Orioles. Those Yankee teams were absolutely stacked

[@thebiggianthead8364]

The most difficult to hit was Ryan, 7 no hit, 12 one hitters, 18 two hitters. But 8 one hitters is pretty darn good none the less.

[@dukedematteo1995]

Pedro was the best inning for inning. But he was no where near the workhorses Johnson or Clemens were in their primes. 240 plus innings was routine for them, plus complete games and shutouts. In 35% of his starts Clemens threw 125 pitches or more. While he was the best when he pitched, Pedro's arm would fall off if he ever attempted the workloads of Johnson or Clemens.

[@freeguy77]

@@thebiggianthead8364 You are using a classic Fallacy of Composition error to twist the truth! As in, you can't go by only those 37 (or 33? by 7 + 8 + 18) games compared to his entire career of 807 G and 773 GS! I wanted to find O-BA, as the most obvious (just as BA is for hitters to be the best hitters), but some early-1900s pitchers didn't have that at Baseball-reference. I think the closest approximation to how difficult it was to hit, besides O-BA, is WHIP, that every pitcher in baseball has that calculation. #1 is Addie Joss (1902-10) at 0.9678 over 2,327 IP. #2 is present-day Jacob deGrom (2014-present) at 0.9931 over 1,356 IP. Ryan (#309, 1966-93) at 1.2473, with his wildness also significant in Walking an astounding 4.7 per 9 IP. Walks in putting a man-on-base just as hits, except for advancing a runner more than one base is also important. I wouldn't want Ryan to pitch a significant game, unless it was one batter he had a good history against. Ed Walsh is #3, Mariano Rivera is #4, and present-day Clayton Kershaw (2008-present) at 1.0036 is #5 over 2,707 IP. I'd rather have Kershaw or deGrom pitching to be stingiest in giving up a hit or walk. www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/whip_career.shtml

[@freeguy77]

@@dukedematteo1995 Roger was a cheat, so you have to throw him out of the mix! As I just posted, on WHIP as the best overall stat for how stingy a pitcher is in giving up W+H / IP, #1 is Addie Joss (1902-10) at 0.9678 over 2,327 IP. The only argument on not using WHIP (O-BA not available for pitchers before keeping or having the parameters to figure it, starting in 1914), is the strike zone has changed a couple of times since 1901. O-OBP would also be the best, but same problem in not kept before 1914. O-SLG only measures the number of extra-base hits and Singles, also not figured until 1914. So, WHIP is the best on not-hitting or walking a batter. That ignores HBP, but those numbers are small enough (except for deliberate head-hunters, like Don Drysdale who hit 154 (#20) in only 3,432 IP. The comparison with Bob Gibson is not even close, with GIbson (#89) 102 in 3,884 IP. Other notable pitchers who hit more than Drysdale: Nolan Ryan 158 (#16) over 5,386 IP, Cy Young 161 (#13) over (#1) 7,356 IP, Eddie Plank (#5) 190 over 4,495 IP, tied with Randy Johnson 190 (#5) over 4,135 IP, Walter Johnson 205 (#4) over 5,914 IP. The #1-#3s were in pre-1901 era.

[@thebiggianthead8364]

@@freeguy77 - ...classic errors? Let's talk about your classic error of difficulty with comprehension. While I didn't specify and probably should have, why don't you look at everyone in their absolute prime. Remember, Ryan pitched well into his 40's and lost a lot as most do as they age (like Kershaw over the last few years). The quote wasn't about who we would want pitching a big game, it was most difficult to hit and most intimidating (your error, read the material). Ryan was wild as they come, all the more intimidating. I was at an Angel game in my youth and he walked the bases loaded with nobody out, then struck out the next three batters, that was Ryan. Randy was crazy scary, especially with his size, but in their prime Ryan struck out more, had more no hitters, one hitters, and two hitters, etc... Now, when all those names you mentioned catch up and turn 46, let's see if any of them can still throw 98 mph

[@jimmynickelz]

Dock Ellis... I know he shouldn't be on this list, but what a character

[@rrrrrrrrr1774]

He should be on this list lol. He chased someone with a bat for calling him the N-word.

