Brian Trabulsi, MPT, ATC is a physical therapist at Rex Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation in Raleigh.
As the 2013 Major League Baseball season kicks off this month, a record number of pitchers will be hitting triple digits. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reported on the increasing number of pitchers throwing 100+ mph. “In 2003, there was only one pitcher who threw 25 pitches 100 mph or faster (Billy Wagner).” Since then, the number has quickly increased to seven. For years, experts believed 100 mph was the physiologic limit for throwing velocity based on bio-mechanical stressors placed on the shoulder. Power pitchers can exert as much as 7,000 degrees of rotation per second through his throwing shoulder. While the top speed has only increased marginally over the years, the number of pitchers near the physiologic limit has increased sharply.
Experts suspect the rise is likely due to both economics and technology factors. As pitchers salaries continue trending upwards, more top players are gravitating towards that position. Secondly, radar guns have become smaller and more accurate with most MLB stadium displaying the velocity with every pitch. Coaches specializing in the development of young pitchers are maximizing velocity by emphasizing posterior chain strengthening to optimize power from the legs. They’ve also started modeling some specific training techniques from successful Caribbean and Latin America players.
So as spring turns to summer and the thermometer starts to rise, be sure to take notice of the handful of players that are really bringing the heat.
