Stephen Strasburg and the 10 Most Electrifying Fastballs of All Time

Chris StephensMay 9, 2012

Ever since Stephen Strasburg was selected first overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2009 MLB Draft, he's been a player we've been excited to see in every start.

His fastball is something of electricity, and when you blink, it's past you.

There are many others throughout big-league history that have had electric fastballs.

Here's a look at the 10 most electrifying fastballs in MLB history, excluding Strasburg as the jury is still out on him.

10. Pedro Martinez

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Pedro Martinez was known as a major fireballer during his time on the mound.

With 3,154 career strikeouts and a career K/9 of 10.0398, Martinez showed he could consistently bring the heat.

From 1999-2000, he had 597 strikeouts, two of the most prolific seasons for strikeouts in big league history.

9. Kerry Wood

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For what the Cubs thought he would be, I think it's safe to say that Kerry Wood was a disappointment as a big league pitcher.

But, when he was at his best, Wood was one of the finest in the league.

Wood compiled 1,209 strikeouts as a starter from 1998-2004.

His career strikeouts per nine innings is at 10.3368, which ranks second all time.

8. Tim Lincecum

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Although still young, Tim Lincecum has quickly emerged as one of the best power pitchers in the game.

Over the last four years, he's had 977 strikeouts and has a career K/9 of 9.8522, which currently ranks fourth all-time.

There's a reason why his fastball is one of the best...and I feel the strikeout numbers speak volumes towards that.

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7. Mark Wohlers

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Mark Wohlers was a good closer for the Braves from 1995-97, and even recorded a fastball at 103 mph.

During that time, he also recorded 97 saves and 282 strikeouts.

Throughout his career, he topped out over 100 mph, making his fastball very lively.

6. Bob Gibson

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Bob Gibson was one of the best power pitchers in the 60s and 70s.

In fact, I think it's safe to say that he was the best of his era.

Throughout his career, Gibson struck out 3,117 batters, although he had a low strikeouts per nine innings mark.

He could still strike out the best hitters in the game with relative ease.

5. Bob Feller

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Some people will look at Bob Feller's numbers and say that it was just a sign of the times.

However, I classify Feller from a pitcher's standpoint the same way people do with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig from a hitter's standpoint.

Regardless of the level of competition, all three were dominant and were among the best to ever play the game.

Feller had 2,581 strikeouts during his career, including 1,007 strikeouts from 1938-41.

4. Randy Johnson

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Randy Johnson's height made his fastball that much more intimidating.

Standing at 6'10" Johnson is the career leader in strikeouts per nine innings with 10.6098.

He also struck out 4,875 batters, which ranks second all time behind Nolan Ryan.

Thinking of Johnson standing on the mound probably still gives some of the batters he faced the willies.

3. Joel Zumaya

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Joel Zumaya is another one of those pitchers that had a very lively fastball.

Having once topped out over 104 mph, Zumaya has recently run into trouble with his elbow.

Sadly, Zumaya hasn't been able to stay off the disabled list.

I believe it's due to the fact that he throws so hard that his arm, elbow and shoulder can't keep up.

2. Aroldis Chapman

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Aroldis Chapman is the new boy wonder when it comes to a lively fastball.

Chapman owns the record for the fastest pitch thrown in MLB history at 105.1 mph. Unofficially, he's thrown 106 mph, a speed that was recorded at the Great American Ballpark.

Still, his fastball is one of the best in the league, and if he can get his control down, he'll be a good starter for many years to come.