[@dukedematteo1995]

Had Randy Johnson harnessed his control a little earlier, he'd probably have the most WAR ever

[@briankistner4331]

WAR is a fucked up useless stat. I think it wasn't even around for most of Johnsons' career.

[@dukedematteo1995]

@briankistner4331 Why would it matter that it wasn't around for most of his career? And No, it's not the end all be all, it's a pretty good stat, especially for pitchers...its just a measure of run prevention and innings pitched, which are the two most important aspects of pitching. You sound 75 years old when you spout this Boomer "give me my RBIs and Wins" statistically illiterate nonsense.

[@crazyluigi6664]

What about strikeouts, though?

[@ryanmorrison3699]

@@briankistner4331Yeah, I agree. There’s nothing concrete to WAR. It’s nothing but a hypothetical estimate that explains nothing and ultimately doesn’t contribute to a team’s success. Look at the Angels. They have the two players who have contributed the most “wins” in the entire league for the better part of the last decade and haven’t even gotten close to a wild card. Absolutely useless stat.

[@archstanton4365]

Cheers for including Suddenly Sam McDowell, if it weren't for alcoholic interdiction he almost certainly would've had a plaque @ Cooperstown, some interesting trivia here - the character played by Ted Danson (Sam Malone) on the TV show "Cheers" was inspired by the real life story of good old Sam McDowell.

[@tygrkhat4087]

I saw Randy Johnson pitch for the Indianapolis Indians when he was still in the Expos' farm system. He was scary. But, you knew he was going to be good once he got his control.

[@paysonfox88]

"Nolan Ryan was the only man who ever put fear in me" --- Hank Aaron That pretty much says it all. Oh, and Ryan's Fastball? It was more like 108 MPH at it's peak. The 101 MPH reading that was taken in the mid 70's was the speed of the ball as it crossed home plate. The release speed out of the hand, like Andres Chapman was clocked at - would've been over 108 MPH. It's because the speed of the ball decreases about 1 mph every 5.5 feet. Ryan was hitting "official" speeds of 98 MPH on pitches in his FINAL SEASON at AGE 46!!!!! Now you don't have to imagine his prime being 106-108 now do you? IF he was clocked at 98 as an old man.

[@timothyswauger3984]

All his power came from his legs.

[@MiguelRodriguez-nd6xy]

I often fantasize about Lynn having good control. He probably would have K'd another 1,000 batters. Still, the next one on the list is almost one k Ks behind him.😅

[@jimmyfitz8907]

Well done bro… this was awesome

[@scattau41]

When there's a pitching list and we don't mention Smokey Joe Williams and Satchel Paige there's something wrong.

[@matthicksxx]

Great list. Another that comes to mind is Dave Stewart. Dude was always locked and loaded in his starts. He adopted the very appropriate nickname “Smoke”

[@JVTrickypants]

Another great one!

[@rotomwash0355]

Dave Stewart really looked like he was going to end the batter and then had a voice like Mickey mouse.

[@controversialhottakes17]

Dock Ellis also should've been on here

[@mattfulmer4243]

@@controversialhottakes17 Only when he was trippin'..!

[@nickreese1859]

Wow the story telling and pure human emotion you showed in this video was outstanding Mack! Very excited for what you have in store for the future

[@sploshbook5349]

Bob Gibson didn’t talk to his teammates on pitching days because they sucked and he was always mad at them for sucking lmao legend

[@othgmark1]

Not true, Bob Gibson didn't want to be friends in case they got traded. He won two World Series with those lousy players you are calling out. His Cardinals teams had Lou Brock, Roger Maris, Ken Boyer, Orlando Cepeda and a few other pretty good players including his battery mate Tim McCarver. He was pretty intense though in games, when McCarver came out to the mound to discuss strategy Gibson told him the only thing he knew about good pitching is he couldn't hit it. I was fortunate enough to meet Lou Brock after his career and he and Bob were pretty good friends from his statements. Bob liked having the intimidating mystique.

[@RRaquello]

@@othgmark1 When I've seen interviews with Gibson he always seemed like a pretty genial guy. That's off the field, after the game. Some guys seem like assholes, but Gibson never did. Of course usually when you saw him interviewed it was after the game, and after he won, so he'd be in a good mood.

