How fast do pitchers throw?

Not as fast as a speeding bullet like Superman.  But maybe as fast as a motorcycle.  Certainly too fast for their own good.

Harvey’s Injury Shows Pitchers Have a Speed Limit
By BARRY BEARAK
Published: September 16, 2013 in The New York Times

The fastest pitch recorded by the system is 105.1 miles per hour. It was thrown by Cincinnati Reds reliever Aroldis Chapman on Sept. 24, 2010, during an at-bat by Tony Gwynn Jr. of the San Diego Padres...  Chapman has thrown 17 of the 20 fastest pitches recorded by Pitch F/X since 2008...

Since 2008, batters have hit only .175 against pitches thrown at 100 m.p.h. or above. Batting averages go up as the speed of the pitches goes down: .210 at 99, .213 at 98, .225 at 97, .242 at 96 and .252 at 95.

The number of pitchers who throw high-velocity fastballs is on the rise, according to Sportvision. In 2008, 26 pitchers were averaging 95 and above. In 2009, the number rose to 29; in 2010, 41; in 2011, 42; in 2012, 44. This season the number is 46.

Through mid-September, the pitcher averaging the most velocity with his fastball this season is Chapman at 98.3. Kansas City reliever Kelvin Herrera was second at 97.3. (Matt)  Harvey is at 95.4.
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The article mentions Bob Feller measured against a motorcycle.  They showed the film of it on TV occasionally when I was a kid.  Here is a youtube version with naration added years later by Marty Glickman.  The beginning has other stuff, so be patient.  It's worth it.  Feller is wearing street clothes, including a tie.

Cavalcade of Sports: Bob Feller Before Radar Guns

Monday, August 16, 2010
Speed limit for pitchers.

Pitchers are not allowed to throw a pitch more than 90 miles per hour.

And get rid of that stupid mound. Talk about leveling the playing field.

Limiting the speed of the pitch has advantages:

- pitchers cannot rely on over powering batters
- pitchers may be more likely to throw more strikes
- arm trouble may be reduced...

It's not the number of pitches that injure a pitcher's arm, it's the type of pitches. Limiting speed may help...

One of the rationals for banning performance enhancing stuff is to protect the player from himself. Limiting pitch speed does just that.
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