What pitch is banned in MLB?

MLB bans pitches that involve doctoring the ball (applying foreign substances like Vaseline, saliva, or rosin to alter its movement, like the spitball, shine ball, or emery ball), defacing the ball, or illegal motions like certain balks, where pitchers violate rules on the mound (e.g., touching mouth and then ball, illegal windup, fake pickoffs). These bans aim to prevent pitchers from gaining unfair advantages, with violations leading to warnings, ejections, or even suspensions, notes UmpireBible, ESPN Classic, and SABR.org.

Did Nolan Ryan throw a 108 mph pitch?

No, Nolan Ryan didn't officially throw 108 mph, but his famous 100.9 mph pitch from 1974, when recalculated with modern technology measuring release speed, is estimated to have been around 108 mph, making it a legendary, though technically unofficial, feat. The 100.9 mph was measured near the plate with older tech; current methods measure closer to the mound where the ball is fastest, explaining the significant difference and why he's still considered one of baseball's hardest throwers.
 

What pitch is not allowed in baseball?

An illegal pitch in baseball involves deceptive or prohibited pitcher actions, like using foreign substances (spitball, pine tar), defacing the ball, making an illegal windup (e.g., "crow hop," "creep"), delivering a "quick pitch" before the batter is ready, or failing to pitch in a continuous motion, with penalties ranging from a ball to ejection, depending on the infraction and if runners are on base (where it becomes a balk).
 

What baseball pitch was banned?

Several pitchers claimed to use the spitball effectively long after it was banned, including Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry and Brooklyn star Preacher Roe. But the rule banning the pitch has never been repealed.

Who threw a 106 mph pitch?

15 Years ago today, Aroldis Chapman threw the fastest pitch in MLB history. Officially recorded at 105.8 mph, don't blink or you will miss it. Chapman is currently in his 16th year of his career, and rumor has it he just started locating his fastball this year. Sheesh.

Every Banned MLB Pitch Explained in 29 Minutes

What are illegal pitches?

Definition. It is illegal for the pitcher to deceive, rush, or surprise the batter by imitating a pitch while not in contact with the rubber. It is also illegal for a pitcher to “quick pitch” the batter by quickly stepping on the rubber and pitching without taking a sign.

Who threw a 104 mph pitch?

Mason Miller is the new No. 1 flamethrower in recorded postseason history. Miller struck out the Cubs' Carson Kelly with a 104.5 mph fastball in the bottom of the seventh inning during the Padres' 3-0 win in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series on Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

What is the rarest pitch in baseball?

The rarest pitches in baseball are often considered the Eephus (a high-floating, slow lob) and the Screwball, though pitches like the Gyroball and unique variations like Kouji Uehara's "Ghost Fork" or Kirby Yates' Splitter also qualify due to their scarcity and distinctiveness, making them tough for hitters to time. While the Eephus is famous for its slow speed and the Screwball for its reverse break, the true "rarest" can vary, but these pitches are all exceptionally uncommon in modern MLB. 

What is a filthy pitch in baseball?

Definition. 1. Said of a pitch that features a combination of speed, movement, and location that makes it unhittable; e.g., Mariano Rivera's cut fastball, thrown so hard that its movement is explosive, very late and very sharp.

Who threw a 110 mph pitch?

When the White Sox acquired Michael Kopech from the Red Sox in December, they knew they were getting one of the Minor Leagues' hardest-throwing pitchers.

Has anyone ever thrown a 27 pitch game?

On May 13, 1952 while pitching for the Class-D Bristol Twins, Ron Necciai tossed a no-hitter, striking out 27 in nine innings!

Who is the fastest pitcher in history?

The fastest pitcher ever recorded in MLB history is Aroldis Chapman, who threw a verified pitch at 105.8 mph (170.3 km/h) in 2010, holding the record and Guinness World Record for hardest baseball pitch. While other legendary pitchers like Nolan Ryan were likely faster in their era, modern radar technology consistently shows Chapman as the benchmark for raw velocity, with other pitchers like Ben Joyce (105.5 mph) and Jordan Hicks (105 mph) also appearing on the all-time fastest lists.
 

Does anyone wear 69 in the MLB?

Yes, players do wear #69 in MLB, though it's quite rare, with only a couple dozen players ever using it, often pitchers; recent examples include AJ Blubaugh (2025) and Francisco Morales (2022) for the Phillies, but it's not a common or long-term number for most, with Bronson Arroyo being a notable exception for wearing it for multiple seasons with the Pirates early in his career. 

Has anyone ever had a 3 pitch inning?

Yes, a three-pitch inning, where a pitcher records three outs using only three pitches (one pitch per batter), has happened numerous times in MLB history, though it's exceptionally rare, with over 200 recorded instances, the first by Duke Esper in 1894 and recent ones by pitchers like Tanner Scott in 2025. It's even rarer than an "immaculate inning" (three strikeouts on nine pitches) and often involves relievers entering mid-inning or specific game situations.
 

What are the 6 F's in baseball?

Now working for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Perry breaks the act of catching the ground ball and throwing it into what he calls the "6 Fs of Fielding." They are: feet, field, funnel, footwork, fire, follow.

What is the deadliest pitch in baseball?

Baseball's Deadliest Pitch and How it Changed the Sport Forever. Tragedy struck on August 16, 1920, when during a visiting game at the Polo Grounds, home of the New York Yankees, Cleveland shortstop and all-around affable guy Ray Chapman was beaned in the head by a "spitball" thrown by submarine pitcher Carl Mays.

Did Nolan Ryan throw a 108 mph fastball?

No, Nolan Ryan didn't officially throw 108 mph, but his famous 100.9 mph pitch from 1974, when recalculated with modern technology measuring release speed, is estimated to have been around 108 mph, making it a legendary, though technically unofficial, feat. The 100.9 mph was measured near the plate with older tech; current methods measure closer to the mound where the ball is fastest, explaining the significant difference and why he's still considered one of baseball's hardest throwers.
 

Did Nolan Ryan really throw 235 pitches in a game?

Yes, Nolan Ryan reportedly threw a massive 235 pitches in a single game on June 14, 1974, for the California Angels against the Boston Red Sox, pitching 13 grueling innings, striking out 19, and allowing only three runs in a game that went 15 innings. This legendary, unheard-of workload is one of the most famous examples of pitching durability in baseball history, showcasing Ryan's incredible stamina, as he even pitched again just three days later.
 

Are there any banned pitches?

A spitball is a now-illegal baseball pitch in which the ball has been altered by the application of a foreign substance such as saliva or petroleum jelly. This technique alters the wind resistance and weight on one side of the ball, causing it to move in an atypical manner.

What is a beanball in baseball?

A beanball in baseball is a pitch deliberately thrown at a batter, usually at their head (the "bean"), with the intent to intimidate, retaliate, or injure, rather than just get them out. It's a dangerous tactic, sometimes called "headhunting," and differs from accidental hits by its malicious intent, often occurring as payback for a previous player's action, leading to warnings or ejections from umpires.