How Fast Was Koufax? Unlocking The Legend’S Velocity

Sandy Koufax was known for his blazing fastball. It’s often reported to have been clocked at 97 mph, which was absolutely incredible for his time. His fastball had a unique movement that some described as a “hop” before reaching the plate. He also had a devastating curveball that would drop 10-12 inches, making it even harder for hitters to pick up.

It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to face Koufax, given his incredible velocity and movement. But it’s important to note that even with the best equipment available at the time, it was incredibly difficult to accurately measure pitch speed. The technology we have today to measure pitch speed was not available then. So while the 97 mph figure is widely reported, it’s important to understand that it may not be completely accurate.

However, even if Koufax’s fastball wasn’t quite that fast, it was still considered one of the most intimidating and effective pitches in baseball history. Even without perfect technology to measure his speed, his dominating performances, strikeout totals, and the fear in batters’ eyes are a testament to how fast and effective his fastball was. He was a true force of nature on the mound, and his incredible pitching ability is what made him a legend.