When did throwing 90 MPH stop feeling impressive - and start feeling like a requirement?

On this episode of Keep Klimbing, Brett Graves tackles “The 90 MPH Problem” and the growing pressure surrounding velocity throughout baseball.

Velocity matters. Brett isn't arguing otherwise. Throwing harder reduces a hitter's reaction time, makes secondary pitches more difficult to handle, creates opportunities for pitchers, and continues to play an important role in how players are evaluated. 

But somewhere along the way, the radar gun went from being a way to measure velocity to becoming a recruiting tool, a development objective, and for some players, part of how they define themselves.

Brett looks at how we got here — from the introduction of the radar gun and rising MLB velocities to today's showcase, recruiting, training, and social media culture. He also examines how those influences have changed the way pitchers train and the pressure young players can feel to reach benchmarks like 85, 90, or 95 MPH. 

The real problem isn't measuring velocity. 

It's when velocity starts defining the player.

Brett discusses how coaches and athletes can put the radar gun back in its proper place as a development tool while continuing to build the other pieces necessary to actually pitch. 

Because a pitcher throwing 90 with poor command, a pitcher throwing 90 with elite command, a pitcher below 90 with elite pitch shapes, and a pitcher throwing 95 without secondary pitches are four very different players. 

Velocity is an important piece of the puzzle. 

It just isn't the entire picture.

Connect with Brett Graves
Instagram: @brettgraves5
X: @bgraves05

Premier Pitching & Performance
Instagram: @premierpitching
X: @PremierPitching

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