Fastest pitcher in the world

[curiousgeorge]

From having seen him live, I can tell you this doesn't even give it the slightest justice to how fast this actually is. I thought you guys might find this cool to see. I once asked Bill H. if Folkard uses "HE" and he said he sorta does but not the way it's traditionally taught; followed closely by saying Adam Folkard has had some major shoulder problems despite being only 24 years old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpbGpK5qFbM&feature=youtu.be

 

[Doug Romrell]

I'm not sure I could even touch the ball with the bat, let alone see the pitch. The umpire would yell, "STRIKE!" and I'd turn around and ask, "Did he pitch it?"

 

[Westwind]

Dude was dominant in Moline last year. Very impressive.

It seemed like he and his catcher made a point to let one get away in warmup pitches to rattle the chain link between innings. That would send a shiver down my spine if I was on deck.

If you are a girls fp nut and have a chance to go watch high level men's fp, go do it. It's fun. Don't let dd watch the footwork of the pitchers though!

 

[NEPA-Fastpitch]

Yeah, what's up with the hopping motion?

 

[coach james]

I'm a fan of the speed. 85mph rise ball.... holy crap!

 

[nanotech14]

I watched him last year in Bills home town of Erie. Adam hauls the mail. Nice guy too, listening to those guys talking and joke around is a hoot. Watched a guy from Pa. Power catch with only a face mask on, only a face mask!!!

 

[Amy in AZ.]

The hop out, alone would jar your body soooo much. Does a company pay these fellows travel costs?

 

[beastcakes10]

That is absolutely ridiculous! It sure doesn't look like he has shoulder issues to me.

 

[Balls]

Yeah, what's up with the hopping motion?

ISF softball rules are different from the rules you guys pitch by in the USA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09FLfw1rlrw

Most mens pitchers and now many female pitchers in Australia and New Zealand hop from the plate like Folkard.

I believe that the ISF rules are the official rules used at international level of softball but would like to know if this isn't so.

This method of pitching does create stress on joints but does not jar the body as much as you would think as hopping comes quite naturally.

Sometimes Adam Folkard uses IR depending on which pitch he throws.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoPtS8Z3ias 4:20 mark is Folkard.

You have to see Adam pitch live to appreciate the speed he throws at. I faced him once and never got the bat close, he was just too good for me.

 

[Westwind]

Amy, last year he was on a team sponsored by a casino from Ontario province I believe. I'm sure he was being paid.

It is definitely fun to hear the players visit and talk, they are a jolly bunch and there are lots of accents. I sat and watched a game by a couple of New Zealanders. I totally eavesdropped. They knew everybody and it was fun to listen in on their stories. My dd has a ball signed by Bill on one side and Folkard on the other. Folkard had just warmed up for game and she caught him headed for dugout. Her 11 year old life experiences didn't cause her to think that may not be a great time for an autograph and he stood there and visited with her like he had all day to talk. Very nice guy as is the above mentioned Mr. Hillhouse!

From what I saw, men's fp was exactly what sports ought to be, a bunch of people giving 100% and obviously having a blast doing it. They were truly having the time of their lives.