Once upon a time, in a publicity stunt from 1940, Cleveland Indians’ pitcher Bob Feller challenged a motorcycle to a speed contest, and his blazing fastball emerged victorious. Fast forward to today, and Feller’s once-astonishing velocity has become the norm, with modern pitchers routinely surpassing the 100 mph mark. This remarkable transformation in pitching prowess can be attributed to advances in analytics and technology, often spearheaded by individuals with no traditional baseball background.

This narrative unfolds in “Unhittable,” a new book by Rob Friedman, widely known as PitchingNinja. The subtitle, “How Technology, Mavericks and Innovators Engineered Baseball’s New Era of Pitching Dominance,” encapsulates the essence of this revolution. Through a combination of heat maps, slow-motion cameras, and artificial intelligence, the landscape of pitching has been redefined, introducing readers to concepts like Seam-Shifted Wake and emphasizing not just speed but also precision in pitching.

Friedman reflects on the evolution of the game, stating, “It’s really changed through the years. [Baseball] used to be more focused on guys who were farm-strong but never lifted weights.” He highlights a shift in mentality, noting that technology now enhances the capabilities of all pitchers, transforming how the game is played.

Among those capitalizing on these advancements is Paul Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young winner from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Friedman also expresses admiration for the young Mets pitcher, Nolan McLean, who he describes as “absolutely nasty” with his pitches. He notes, “I was happy that in the World Baseball Classic, the world got to see the movement of his stuff. He’s extraordinary, off-the-charts.” While Skenes garners significant attention, Friedman believes McLean deserves more recognition even within New York.

As the conversation about modern pitching continues, Friedman raises intriguing questions about the current state of the game. He wonders if we are witnessing a repeat of 1968, a year dominated by pitchers like Denny McLain and Bob Gibson. “I’ve never said [the game is] too pitcher-friendly,” Friedman asserts. “My name is PitchingNinja. I love nasty pitching.” He points out the unique nature of baseball where the pitcher, despite being on the defensive, often dictates the pace and strategy of the game.

However, the rising incidence of injuries among pitchers prompts concern. Reflecting on the toll of extreme velocity, Friedman notes Bob Gibson’s candid words about the physical strain that comes with throwing at such high speeds: “Everything hurts. Even your ass hurts.” He admits that while the reasons behind these injuries remain debated, there is a parallel to racing where pushing the limits can lead to breakdowns—“Even Paul Skenes has backed off some,” he mentions, referring to Skenes reducing his velocity from 102 mph to 99 mph to maintain effectiveness.

Friedman emphasizes that the focus should not solely be on velocity but also on diversifying pitch types, employing techniques like tunneling to confuse hitters. His journey from a lawyer to PitchingNinja began by sharing pitching videos on social media, leading to unexpected connections, including a direct message from five-time All-Star Yu Darvish that interrupted a dinner with his wife. Similarly, Daren Willman transitioned from a software job to becoming a key figure in MLB analytics, demonstrating that a formal background in baseball is not necessary to impact the sport.

Friedman also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, who defied convention by training with weights during his career. “I don’t think he gets enough credit,” Friedman argues, pointing out that Ryan was ahead of his time in recognizing the value of strength training for pitchers.

As the discussion on analytics versus traditional methods persists, Friedman notes that players without engineering backgrounds may question the insights of those who approach the game from a statistical angle. “There needs to be a bridge to talk to everyone,” he concludes. “All analytics are is more information.” This ongoing dialogue between the old guard and new innovators will undoubtedly shape the future of pitching in baseball.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.