[@jppryer5982]

So , when Gibson pitched , his teammates could look forward to facing Drysdale , or Marishal , Ryan … bob has a lot of those records , most wins 1 to 0 , 2 to 1 , he threw no hitters that the pitch got by the catcher and he got a forth strikeout . He scored his only run sometimes , but no one has been more fierce on the mound . I forget who it was , bunted his way on , got to first and celebrated a little , things were different back then . Next time guy comes up and Gibson wasted no time first pitch he puts it in the guys ear , knocks him off his feet . He’s on the ground rollin around , the catcher and the ump both take a couple steps back and Gibson comes off the mound and stand over the guy lookin down at him and he screams BUNT THAT MF ! Goes back to the mound

[@northerndarklight5305]

Yeah well, those sucky Cardinals helped Gibson win three pennants and two World Series while he was with them. Those things don't grow on trees, you know. There are a lot of great players who don't have rings.

[@RRaquello]

@@northerndarklight5305 Dal Maxvill! Gibson's teammate. Won 4 World Series rings, two with the Cardinals, two with the A's. And I believe he won a few as an executive. Besides Yankee benchwarmers like Ralph Houk who collected a World Series check (and ring) every year for just sitting in the bullpen and playing in 10 games, Maxvill must be one of the winningest players for a guy who wasn't a star.

[@triadmad]

Bob Veale was a tall, intimidating pitcher for the Pirates in the 1960s. His fastball was described as a radio ball. You could hear it, but not see it. Bob had some control issues, and the fact that he would often have to take a break between pitches to wipe his glasses, due to them fogging up, there was an increased amount of worry of just where the ball would be going next.

[@RRaquello]

Veale was not only tall, he was big. Not tall & skinny like Randy Johnson. One time the Pirates had three pitchers, Bob Veale, Bob Moose and John Lamb. Veale, Moose & Lamb.

[@daytongifford4900]

When Nolan Ryan set the record for the fastest pitch in MLB history, he did so in the 9th inning of an 11 inning complete game 1-0 loss in 1974 against the Tigers when he was with the Angels. In the 9th inning, he threw a fastball that clocked in @ 100.8. At the time, the speed of pitches was measured 10 in front of home plate, during modern times it is measured at the 50 foot mark between the mound and the plate. If that same pitch by Ryan was clocked today, it would come in at 108.5 MPH. Yes, 108.5 Miles Per Hour, in the 9th inning, of an 11 inning complete game. What was he throwing in the first inning? 115 MPH?

[@JoseJimenez-vc7we]

Christ...

[@andrewsprokkreeffjr7667]

Source: trust me bro

[@AJKPenguin]

He could have saved the speed for last. : )

[@MrRufusRToyota]

Ryan was clocked at home plate. Modern pitchers are clocked leaving their hand. The difference isn’t 8 mph but is estimated to bring Ryan up to the 105-106 range of today’s fastest speedballers. When you consider how many years he pitched, how many innings per year, and that he was still a power pitcher in his mid-40s, I don’t think there’s any argument that he was the freak of power pitchers.

[@freeguy77]

Scientific source for your 108.5 number? None, just more myth or hyperbole! Source for your hyperbole on 115? None. Just more myths on speed (no control necessary!) as in Koufax pitching with a (near) dead arm after he retired in '66. "Oh, he would have pitched even better in '67, and then ta-da, blown everybody away in the 1968 Year of the Pitcher." Year, right! /sarc His elbow could have just as more probably blown out on the first pitch in '67 S-T, not even got to '68, and as he feared, had no arm to do anything with--for the remainder of his life, now 87 (88 if he gets to Dec. 30), and able to use it normally for the last 57 years! He knew how close it was that he was even able to get through '66! He knew his arm and body better than anyone, so don't exaggerate the "supposed '67 or '68 and beyond years!"

[@SteveMccart-uj7ec]

I met Nolan Ryan during infield practice at Angel stadium and he was probably the nicest and humble player I ever met.

[@CAW78]

Agreed. He is an incredibly nice guy. Soft spoken and down to earth. But he was a mean SOB on the mound. lol

[@GreatMewtwo]

To be fair, you can't spell "king" without "K."

