I remember the black-and-white days of 2008 and 2009, when a pitch coming in at 100 mph made my eyes widen. I'd lean a little closer to the screen and wonder how that little white ball wasn't breaking the sound barrier as it traveled 60 feet, six inches.
I've tried to hold onto that sense of wonder, but it's hard. Everybody* can throw 100 mph—or at least it feels that way. On Sunday I felt a little bit of that awe again.
New Giants reliever Joel Peguero came into his second-ever game and fired 12 triple-digit pitches. Then Brewers closer Trevor Megill dialed it up higher. Trying to protect a one-run lead, he unleashed 18 pitches of at least 99.5 mph. Watching the Giants battle the heat was exhilarating.
Matt Chapman sent 100.1 mph into the gap for a double. Luis Matos yanked 99.5 mph into left for a hit. And down to the Giants' last strike, Heliot Ramos lined 99.9 mph into center for a go-ahead knock.
More impressive than throwing 100 is hitting 100. It's how you win in the Max Velocity Era, and it's how the Giants stole one in Milwaukee.
*This year 81 pitchers (min. 100 pitches) have at least one pitch that averages 97+ mph. In 2008, only five pitchers did. Five!
Up next: The Giants are off Monday before settling into a homestand against the Cubs and Orioles. First pitch on Tuesday at 6:45 pm, when Justin Verlander (1-10, 4.64 ERA) will start. I still can’t get over his record. Sheesh.
None of the beat writers or Giants blogs mention that Robbie Ray’s walks are an issue this entire season in their stories/podcasts from Sunday’s game. Cost runs, games. Ray is a top 10 SP with highest walks (#8). Funny how that was a talking point whether Doval saved a game or blew a save. Giants win series vs best MLB team let’s not focus on the details. Beat writers, blogs, podcasts continue to bring up Doval’s Yankees poor performances. Focus on the home team you’re covering! Koss’ bad baserunning in games/series Giants won. Who cares, he hits! Giants winning! Baggs: don’t nitpick Bob Melvin in must-win games, even if you’re a HoF broadcaster.
Baggs on KNBR said Melvin and his coaching staff will NOT tolerate walks from Doval like previous manager, coaching staff, but never brings up Ray’s walks turning into runs all season long on his appearances.
Snell led the majors with walks under Melvin in 2023, but winning (Cy Young) hides flaws the manager ignores. Ditto 2025 Robbie Ray’s walks costing runs. Ignore the walks because Giants tied for top of NLW on June 13 and Ray has most wins.