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The heat is on: The average MLB fastball velocity is up for the 6th straight year to 94.7 mph
By Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 12, 2026
· 4 min read
Chad Tracy notices how much baseball has changed in the 13 years since he took his last big league at-bat.“You watch a Triple-A game, most everybody that’s coming out of the bullpen left-handed or right-handed is throwing 95-plus,” the Boston Red Sox manager said. “Back in the day, it was you'd g...
Key takeaway “You watch a Triple-A game, most everybody that’s coming out of the bullpen left-handed or right-handed is throwing 95-plus,” the Boston Red Sox manager said.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The rising velocity of MLB fastballs has significant implications for San Antonio 's baseball fans, who can expect a more thrilling experience at local games. With the average four-seam fastball velocity increasing for the sixth straight year, the city's minor league teams, such as the San Antonio Missions, will likely feature pitchers who can throw with exceptional speed. This trend may also influence the way local baseball coaches and trainers approach player development, with a greater emphasis on teaching proper biomechanics to help young players increase their velocity. As the sport continues to evolve, San Antonio's baseball community will be watching to see how this shift towards faster pitching affects the game at all levels, from youth leagues to professional teams. The increased velocity may also lead to more exciting matchups and competitions, drawing in larger crowds and further boosting the city's vibrant baseball scene.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Chad Tracy notices how much baseball has changed in the 13 years since he took his last big league at-bat.“You watch a Triple-A game, most everybody that’s coming out of the bullpen left-handed or right-handed is throwing 95-plus,” the Boston Red Sox manager said. “Back in the day, it was you'd g...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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