[@TheGoldenGreek21]

Pedro weighed 165 and threw 98 on top of two other top-of-the-scale pitches while never backing down. Maybe not the most intimidating, per se, but his peak was undoubtedly the greatest.

[@dukedematteo1995]

Inning for inning he was the best I've ever seen. 97 to 03. He wasn't Randy Johnson or Clemens pitching 250 innings and 10 complete games, but he'd give you 180 to 210 innings of incredible run prevention.

[@AJFar-tm7dn]

Go Sox!

[@dangreene3895]

yeah he could fire the ball , I remember once his arm was tired and the Doctor told him that he threw the ball to hard

[@markmac2206]

i put Pedro and Maddux in the same category. not your usual intimidation but you knew they would make you look stupid.

[@Checkem]

Watching pedro pitch in my childhood through the steroid era gave me a crazy appreciation for the pitcher/hitter battle in baseball

[@snerdterguson]

At the age of 44, with back pain so severe he thought his career was at its end, Nolan Ryan no hit the number one offense (Toronto) walking just 2 and striking out 16. Based on game score, it is one of the ten greatest games ever pitched. I say again... At the age of 44.

[@dukedematteo1995]

Unreal. Ryan had the greatest arm in baseball history. Genetic freak.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I grew up in a city with no major league team. But I went to LA to visit my sister in 1968, and her boyfriend took me to Chavez Ravine to see a ball game. Bob Gibson v Don Drysdale Moi, impressed.

[@LtDansLegsGone]

I grew up in Boston in the 90s 2000s. When Pedro pitched it was like an electric night to see what he was gonna do. He was so dominant

[@matthewcox9993]

How does a list like this doesn't even mention Bob Feller? Not only was he one of the fastest throwers of all time, he also lacked control when young.

[@JosephEshleman]

That is because they think the technology with Feller is antiquated; it is not. He threw a ball in 1940 against a motorcycle. the cyclist was going 86 mph when he passed Feller. Rapid Robert's release was ten feet after The bike passed him and arrived at the target two feet ahead of the bike. It is not rocket science 86 (60.5/48.5)=107.28mph. In 1946 it was confirmed with something called the Lumiline Chronigraph that measured artillery shells in WWII kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nbgISwrr6mbqM And it was confirmed further by physicist i the documentary The thing is some people just cannot accept that somebody from over 80 years ago could throw that hard, especially because he was not striking everybody out. the truth is that Issac Newton measured the speed of sound in the 17th century at 343 meters per second with a pendulum or 767.66 mph (seven times faster than Feller's pitch. It is all part of the modern hubris and arrogance.

[@steve4158]

I was playing golf at a country club in Naples, Florida. Just by chance, we got paired with John Castino, 1979 American League rookie of the year. He said facing Nolan Ryan was scary! Not only did he throw fast, Castino said the grunts he uttered while throwing his fastball made it even more scary!

[@tatevancleve1802]

Im soooo lucky to have been able to see so many of Randy Johnsons home starts for Az. He was always soooo good. He should have had 20÷ wins every year he pitched for Az. So many times he would strike out 12-14 over 9 innings giving up 1-2 runs & get a no decision or a loss.

[@tomcoleman4207]

Like A number of pitchers for the Mets, no offensive support…Tom Seaver for one…1-0, 2-1 seemed the outcome too many starts…

[@l-wolverine2211]

Randy Johnson KILLED a Pigeon with a Fast Ball at 98mph

[@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace]

When I was growing up in the 70's, people always said the most intimidating pitcher of the 1960's is someone who isn't on your list but who was mentioned. Don Drysdale. Drysdale was a head hunter and PROUD. He once hit Mickey Mantle in the arm in spring training. After the game they run into each other at the bar. Drysdale offered to sign the bruise. He also said something like "A pitcher's job is to find out if the hitter is timid. And if the hitter is timid, it becomes the pitcher's job to REMIND him he's timid." After his career was over he admitted that he hit batters on purpose simply for digging in on him. Willie Mays got that treatment more than once. He also said if he wanted to scare the batter he would throw it right in front of their face. Shame you missed him.. You got his teammate tho. Koufax was dominant, but not as intimidating as Drysdale. Batters knew Koufax wouldn't throw at them unless they really showed him up, and they knew Drysdale would throw at them for the hell of it.

