Mariners’ 100 mph fastball club

SEATTLE — Carter Capps was a catcher until his junior year in college and teammate Stephen Pryor didn’t throw a pitch until he was 16.

The two never knew how hard they threw before then, although the Seattle Mariners and every team they face know now, and the number is riveting — 100 mph.

Baseball has seen a resurgence in baseball velocity, with most every team having pitchers who can throw a pitch in the mid 90’s, but 100 mph?

“That’s still rare,” Kevin Millwood said, “and we’ve got two of them.”

Pryor, 23, offered a correction.

“When I watch Carter throw and he hits 100 mph, I think ‘Awesome,” Pryor said. “We’ve got three guys in this bullpen who can hit 100 on any given day — me, Carter and Tom (Wilhelmsen).”

Capps made his big-league debut 10 days ago and left an impression when the first pitch of his career was a 100 mph fastball.

“I’m not sure how many guys can say that, but it’s got to be a pretty exclusive club,” manager Eric Wedge said.

Capps, 22, has been pitching all of three years now, and never hit that triple-digit figure until this season.

“My first year on the mound, I hit 93 mph, which didn’t seem like all that big a deal,” Capps said. “It’s just what I throw now. I think once you get above 97 mph, it’s all about the same.”

Perhaps, but there is nothing more coveted than a pitcher who can dominate a game with one pitch, a power fastball.

“One game in high school, I went five innings and struck out 15 guys, throwing just fastballs,” Pryor said. “That was the only pitch I could throw for a strike.”

Why is the 100 mph fastball so revered in the game?

“The thing about seeing that 100 mph up on the board when you’re on deck is, you have to be ready for the fastball or you won’t have a chance to hit it,” Mariners second baseman Dustin Ackley said.

“You know if he can throw it that hard, he’s going to use that pitch.

“If someone’s throwing 90-91 mph, you might relax, but when they’re in the upper 90’s you have to totally commit to hitting ‘fastball’ or you’re done,” Ackley said.

Which is one reason velocity like that is such an advantage.

“You have to throw something you can command that’s not 100 mph,” pitching coach Carl Willis said. “Yeah, hitters will gear up for 100 mph, they’ll cheat and start their swing early.

“The thing is, a hitter goes up there totally sold on hitting that fastball and you throw him any other pitch for a strike — any other pitch — he can’t adjust,” Willis said.

“Having two kids in the bullpen who throw that hard changes the game, it can pressure the other team. They start thinking, ‘If we don’t score early, we’re gonna spend the seventh and eighth innings looking at 100 mph.’”

It took Pryor years to reach that velocity, and nearly as long to control it.

“My junior year in high school I was clocked at 89 mph. Before then I’d played the outfield, third base, catcher. I knew I had a good arm, but not how hard I threw,” he said. “And some days I didn’t have a clue where it was going.”

College got his velocity up.

“My junior year at Tennessee Tech, my pitching coach told me all fall to throw as hard as I could once I was loose, and by spring the first game I pitched I hit 96 mph,” Pryor said.

Capps first collegiate season someone clocked him at 93 mph, and he didn’t think much more about it until this season in Class AA.

“In the minors, where crowds are smaller. you’d hear fans yelling when you were in the high 90’s, ‘Let’s see you hit 100!’” Capps said. “And you’d hear them buzzing when you did.”

Pryor is a work in progress, throwing the fastball, a 90-91 mph changeup and a 93-94 mph slider. Capps throws a 75 mph curve and an 88-89 mph changeup.

The great thing about being in the big leaues is talking to the veteran pitchers and learning, adding to your game,” Pryor said. “I don’t try to throw 100 mph, but it’s an advantage you might not have at, say, 94 mph.”

Millwood has talked with both and shakes his head at their raw ability.

“I think these two kids are special. You keep them here, stay with them as they learn, that’s a pair of arms that will make a difference,” Millwood said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.