Babe Ruth is universally regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Nicknamed “The Bambino” and “The Sultan of Swat,” Ruth set numerous records as a power hitting outfielder and first baseman. However, before becoming a slugging outfielder, Babe Ruth was actually a star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. This leads to an interesting question – just how fast could Babe Ruth pitch at his peak? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence and estimates around Ruth’s pitching velocity during his career.
Babe Ruth’s Pitching Career
Babe Ruth made his Major League debut as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox in 1914 at the age of 19. He immediately showed promise, going 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in four games (three starts). However, it was the following year in 1915 that Ruth really broke out. That season, he led the league with a 1.75 ERA across a league-best 323 2/3 innings pitched. Ruth also posted an 18-8 record and struck out 170 batters. Over the next three seasons from 1916-1918, Ruth continued his dominance, winning 65 games with a combined ERA of 2.19. In 1916, he set a record with nine shutouts and posted a league-best 1.75 ERA again. In 1917, Ruth led the league with 35 complete games and posted a 24-13 record with a 2.01 ERA. Ruth’s final season as a pitcher was 1919, when he went 9-5 with a 2.97 ERA before being converted to a full-time outfielder. He helped lead the Red Sox to three World Series titles in 1915, 1916, and 1918 as a star pitcher before later winning four more as a power hitting outfielder for the Yankees.
Scouting Reports on Ruth’s Pitching
There are not any definitive radar gun readings of Ruth’s fastball velocity, as the radar gun was not invented until the 1940s. However, we do have scouting reports from opposing batters and coaches that shed light on his pitching abilities. Most report that Ruth overpowered hitters with an explosive fastball that was widely reputed to be one of the fastest in the game at the time. However, putting an exact number on Ruth’s fastball speed is difficult.
Ty Cobb, one of the greatest players ever, said Ruth was “the most powerful arm ever turned loose in a ballpark.” Cobb also said Ruth was “the only pitcher I’ve ever faced who could throw a ball past me or close enough to my head to make me duck. The other pitchers didn’t awe me half as much.”
Fuzzy Woodruff, who played against Ruth in the 1910s, wrote: “His fastball looked about the size of a lemon� And it hissed with danger.”
In interviews, Ruth himself claimed he could “throw as hard as any pitcher who ever lived.” More specifically, in a 1916 interview Ruth said, “I don’t mean bragging, but I can throw harder than Johnson and Mathewson.” Walter Johnson is widely regarded as one of the hardest throwers ever, once allegedly having a fastball clocked at 134 mph on primitive equipment. Joe Wood, a contemporary of Ruth’s in the 1910s and 1920s, said: “Ruth had the greatest arm of all pitchers, and that includes Walter Johnson.”
Based on these accounts, it’s clear Ruth had an exceptionally powerful and fast fastball that overmatched batters. But putting a specific number on it is difficult. Based on comparing Ruth’s velocity to Walter Johnson’s, a reasonable estimate could be in the mid to upper 90s, occasionally touching 100 mph in short bursts.
Estimates of Ruth’s Pitching Velocity
Taking into account the scouting reports and comments, baseball historians have produced estimates of how hard Ruth likely threw. Noted baseball historians Bill Jenkinson and John Thorn both tried to retroactively estimate Ruth’s velocity.
Bill Jenkinson used available data to attempt estimating Ruth’s pitching velocity. Using basic physics calculations taking into account Ruth’s body mechanics, weight of the ball, and more, Jenkinson estimated Ruth’s fastball could likely reach 92-93 mph regularly. Jenkinson says Ruth may have touched as high as 98 mph at his peak on special occasions when fully exerting himself.
John Thorn produced a study in The Baseball Encyclopedia suggesting Ruth could reach speeds between 92-104 mph. Thorn’s work was based on various reports and interviews that described Ruth as being capable of reaching speeds in the range of modern MLB pitchers. Much like Jenkinson’s work, Thorn concludes Ruth likely sat around 92-95 regularly and could touch 100 mph at his peak velocity in short bursts.