[@dangreene3895]

Yeah Koufax had a 95 miles per hour fastball and a 90 miles a hour curveball what are you going to do with that , and Drysdale used to ask hitters where they wanted to get hit

[@D-FensDogG]

EXACTLY! I couldn't believe that they didn't even have Drysdale on the Honorable Mentions list. The guy who, rather than intentionally walk a batter, would just hit him with a pitch instead! Koufax was the better pitcher, but on a list addressing the "Scariest" pitchers in baseball history, Drysdale should have been on it rather than Koufax. A totally inexcusable omission!

[@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace]

@@dangreene3895 Koufax was intimidating.. but not in the same way Drysdale was. When a guy faced Koufax, he knew there was a good chance he'd be made to look foolish in the batter's box.. When a guy faced Drysdale, he knew there was a good chance he'd have aches and pains for the next week or so while the bruise(s) healed

[@dangreene3895]

@@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace Yeah Drysdale had no problem plunking somebody , he used to joke with the opposing players , where do you want me to hit you

[@derick-smith]

I've had so many debates and discussions over the most intimidating pitchers. The best argument I can make is that it depends on who was the most dominant when you were 12. Baseball players are Gods to 12 year olds. If you were 12 when Nolan Ryan was at his peak, there is no doubt that you'd pick him. 12 in 1942? Than nobody would have been scarier than Bob Feller. 12 in 68 means Gibson all the way. For me, I was 12 in 1998 and Randy Johnson will live forever in my eyes as the scariest pitcher that ever lived.

[@thebiggianthead8364]

Anybody who got the chance to see Ryan in person, at his prime, would have seen something nobody else ever did. If he would have had a lick of control he would have made his own records look puny, but the sound the catchers glove made when the ball hit it was like no other I've heard since, even Randy and Chapman.

[@cadiminder892]

Scherzer may not have a blazing fastball but the dude is just spooky, he should be an honorable mention

[@menwithven8114]

For me Randy Johnson is by far the scariest pitcher to face of all time. With his arm length coming sideways from the left and his intimidating look and lack of control is the perfect mix for a terrifying pitcher.

[@thefinalkayakboss]

I feel bad for the bird but the randy johnson dove kill has to be one of the craziest sports moments ever filmed.

[@stevenelson3515]

As intimidating as Sandy Koufax was, Don Drysdale was equal to that. I never saw a Drysdale-pitched game against the Giants where Willie Mays had a clean uniform any time after the first inning. Drysdale would knock him down pretty much every time.

[@RRaquello]

From 1962-1966, Sandy Koufax's health decided the National League pennant. For five years, the years he was healthy (63, 65, 66) the Dodgers won. The years he wasn't (62 & 64) they didn't. I don't know if you can say that about any other player in baseball history besides Babe Ruth. Another pitcher, similar to Sam McDowell, and contemporary to him, is worth mentioning. Jim Maloney of Cincinnati. He was crazy fast, crazy wild and, if some of the stories I've read about him are true, just plain crazy. But it was arm trouble, not booze, that derailed his career.

[@rblauson]

Yep. For my money Koufax would be my pitcher to pick to start any one game. His curveball was literally unhitable. He was superhuman for 6 years.

[@redveinborneo4673]

What people who didn't get to see Pedro pitch on a regular basis always miss is how fast he worked. There was no waiting between pitches. His innings moved FAST and the easiest way to piss him off was to step out of the box one too many times in an attempt to slow him down. I saw him brush back many-a-hitter for walking too slowly into the box. Even his full windup seemed rushed. He didn't let anyone settle in and if you tried to, you paid for it.

[@bobschenkel7921]

I admit you listed most of the best pitchers of the last 50 years, but you missed one not so obvious choice, a gentleman named Ryne Duren. He was a mid-60's pitcher with several teams, he never had a great record, or really never set any records, but he was VERY intimidating. He would show up on the mound with Coke Bottle thick glasses, and warm up by throwing half his pitches to the backstop. No one wanted to face him because he really didn't know where the ball was going, once it left his hand. That's why his record wasn't very good. But he was VERY intimidating.

