Stephen Strasburg's MLB Debut at Nationals Park

Excited for Strasmas

Last night at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. was hyped as one of the biggest debuts in Major League history.  Rarely has this much attention been given to a player as young and unproven at the big league level as Stephen Strasburg.  The names Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, and Mark Prior come to mind as the most anticipated players of the last 30 years.  These three men all started in the same manner – bursting onto the scene – but eventually encountered downfalls for different reasons.  Before we get ahead of ourselves (in the next Pro Baseballinstruction.com post), I think it is important to absorb what we witnessed last night.

Overlooked in the build up was how Stephen Strasburg, just one year ago, was a 20 year old college kid eating in his school’s cafeteria.  In the year that has ensued, he was drafted 1st overall in the MLB draft, signed a $15.1 million contract, teamed up with super-agent Scott Boras, and quickly ascended through the minor league system.  The lifestyle changes, the intense pressure, and the attention must be overwhelming.  Think back to your college days (if you’re old enough) and try to put yourself in his shoes.  Would you have been able to take this leap into stardom?  This speaks to the maturity and skill that one must have to reach such a level.  By the way kid, now you have to produce at the Major League level!

Pro Baseball Instruction was fortunate enough to have a close view of Stephen Strasburg.  All of our pictures have been shared in our community site.  Sign up for a free account to view them.

Every news outlet has been talking about the various records and stats from last night’s game.  There are a handful that stand tall above everything else:

• 7 IP, 14K, and zero BB in 94 pitches.  With strikeout totals like this, it typically takes a seasoned MLB pitcher in the neighborhood of 120-130 pitches to accomplish what Strasburg did in 94 pitches.
• Since 1900, only 5 players in Major League Baseball have struck out 14 players while walking zero in 7 innings or less.  You probably know the other 5: Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Javier Vazquez, Mike Mussina and Brad Penny
• Fastball speed = 99MPH, Change up speed = 89MPH, and curveball speed = 79MPH.  Rarely does a professional pitcher (the best in the world) possess weapons like this.  To put these spreads into perspective, try driving your car at 60MPH, then floor it to 80MPH.  Depending on the car, it may begin to shimmy and shake!  Now try to recognize the difference in the three – with a split second to swing the bat.  Yep.  That explains the 14 strikeouts!
• $1.5 million.  What does this mean?  That is the estimated value of last night’s game to the Washington Nationals.  Let me clarify.  That is the incremental, or additional value of last night’s game.  You heard me right.  The Washington Nationals easily could have recovered at least 10% of his $15.1M contract!  Thanks to CNBC’s Darren Rovell for that information.

Strasburg's First Pitch

As you can see, last night was about more than just a 21 year old kid who throws a 100MPH fastball.  It was a night that could begin to breathe new life into our nation’s capitol.

Here is a video of all 14 Strasburg strikeouts from his MLB debut.

Be sure to join in the discussion in our Pro Baseball Instruction Community site, located here.

Check back next time for more insight on Stephen Strasburg and how you can improve your game by watching him.

Best of luck,
The PBI Staff