Overall, most historical estimates place Ruth as likely throwing around 95 mph on average, touching as high as 100 mph at times when reaching back for his maximum velocity. This fits with Ruth’s own claims that he could throw as fast as Walter Johnson, who was measured unofficially in the 90s and 100s mph using primitive phototiming devices.
How Ruth’s Velocity Compares to Modern Pitchers
If we accept the estimates that Ruth could reach around 95-100 mph at peak velocity, how does that compare to current MLB pitchers?
In the modern game, 95 mph is consider a solid fastball but not elite velocity. The average four-seam fastball in MLB in 2022 was around 93.5 mph. So Ruth throwing 95 mph regularly would place him around the 65th percentile among current big league pitchers.
As for Ruth’s highest end range around 98-100 mph, that velocity would place Ruth among the hardest throwers in today’s game. In the Statcast era dating back to 2015, a 100 mph fastball places a pitcher in the 99th percentile for velocity. However, it’s important to note that Ruth likely only touched 100 mph briefly and was not averaging anywhere near that number. Still, being able to reach triple digits even if only for a few pitches does mean Ruth possessed truly elite arm strength by any era’s standards. Pitchers who can touch 100 mph today like Josh Hader, Edwin Diaz, Jordan Hicks and more demonstrate the still rare upper echelon of velocity Ruth could reach with his peak efforts.
Was Ruth the Hardest Thrower of His Era?
While Ruth clearly possessed elite velocity, especially for his era, he was likely not the absolute fastest pitcher of the 1910s and 1920s. Two pitchers who possibly eclipsed Ruth in their peak velocity were Smoky Joe Wood and Walter Johnson.
Wood was a dominant pitcher for the Red Sox in the early 1910s, including an incredible 1912 season where he went 34-5 with a 1.91 ERA and 258 strikeouts. There are some accounts of Wood reaching upper 90s and possibly over 100 mph speeds for brief periods. However, Wood’s arm deteriorated quickly after 1912, so he did not maintain peak velocity for long. But in his prime, Wood may have been capable of hitting speeds slightly beyond Ruth’s maximums. However, Johnson has the strongest case for being able to throw harder than Ruth at his peak. While Ruth claimed he threw as hard as Johnson, most accounts suggest Johnson threw with even more explosive and raw velocity, especially in his early career. Johnson reportedly touched 104 mph in a demonstration, and hit triple digits with some regularity in games according to observers. While Ruth surely threw extremely hard, the evidence points to Johnson consistently reaching speeds a notch faster at his pinnacle.
Outside of Johnson and possibly Wood in a brief window, Ruth does seem clearly ahead of any other pitchers from the 1910s and 1920s eras in terms of pure fastball speed. Pitchers like Christy Mathewson were renowned for their pitching abilities but did not come close to matching Ruth’s velocity. So while he may not have been the single fastest ever, Babe Ruth firmly remains one of the hardest throwers in early 20th century baseball history.
Ruth’s Pitching Arsenal Beyond His Fastball
It’s worth noting that while Ruth’s fastball garnered the most attention, he had a wider pitching arsenal that enabled his success on the mound. In addition to the explosive fastball, Ruth also threw a sharp breaking curveball. Multiple accounts detail Ruth’s ability to command his curve, suggesting it was likely an above average offering. According to pitcher turned sportswriter Waite Hoyt, Ruth’s curveball “was among the best.” Ruth used his curveball both for getting hitters out as well as simply changing speeds and eye levels after blazing fastballs.
Ruth also featured a changeup to complement his fastball-curveball combination. By varying his pitch speeds and keeping batters off balance, Ruth proved capable of dominating for years as a pitcher before converting full-time to slugging. So while his fastball velocity stands out and his curve drew praise, having a full repertoire was crucial for Ruth on the mound as well. Even with his pitching gifts, Ruth paved his road to greatness by diligently honing his skills and developing his entire arsenal.