[@GeraldM_inNC]

If you hadn't posted this , I would have done so. Duren wasnt trying to intimidate anyone, he just had no idea where the ball was going and threw very hard.

[@maxb5238]

Awesome video! Lots of new and awesome info!

[@AJKPenguin]

Bob Feller and Walter Johnson, uh oh. Satchel Paige was wicked too.

[@jon-eriksuermann9844]

I was going to mention Bob Feller too. Generally he is such an underrated legend

[@RRaquello]

@@jon-eriksuermann9844 Feller won 25 games in 1941. Then he went to war for three full years and most of a fourth. His first full year back, 1946, he won 26 games and struck out 348 batters when few pitchers even got 200. It's not a stretch to say he lost 100 wins because of the war. That would have given him over 360.

[@JosephEshleman]

So was Lefty Grove. Ford Frick, who was a sport writer when Grove played and an executive when Sandy Koufax played said Grove threw harder than anyone, and Charley Gehringer , the Tigers HOF second sacker, said Grove threw harder than Feller

[@willh4269]

Fantastic video I just subscribed please keep up the great work

[@Glostahdude]

What else can you say about Pedro. He dominated during an era where hitters were known to be juicing and the balls were flying out of yards way more frequently…. Yet he still completely dominated the AMERICAN LEAGUE. DH rule and all that, No pitchers faced. I think David Ortiz definitely needs to be in that slugger video! Him and Manny. Definitely a very honorable mention! They shared such a symbiosis together. Each 1 protecting the other from just walking one or the other. That whole lineup from 03-13.

[@AJFar-tm7dn]

Go Sox baby! Pedro was The Man. Loved that era of MLB.

[@ericmonaco4509]

Dude Johnson was an absolute freaking killer i mean i think throughout his stride and windup he never takes his eyes off the Catcher or The batter

[@lovelessissimo]

Sal "The Barber" Maglie was a terrifying pitcher. Nicknamed due to how he would pitch high and very inside.

[@triadmad]

That was the name that popped into my head right away. One of the great nicknames in baseball history.

[@RRaquello]

My father grew up as a Giants fan when they were still in New York and he always said Sal Maglie was his favorite player. His other favorite was Vic Raschi, who was an equally menacing pitcher who pitched for the Yankees. Raschi was called "The Springfield Rifle" because he threw hard and was from Springfield, Mass. I guess my father liked mean looking Italian pitchers, even though we're not Italian.

[@lovelessissimo]

@@RRaquello that's cool. Maglie taught Drysdale how to intimidate hitters.

[@crazyluigi6664]

Honestly, I'm kind of surprised Curt Schilling wasn't mentioned himself. Felt like a fantastic compliment to Randy Johnson throughout his time in Arizona, especially when it felt like a mirror to Randy at times. Not to mention the guts to pitch while bleeding from his foot while with Boston...

[@randycoger2525]

J.R. Richard was my favorite pitcher. Once he got through the first inning, you knew Houston was going to win. I often wondered why he did not warm up better before the game started. Won mucho bucks on this man. I heard he ended up living on the streets. I sure hope that did not happen.

[@gstlb]

Unfortunately it did. There’s a Wikipedia article on him. He was my favorite too

[@skull3941]

Bob Feller should be on the list or an honorable mention even if theirs no footage of him playing. The dude had probably the best nickname for a pitcher "The Heater from Van Meter"

[@ericvogt7123]

Dave Stewart. His death srare plus Mickey Mouse voice is just delightful. Also an Oakland native I love the man.

[@timothyswauger3984]

And he was not a guy anyone ever wanted to charge as he was a black belt in karate.

[@knotshure8806]

Good presentation. The "what have we learned " commentary was funny. Good job !

[@charlesbird2897]

Walter Johnson.. different time but I’ve heard that the “Big Train” was feared in his day.

[@tr5947]

He didn't get a mention, but Tom Seaver was quietly menacing. He had no backdown when it mattered. He was once even ready to throw down with Bob Gibson. And The Astros would give you Ryan, followed by Joe Niekro, and then J.R. Richard. A series against the Astros would throw some batters off for a week after.

