How much velocity is needed to "hear" the ball?

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Nov 25, 2012
1,437
83
USA
Question for the group......how fast does a pitcher have to be throwing for you to actually "hear" the ball cutting through the air?

This can be from the stands (close to the catcher) or from the catcher's perspective which is often us bucket parents.

Just curious if anyone has ever put a mph number to it and wonder how fast it has to be to actually make noise.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
What you are hearing is the seams against the air, so it is a combination of both velocity and spin. Many moons ago I saw Nolan Ryan throw at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Could hear his fastball from the stands behind home plate. From the upper deck!
 
Jan 22, 2011
1,610
113
Good question. First time I heard the ball was a catcher with a great arm about 10 years ago. As Dneeld says, I started hearing with my DD when she was consistently throwing 50/51.
 
Feb 21, 2017
198
28
How much velocity is needed to "hear" the ball?

I spent many years coaching 10-12U baseball and low 50s is the magic number. I was surprised it is same for softball but I guess the noise caused by the turbulence from the seams is consistent between the two. Every increase of 4-7 MPH will be noticeable.

CoC


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Last edited:
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
What you are hearing is the seams against the air, so it is a combination of both velocity and spin. Many moons ago I saw Nolan Ryan throw at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Could hear his fastball from the stands behind home plate. From the upper deck!

I agree with riseball, but it also depends on the ball. DD doesn't throw heat, but she spins pretty well. When practicing with a Dudley I can hear it better than with some other balls. The Dudley seems to have higher strings.
 
May 1, 2018
659
63
Depends on the spin. I can still throw hard (mid 80's with baseball) , but you won't hear it unless I cut the ball.
 
Jun 19, 2013
753
28
DD was working on spins on her rise ball on Sunday and I was standing next to the net just eyeballing them and critiquing ;) at one point I said "that was a good one, and I could really hear it spinning" and she said it was because it wasn't bullet and the seams were hitting the air. I guess she is learning something haha
 

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