Actually, I've heard that Mathewson was a hard thrower, but that he was very wise in setting up hitters. He had to take it easy on his arm when he threw the screwball, however.
They guy who said he threw in the low 80s needs to notice the differences in tossing the ball around, warming up and throwing in actual games. There are photos of him rearing back in a big way, and delivering it in such a way that his chest almost hits his front knee. For an example see keitholbermannmlbblogs
actually, according to some research back in 1917, mathewson was just a bit slower than walter johnson. at the very least in low 90s, i'd say. plus he still had a curve and a screwball with good break. you dont win 373 games by accident.
Walter threw harder than anyone that ever pitched and even though he was timed once at only about 92 he also was at about 99 with a motocycle one simular to what Bob Fellar did. The estimates on Johnson were in the 100's due to the fact that even the umpire could not see the ball.
Looking at Christy's pitching style he probably threw in the low 80's for his fast stuff. Athletes have changed so much that this hall of famer would not make it to the major leagues today.
Would someone please get that submarine off the field, Christy is trying to warm up!! :16
qthelost 3 months ago
Actually, I've heard that Mathewson was a hard thrower, but that he was very wise in setting up hitters. He had to take it easy on his arm when he threw the screwball, however.
JGmartinezJr 6 months ago
what a great motion. amazing footage.
tomitstube 6 months ago
They guy who said he threw in the low 80s needs to notice the differences in tossing the ball around, warming up and throwing in actual games. There are photos of him rearing back in a big way, and delivering it in such a way that his chest almost hits his front knee. For an example see keitholbermannmlbblogs
ClassicHMD 6 months ago 2
Incredible!
IMJUSTS0MEGUY 7 months ago
There's only one Christy I know at all,
One Christy I ever saw.
He's the one that discovered the fadeaway ball,
And he pitched for Muggsy McGraw.
DontLookBack7411 7 months ago
actually, according to some research back in 1917, mathewson was just a bit slower than walter johnson. at the very least in low 90s, i'd say. plus he still had a curve and a screwball with good break. you dont win 373 games by accident.
avalsonline2 7 months ago
Walter threw harder than anyone that ever pitched and even though he was timed once at only about 92 he also was at about 99 with a motocycle one simular to what Bob Fellar did. The estimates on Johnson were in the 100's due to the fact that even the umpire could not see the ball.
richdaman71 2 days ago
Looking at Christy's pitching style he probably threw in the low 80's for his fast stuff. Athletes have changed so much that this hall of famer would not make it to the major leagues today.
phillippatterson1 8 months ago
@phillippatterson1
Dude, he would be a hall of famer today or anytime. Not many had the control he did, he used his brain to get hitters out.
Sydplayson 7 months ago
Wow, what great, rare footage, thanks for putting it up!
illbebad 9 months ago