High Heat: The Secret History of the Fastball

High Heat: The Secret History of the Fastball and the Improbable Search for the Fastest Pitcher of All Time (Hardcover)

Who threw a baseball the fastest of all-time? Some assert Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, Walter Johnson, Sam McDowell, Goose Goosage, Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan, and many of the modern flamethrowers. But countless problems arise when one seeks to discern the fastest fast-baller in baseball history inasmuch as the balls in baseball have changed in size, weight, and material. Additionally mound heights and angles have changed so attempting to discover the fastest of the fast in some sense is vain. But herein Tim Wendel has issued a zippy and entertaining book in: High Heat: The Secret History of the Fastball and the Improbable Search for the Fastest Pitcher of All Time.

Wendel delivers a fascinating pitch in alluring prose that discusses the bio-mechanics in throwing a baseball and the genetic aspects of the preeminent speed-ballers. He draws the reader in with great anecdotes featuring:

• Nolan Ryan (thought to have the fastest recorded pitch in history until the recent new breed of pitchers came on the scene)
• Walter Johnson (one of the first who threw real smoke)
• Bob Gibson (Mr. Intimidation)
• Steve Dalkowski (maybe the very fastest hurler of all-time)
• And numerous additional captivating research and anecdotes.

The new strong arms in MLB have recorded the following speeds over and above Ryan's (remember many factors have changed including the radar guns - so I still affirm NR as the fastest of the fast):

• Joel Zumaya 102.7 MPH on 6/30/09 (est. 100 times over 101 MPH in career).
• 102.6 Jonathan Broxton 7/3/09.
• 102.2 Brian Wilson 9/5/09. - 101.3 Daniel Bard 7/09
• Justin Verlander 101 MPH in 9/2009.
• 101.1 Neftali Feliz 8/09.

Additionally, Stephen Strasburg as a rookie threw over 101 MPH but rookie Aroldis Chapman bested that by hurling a ball at 105 MPH (WSJ, D1, 10-8-10).

If you love baseball or just enjoy a well written nonfiction book, pick up this page-turner you will not be disappointed.