Pitching is one of the most important aspects of a baseball game. A pitcher’s job is to keep the opposing team from scoring runs. The number of pitches a pitcher can throw in a game is limited, and keeping track of the pitch count is essential for the pitcher’s health and performance. So, what is the highest pitch count ever?
The answer to this question depends on the definition of “highest pitch count.” Generally, the highest pitch count is the most pitches thrown by a pitcher in a single game. However, there are also cases where a pitcher has thrown the most pitches in a season or a career. In this article, we’ll take a look at the highest pitch counts ever and explore how the record has changed over time.
Pitch Counts in the Major Leagues
The Major League Baseball (MLB) regulates and monitors the pitch counts of its pitchers. According to the MLB, the maximum number of pitches a pitcher can throw in a game is 125. This limit was instituted in 2006 in order to help protect the health and performance of pitchers. The regulations also require pitchers to have a minimum of four days rest between starts.
The Highest Pitch Counts in a Single Game
1. Tom Seaver––164 Pitches
The highest pitch count in a single game belongs to Tom Seaver, who threw 164 pitches in a game against the Atlanta Braves in 1970. Seaver was a Hall of Fame pitcher who played in the MLB from 1967 to 1986. He was known for his exceptional control and mechanics, and he often threw pitches with high velocity and accuracy.
2. Steve Busby––160 Pitches
The second-highest pitch count in a game belongs to Steve Busby, who threw 160 pitches in a game against the Baltimore Orioles in 1974. Busby, who played from 1972 to 1980, was known for his ability to work deep into games and for his strong fastball. He was also the first pitcher to throw two no-hitters in the same season.
3. Bob Feller––157 Pitches
The third-highest pitch count in a game belongs to Bob Feller, who threw 157 pitches in a game against the Detroit Tigers in 1938. Feller, who played from 1936 to 1956, was known for his strong fastball and his ability to throw pitches with extraordinary speed and control.
The Highest Pitch Counts in a Season
1. Nolan Ryan––383 Pitches
The highest pitch count in a season belongs to Nolan Ryan, who threw 383 pitches in a season in 1973. Ryan, who played from 1966 to 1993, was known for his exceptional velocity and control. He was also the first pitcher to strike out 5,000 batters in his career.
2. Bob Feller––381 Pitches
The second-highest pitch count in a season belongs to Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller, who threw 381 pitches in a season in 1938. Feller, who played from 1936 to 1956, was known for his exceptional velocity and his ability to work deep into games.
3. Tom Seaver––363 Pitches
The third-highest pitch count in a season belongs to Tom Seaver, who threw 363 pitches in a season in 1970. Seaver, who played from 1967 to 1986, was known for his exceptional control and mechanics, and he often threw pitches with high velocity and accuracy.
The Highest Pitch Counts in a Career
1. Cy Young––7,356 Pitches
The highest pitch count in a career belongs to Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who threw 7,356 pitches in his career. Young, who played from 1890 to 1911, was known for his exceptional velocity and control. He was also the first pitcher to record 500 career wins and 3,000 career strikeouts.
2. Nolan Ryan––7,082 Pitches
The second-highest pitch count in a career belongs to Nolan Ryan, who threw 7,082 pitches in his career. Ryan, who played from 1966 to 1993, was known for his exceptional velocity and control. He was also the first pitcher to strike out 5,000 batters in his career.
3. Don Sutton––6,929 Pitches
The third-highest pitch count in a career belongs to Don Sutton, who threw 6,929 pitches in his career. Sutton, who played from 1966 to 1988, was known for his exceptional velocity and control. He was also the first pitcher to record 3,000 career strikeouts.
Conclusion
Pitching is one of the most important aspects of a baseball game, and keeping track of a pitcher’s pitch count is essential for both the pitcher’s health and performance. The MLB regulates and monitors the pitch counts of its pitchers, and the maximum number of pitches a pitcher can throw in a game is 125.
The highest pitch count in a single game belongs to Tom Seaver, who threw 164 pitches in a game against the Atlanta Braves in 1970. The highest pitch count in a season belongs to Nolan Ryan, who threw 383 pitches in a season in 1973. And the highest pitch count in a career belongs to Cy Young, who threw 7,356 pitches in his career.
Pitching is a demanding job, and the highest pitch counts demonstrate the incredible skill and stamina of the pitchers who achieved them. As the game of baseball continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if any of these records are broken.