What Was the Slowest Pitch Ever Thrown in MLB?

Discover the slowest MLB pitch ever recorded—Brock Holt's 31.1 mph Ephus pitch that stunned fans in 2021.

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The slowest pitch ever recorded in MLB was thrown by Brock Holt at 31.1 mph during a game on August 7, 2021. This pitch, often referred to as an Ephus pitch, broke the previous records and became a viral sensation. Slow pitches like these are incredibly rare in professional baseball and are used mainly to catch batters off guard.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is an Ephus pitch in baseball? An Ephus pitch is an unusually slow, high-arcing pitch designed to catch batters off guard by disrupting their timing.
  2. Who holds the record for the slowest pitch in MLB history? Brock Holt holds the record for the slowest pitch in MLB history with a pitch thrown at 31.1 mph on August 7, 2021.
  3. Why do pitchers throw slow pitches like the Ephus? Pitchers use slow pitches like the Ephus to surprise batters, disrupt their timing, and create opportunities for strikeouts or weak contact.

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