Why Hitting a Major League Pitch is Nearly Impossible for the Average Person

The Science Behind the Speed

Hitting a major league pitch is a feat that combines natural instinct and extensive training, a combination most people simply do not possess. When a 95mph fastball is hurled towards home plate, it takes approximately 425 milliseconds to reach the batter. This leaves an incredibly narrow window of time for the batter to react, decide on a swing, and make contact. Considering that the average human reaction speed is around 250 milliseconds, the remaining time to execute a proper swing is minuscule.

Moreover, major league pitchers often mix up their pitches, adding layers of unpredictability to the ball's trajectory. This makes it even more challenging for the batter to anticipate and react appropriately. For an average person, even the experience of facing a minor league pitcher’s 90mph fastball can be intimidating and difficult to manage.

The Role of Experience and Training

Professional baseball players have faced tens of thousands of pitches over their careers, each gradually increasing in difficulty. This extensive experience allows them to develop the necessary visual acuity and bat speed to hit pitches consistently. Batting cages, which offer pitches at speeds of 70mph to 80mph, can provide a glimpse into the difficulty of hitting a major league pitch. While 70mph pitches are challenging, 80mph pitches often feel nearly impossible for the untrained individual.

Even the worst MLB pitchers throw breaking balls at 80mph, involving complex spin and movement. The skill to hit such pitches comes from years of dedicated practice and experience, something the average person lacks. Making contact by merely holding the bat out and hoping the ball hits it is technically possible but does not constitute a proper swing.

Physical and Psychological Barriers

Visual acuity and bat speed are critical components in successfully hitting a pitch, both of which are honed through extensive practice. Additionally, the fear of getting hit by the ball can significantly impact an average person's ability to focus and react. Familiarity with bunting might slightly increase the chances of making contact, but without proper experience, it remains highly unlikely.

College-level or D1 high school baseball players might stand a better chance due to their training and coordination. However, the speed and movement of pitches in MLB are far beyond what most people have ever encountered. Even an adult male coach might struggle to throw a 60mph pitch, highlighting the inherent difficulty even at lower speeds.

The Psychological Aspect

Facing a professional pitcher involves a significant psychological component that can induce fear and hesitation. The trajectory of a pitch must be anticipated almost instantly, a skill that professionals have honed over years. The physical strength required to generate sufficient bat speed is also developed through consistent training and is not something an average person can achieve overnight.

Without significant experience, the likelihood of making contact with a major league pitch is slim. Even getting lucky and making contact once out of 100 pitches is highly improbable for someone without the necessary training and experience. The combination of speed, movement, and psychological pressure makes****ting a major league pitch an almost insurmountable challenge for the average person.