What’s it like to get hit by a 95-MPH fastball? It’s bad news for a ballplayer, but even worse news if you’re a bird. On March 24, 2001, in an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson threw a fastball that hit a dove flying in front of home plate. The bird died instantly, appearing to explode into a firework of feathers, never knowing what hit it.
THAT was truly grizzly! Funny how growing up, standing at the plate, it never occurs to you that this could be dangerous. 😀 I used to play catcher (strictly amateur level, city leagues) and have broken my fair share of fingers, but batting I was lucky enough to never catch one above the shoulder.
It has been forever since I have played in any kind of a league, and I really miss it! I agree, you never think about how dangerous the sport is until you see something like this or the Chapman line drive just this spring. It’s a small, hard ball moving at very high speeds.
That pitch was definitely fowled off.
🤣🤣