Overview
Pitch velocity refers to the speed of a thrown baseball, measured by radar gun. Japan uses km/h while MLB uses mph. Velocity is the most intuitive measure of a pitcher's raw ability, and fastballs exceeding 150 km/h are regarded with special reverence. The history of pitch velocity in NPB is intertwined with measurement technology. Radar guns were introduced to stadiums in the late 1970s; before that, pitcher speeds could only be estimated. Once measurement became standard, velocity became an indispensable element of pitcher evaluation. The fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher is Shohei Ohtani's 165 km/h, recorded during his NPB career - a figure that rivals MLB's elite. In recent years, velocity inflation has been pronounced: pitchers throwing in the 150 km/h range are no longer exceptional. This trend reflects advances in training science, the widespread adoption of weight training, and the optimization of pitching mechanics. However, the pursuit of velocity has also been linked to increased stress on elbows and shoulders, elevating injury risk. Velocity is a powerful weapon, but it reaches its full potential only when combined with command and pitch quality. Pitchers who rely solely on speed are more easily adjusted to by hitters and rarely sustain long-term success.