[@zatchg1212]

Know a guy who was a scout for the dodgers. According to him, In his career there were only two pitchers who genuinely scared the hell out of every one and you didn’t F with…randy Johnson and Nolan Ryan

[@crazyluigi6664]

Yeah, I can absolutely believe that, considering their strikeout numbers.

[@CAW78]

And Nolan Ryan is known as a great human being. Incredibly nice and soft spoken. But he was terrifying on the mound. lol

[@SMcCaskill]

I got the joy of watching J R Richard during his stint in AAA with the Padres. They were playing the Salt Lake Gulls and when J R was introduced the crowd stood and cheered for him. It was a very touching moment.

[@davester1970]

15:39 - I will go to my grave believing that had JR Richard not suffered his stroke, the Astros would have beaten the Phillies in the 1980 NLCS and possibly beaten the Royals for the 1980 World Series. Anyone who believes the Phillies could have stood a chance in a 5 game series against the front three of Nolan Ryan, JR Richard and Joe Niekro would diluting themselves.

[@timothyblack6972]

Bob Gibson was one of my Dad's favorites, he's one of mine as well, one of the best pitchers of the game!

[@falakvyas3694]

Pedro vs Randy. I'd give my entire bank account to see that.

[@bradydavis11]

Thanks for the video!!

[@bitterbob30]

For you young'uns that never saw James Rodney Richard pitch, I'm sorry. That dude had the most amazing fastball I've ever seen. I saw him and Nolan Ryan pitch within 3 days of each other back in the early 1980's and Richard by far had the better stuff at that time. Would he have worked as hard as Ryan to achieve the same or better career stats? Probably not, but in that time JR Richard was the best pitcher in baseball.

[@mattfulmer4243]

JR was bad to the bone and dominant at times, but Steve Carlton was the "best" pitcher during that era.

[@winston846]

Many batters that faced both said Richard threw harder than Ryan.

[@urbanlegendsandtrivia2023]

The pitcher's mound wasn't lowered until 1968. Yaz said facing Bob Gibson from the old higher mound was a terrifying experience.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

Nolan Ryan is the ultimate double-edged sword in pitcher form.

[@tatevancleve1802]

I love nolan Ryan but what the hell does glass Canon in pitching form even mean?!?! 😂

[@rustyshackelford4224]

@tatevancleve1802 Glass Canon is a video game term to describe a theoretical see double-edged sword during gameplay; Nolan Ryan has the greatest capability of striking out any batter while simultaneously having the worst control of any MLB picther in history. He's totally unstable and extremely risky to use because he's essentially Dr. Jekyll of Mr. Hyde when he's on the mound; He either SOd an insane amount of times _or_ walked an insane amount of times depending on the start

[@thepoisonouspotato3631]

Yup, one of the best Astros pitchers all time during his 9 years in Houston

[@thepoisonouspotato3631]

Fun fact, Roger Clemens won 7 Cy Young awards but never threw a no hitter, Nolan Ryan threw 7 no hitters but never win a Cy Young award

[@timdecoursey287]

It’s glass cannon. Cannon is how you spell it.

[@josephburgess3972]

Let me start out by saying that I am not really a fan of baseball perse', but I am extremely facinated by the types of pitches and pitchers. Especially, the rarest types; such as the knuckleball. I am 42 years old and if I got to relive my Little League days, I would try to excell as a pitcher. The whole science behind throwing the ball seems so much fun to learn and craft. The position is so unique in sports.

[@Johnny2Gats]

The big unit is now a really good photographer. Even gets hired by the NFL. He’s out doing side quests in retirement now

[@hellbred79]

Just like Link

[@edwardgerdemann2400]

Growing up near St. Louis I saw Bob Gibson pitch a lot. He was the meanest human being ever to take the mound. Some Cardinal rookie had given nicknames to all the Cardinal players. When asked what he called Bob Gibson he said, "Mr. Gibson, sir - except on the days he pitches and then you don't try to talk to him."

[@thedebatehitman]

My hero growing up was Mark Wohlers, even though his career was somewhat short-lived. Without having see the video in full, I’m hoping that he’s on the list.

[@uhoh7541]

Guy was amazing...until one day he just wasn't. Very fun to watch when in prime.

