Pitching Velocity: Understanding Development & Game Performance

Question
I've read numerous blogs and posts regarding age and velocity.  My son is 13 and
will be 14 in 2 months. I have clocked him at 79mph twice at his pitching lessons.
His instructor says he probably adds 2-3mph during game time situations. What is
your take on that supposition? Yea, I know. Seems like I'm bragging but I'm not.
Just curious. His average is 76.7mph during practice with control.

Answer
Hi John,

Most pitchers do tend to throw a little harder in games.  This can be because of extra adrenaline early on in the games or because the players will often press a little more in games.  However, most pitchers will start to back to their average velocity after a few innings.  The estimate of about 2-3 mph sounds about right, but it would depend on how the pitcher is feeling on that day.  It could be even be a little faster if the pitcher is really feeling it that day.  Anyway, I found something that you might have some interest in.  These are the average stats for fastball speeds for major league pitchers:

Major League Pitchers Fastball Speeds
*Great - 94 - 97 mph
*Good - 92 - 93 mph
*Average - 88 - 91 mph

Hope this helps,
Jack Elliott
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com