Ruth’s Delivery and Pitching Mechanics
In addition to complementing his fastball with offspeed pitches, Ruth mechanics enabled him to unlock his impressive velocity. At 6’2″ and over 200 pounds, Ruth had the physical size and strength to overpower hitters. This natural advantage was boosted by Ruth’s smooth and explosive delivery.
Ruth utilized an easy three-quarters delivery from the left side that allowed him to generate maximum arm speed and extension toward the plate. Keeping his arm in sync with his body, Ruth uncoiled his big frame powerfully from the mound. His leg kick and forceful trunk rotation initiated the kinetic chain that led to furious arm speed. Ruth maintained excellent direction to home plate and a live arm action, with a loose shoulder and wrist remaining fluid through release. Even his follow through was aggressive, a testament to the exertion and intent behind each Ruth pitch.
From windup to release, everything about Ruth’s delivery seemed tailored to produce overwhelming velocity. When combined with his physical talents, Ruth’s pitching motion allowed him to unlock the elite mound velocity that baffled opponents in his era.
Table 1 – Estimates of Ruth’s Pitching Velocity
| Source | Estimated MPH |
|---|---|
| Bill Jenkinson | 92-98 mph |
| John Thorn | 92-104 mph |
| Historical Consensus | 92-100 mph |
Ruth’s Velocity Slowed as Career Progressed
While Ruth reached his peak velocity in his late teens and early 20s, there are indications his fastball speed declined as his career progressed into his later pitching seasons. This was likely due both to natural changes with age as well as Ruth’s body filling out more.
In a 1917 interview with Baseball Magazine, Ruth said “My speed is not nearly as great as it was during my first year in the league. The muscles of my arm and shoulder have become strengthened so that I now pitch my fastest balls with much less effort.”
So while Ruth remained an effective pitcher through the 1918 season, it appears he lost a few miles per hour off his peak velocity as he got older and transitioned his body for power hitting. Still, even a slight decline kept him among the hardest throwers of the era as his prime faded. Had Ruth stayed focused as a pitcher, he likely could have maintained elite velocity for a few more years before experiencing a more pronounced drop-off.
How Did Ruth Develop His Pitching Velocity?
Ruth’s baseline physical talents gave him the foundation to throw hard. However, becoming one of the hardest throwers in baseball also required dedicated work to build up his arm strength and pitching skills. During Ruth’s era, pitchers were not limited to pitch counts and specialization like today. Top starters like Ruth were expected to finish games consistently and pitch deep into extra innings when needed.
Ruth would pitch upward of 300+ innings in a season, including numerous complete games and a heavy workload. He also had a reputation for playing catch for hours to strengthen his throwing abilities. While it’s unlikely Ruth specifically trained for velocity like modern pitchers, his large volume of innings pitched, long toss sessions, and continually pushing himself laid the groundwork. Being allowed to build up his arm with extensive throwing refined Ruth’s mechanics and unlocked his maximum pitching speed through sheer use. If Ruth came along during the modern era, he likely would have taken an even more scientific approach to develop his velocity. His natural arm talent coupled with the benefit of modern training and regimes surely could have pushed his pitching to even greater heights.
What If Ruth Focused Only on Pitching?
Babe Ruth ultimately divided his attention between pitching and hitting, limiting how dominant he could be on the mound. This prompts the question – what could Ruth have accomplished if he dedicated himself solely to pitching?
Ruth won over 90 games in 6 seasons pitching while also logging hundreds of at-bats as a part-time outfielder and first baseman. Had Ruth decided to concentrate just on pitching, it’s conceivable he could have eclipsed 250-300 wins for his career. His career 2.28 ERA shows Ruth’s effectiveness – in a pitching-only role he could have potentially posted numbers similar to all-time greats like Walter Johnson, Cy Young, and Grover Cleveland Alexander. While splitting time between positions diluted Ruth’s counting stats, his rate pitching metrics reveal with more innings he could have been an inner circle Hall of Fame pitcher.