[@559BearDown]

That's a name I haven't heard in ages

[@dukedematteo1995]

His legacy is a slider to Jim Leyritz.

[@richardjack4827]

Randy Johnson/ B Gibson and Pedro Martinez my starting FAVS

[@cl7510]

Dave Stewart and JR Richard come to mind.

[@buckzx12r]

Nobody was ever more feared than Drysdale.

[@559BearDown]

If I managed a winner-take-all game of all-time, the Big Unit gets the nod.

[@crazyluigi6664]

Case in point, pitching Game 6 and then the ninth inning of Game 7 in 2001 a day later.

[@natethenub6595]

Awesome with the JR Richard mention! Go Stros!

[@boblangford81]

Senor Plunk is the best nickname in the game...

[@MariposaEdits]

simply saying Nolan Ryans fastball was above 100 is well miss leading. According to some documentaries with corrected speeds from the old machines his top pitch was around 108. Not that there is much difference between 105-108

[@jayiyengar9136]

No love for Mariano Rivera? The man literally broke bats for a living

[@Kourumeme]

Jose Alvarado is like the modern day Johnson. Both have control issues that were fixed and now unstoppable pitchers

[@TaTopePia]

My favorite description of Sandy Koufax's curveball is from Pete Rose on Colin Cowherd's show. He just throws something straight at the ground and says "how are you supposed to hit that."

[@rblauson]

Koufax’s curveball - best of all time. Unhittable

[@pittsteelers7]

Agreed

[@_Slicedbread]

There is a film called "fastball", and it shows that Nolan Ryan threw harder then Chapman. The spot where they measure the ball is different now. Nolan has the fastest fastball at 107.3.

[@Bruins-vq5ey]

Walter Johnson

[@Prof_Unknown]

One part that you got wrong is hardest throwing pitcher. People will disagree and argue with me but this is a hill that I will in fact die on. Nolan Ryan was clocked at 100.9 as it crossed the plate in 1974. Aroldis Chapman was clocked at 105 in 2011 but that speed was recorded about 15 feet after the ball had been released. Using the power of math and physics, physicists and baseball scientists have been able to convert Ryan's fastball from 100.9 to 108.5 if it were clocked out of his hand like chapman's was. Nolan Ryan was the fastest pitcher in baseball History, he even said after the game that he threw that record setting pitch in, "If I knew they were measuring my speed I would've thrown harder" this pitch was also thrown towards the end of an 11 inning complete game against the Detroit Tigers that they ended up losing anyways.

[@Tristin_Courtwright]

See I pitch 700mph but that’s just me though

[@davidcaceres9184]

HOW DO YOU THROW 700 MPH I CAN ONLY THROW ABOUT 400 MPH DUDE!

[@starlitee]

@@davidcaceres9184 L

[@madethecut]

Same

[@stephanstangl5573]

Propably a minority problem, but as a non native speaker, the music is too loud and makes it hard to understand. Still nice vid.

[@bigalthecrusher]

Music is too loud and he speaks too fast

[@MrRufusRToyota]

Walter Johnson was so scary that he was legitimately afraid killing the batter. Ty Cobb used this against him by crowding and cutting off the plate.

[@foultarnished7990]

Nolan Ryan beating the brakes off of the guy who charged the mound after getting beaned is so boss.

[@lordtyrus1]

I saw Pedro pitch a shut out in his prime. It was insane. He will always be the top of my list

[@rblauson]

If I had to choose any one of these great pitchers to start a World Series game it would be Sandy Koufax - hands down. In his prime he was so dominant even Pete Rose said he was unhittable. Charlie Hustle could hit anyone - except Koufax. Dominant and a curveball so viscous that it controlled the outcome of the Dodgers seasons.

[@DH-ij9pe]

God damn, the Big Unit was amazing to watch.

[@internetzenmaster8952]

As a Mariners fan, Randy Johnson will always have a special place in my heart for how bloody terrifying he could be for teams playing the Mariners. Was always entertaining to see how they reacted to 'Mr. Snappy'.

[@briankistner4331]

Ryan VS Ventura! I was watching that game on TV. Ryan made a meal out of Ventura when he charged the mound!

[@billythekidder7182]

Ryan was the hardest throwing pitcher ever. Not even arguable.