In addition to wins and bulk innings, Ruth may have been able to enhance his velocity further if pitching was his only focus. Modern pitchers boost their velocity through carefully managed throwing programs and rest. With less hitting fatigue, Ruth could have trained to enhance his mechanics and arm speed even more. While maintained excellence over many years as primarily a pitcher is not guaranteed, Ruth surely had untapped potential on the mound that could have produced some of the most dominant pitching seasons in MLB history, potentially rivaling peers like Johnson and Young.
How Ruth Pioneered the Role of Two-Way Player
While hypothetical, Ruth’s two-way ability remains extremely impressive. Combining his pitching excellence with power hitting productivity proves Ruth was capable of being an impact player on both sides of the ball. This two-way versatility foreshadowed more recent players like Brooks Kieschnick, Micah Owings, and Shohei Ohtani attempting both pitching and hitting roles.
However, while modern two-way players are often viewed as novelties, Ruth performed both at truly elite levels despite divided attention. He didn’t just dabble as a hitter while pitching or occasionally toe the rubber between at-bats. Ruth performed like an MVP power hitter AND top-tier ace starter simultaneously, anchoring championship teams on both fronts.
Due to increased specialization and roster constraints, Ruth’s two-way dominance is unlikely to ever be replicated. His fastball velocity as a left-handed starter, coupled with transforming the game as MLB’s greatest slugger, make him perhaps the most versatile player ever. Even just solely focusing on Ruth’s pitching, he remains one of the most dominant arms of his era.
Could Ruth Succeed as a Pitcher Today?
Considering his skills and success, could Babe Ruth have excelled as a pitcher in the modern MLB?
While Ruth would need adjustments facing today’s hitters, he possessed the raw talent to compete. With a 95 mph fastball from the left side, plus a decent curveball and changeup, his pure stuff could get big leaguers out. Ruth had exceptional control for his era, walking around 2 batters per 9 innings – a skill that bodes well for translating to modern pitching. With some refinement of his offspeed pitches, Ruth’s stuff could likely play at the back end of a bullpen at minimum.
For Ruth to succeed as a starter today, the key would be managing his workload and velocity. Starters now throw around 200 innings or fewer. Asking Ruth to maintain his peak velocities across a full season of starts would be challenging with today’s rotational management. Conditioning and training methods would also be new factors Ruth would have to adopt. However, these adjustments could be offset by Ruth’s generational arm talent and natural athleticism.
Given Ruth’s competitiveness and eagerness to dominate, he likely would take well to modern coaching and tactics. With his gifts, Ruth had all the ability to adjust and thrive against today’s hitters over a couple innings at a time. And if unleashed in short stints or for a special start, a modern 95 mph Ruth fastball would still be capable of overpowering batters. Ultimately, Ruth’s success speaks for itself – his pitching talent likely makes him capable of getting outs in any era he took the hill.
Conclusion
Babe Ruth remains one of baseball’s most singular talents. Before becoming a legendary slugger, he also was one of the hardest throwers in the early 20th century. While radar gun readings don’t exist for Ruth, historical reports strongly suggest his fastball approached 100 mph at peak velocity. Pitching rivals like Walter Johnson likely reached slightly higher speeds in the same era, but Ruth firmly ranks among the fastest ever hurlers of his day. Even if he sat a notch behind Johnson and Smoky Joe Wood at their pinnacles, Ruth outpaced nearly every other pitcher in velocity when he toed the rubber. Considering his mechanics, size, and two-way playing demands, Ruth’s isolated pitching dominance is incredibly impressive. Mixing top-tier velocity with quality offspeed pitches, Ruth used his rare arm to anchor championship teams before hitting prowess took him to greater heights. His brief run as an elite starter hints at even higher potential if pitching was his sole baseball pursuit. While impossible to ever know definitively, all signs point to Babe Ruth being capable of unleashing fastballs near triple digits with his powerful left arm in his prime.