Former Tennessee Vols star Ben Joyce, who has touched 105 MPH, reveals the top speed he thinks he could throw a baseball

In the world of baseball, there are few things more electrifying than a fastball that can light up the radar gun. Among the elite pitchers, velocity often separates the good from the great, and no one understands this better than former Tennessee Volunteers pitcher Ben Joyce. Known for his blazing fastball that has been clocked at an astonishing 105 miles per hour (MPH), Joyce has made a name for himself as one of the hardest throwers in recent memory.

While his time at Tennessee was brief but memorable, it was marked by his raw, otherworldly velocity that had MLB scouts, players, and fans alike in awe. With an electric arm and an innate ability to generate heat on the mound, Joyce has sparked conversations about just how fast a human being can throw a baseball. However, as powerful as his arm is, Joyce has always been humble in his approach, never fully accepting the idea that he’s reached his peak velocity.

In an exclusive interview, Joyce shared his thoughts on just how fast he thinks he could throw a baseball, revealing insights into his mindset as a pitcher and what it takes to push the limits of human performance in a sport that has long been defined by its speed and precision.

Ben Joyce’s Journey to 105 MPH

Before diving into his top speed predictions, it’s important to understand how Joyce got to this point in his career. Joyce’s journey from a relatively unknown prospect to one of college baseball’s most feared pitchers started with a focus on developing his raw talent. While his fastball was always considered his most impressive weapon, it was his commitment to improving all aspects of his game—mechanics, strength, and control—that allowed him to reach the heights he’s at today.

During his time at Tennessee, Joyce’s velocity became the talk of the college baseball world. His fastball regularly touched the triple digits, and his ability to sustain such speeds was a testament to his physical prowess and conditioning. However, what really set Joyce apart was the fact that he wasn’t just a one-trick pony. He could throw his fastball in any situation, at any time, and maintain its effectiveness despite the sheer velocity. This ability to control his fastball and throw it with precision made him a standout player at Tennessee and propelled him to a top draft pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, where he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels.

Joyce’s fastball topped out at 105 MPH in his time with Tennessee, making him one of the few pitchers in recent memory to hit that kind of velocity. But as he moved on to professional baseball, the natural question became: how much higher could his velocity go? With improved training, access to advanced technology, and the time to perfect his mechanics, could Joyce one day throw even faster?

The Fastest Ever: Pushing the Boundaries

When it comes to the question of how fast Joyce could realistically throw a baseball, it’s a fascinating one for both baseball enthusiasts and sports scientists. The current record for the fastest pitch ever thrown in a major league game is held by former pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who reached an eye-popping 105.1 MPH. This is a benchmark that has long stood in the sport of baseball, with few pitchers coming close to touching it. For Joyce, the question was always about whether he could break it.

In his recent conversation about his potential top speed, Joyce revealed that he believes he could push his fastball to 107 MPH, based on the improvements he’s made to his mechanics and strength. While 107 MPH might sound like a near-impossible feat for most pitchers, for Joyce, it’s an attainable goal that drives his daily work ethic.

“I think I could get to 107, maybe 108 on a good day,” Joyce said confidently. “It’s all about maintaining proper mechanics while increasing my body’s efficiency and strength. With the right training, I think I can keep improving and see what my arm can handle.”

What Joyce is referring to is the intricate balance of strength, mechanics, and consistency that it takes to generate velocity. It’s not just about raw power; it’s about maintaining the ability to throw consistently hard pitches without sacrificing control, accuracy, or the health of his arm. This is where the advancements in baseball training have come into play. Through biomechanics analysis, strength conditioning, and recovery routines, Joyce and other pitchers like him are able to explore the outer limits of what their arms can achieve.

The Science Behind Throwing 107 MPH

For most people, the idea of throwing a baseball at 105 MPH, let alone 107 MPH, seems almost impossible. But for elite athletes like Joyce, it’s a matter of harnessing everything their bodies are capable of. Throwing such an extreme velocity requires a highly specialized combination of strength, technique, and explosiveness, all working in perfect harmony.

According to pitching experts and biomechanics specialists, the ability to throw a baseball at high speeds is largely based on the amount of force a pitcher can generate through their legs, core, and upper body. The key is in the kinetic chain—the coordinated transfer of energy from the lower body through the torso and into the arm. To achieve maximum velocity, pitchers need to generate force from their legs and core, which can then be translated into arm speed and the force of the throw.

In addition to strength training, Joyce has focused on improving his throwing mechanics to maximize his velocity without putting excessive stress on his arm. This means refining his stride length, torque, and arm angle—all of which can play a critical role in how fast he can throw the ball.

Through cutting-edge technology such as motion capture systems, high-speed cameras, and radar guns, coaches and trainers can analyze the exact mechanics of a pitcher’s delivery. These technologies help pitchers like Joyce pinpoint areas where they can make improvements, leading to even greater velocity potential. Joyce’s training is no longer limited to just physical preparation; it involves constant data analysis and feedback to push his body beyond its limits.

Is 107 MPH Realistic for Ben Joyce?

While Joyce’s goal of reaching 107 MPH is ambitious, it’s certainly not out of the question, given his current physicality and the advancements in training methods. However, as with any extreme goal in sports, there are factors that can work against it.

One of the major obstacles for any pitcher aiming to throw harder is the increased risk of injury. Throwing a baseball at such high velocities places incredible strain on the arm, especially the elbow and shoulder. Joyce and other elite pitchers have to carefully manage their workload, ensuring they don’t push their arms too hard, too often. For this reason, maintaining a balance between increasing velocity and ensuring long-term health is paramount.

Despite these challenges, Joyce’s confidence in his ability to reach 107 MPH speaks to his dedication and passion for the game. He is constantly pushing himself to improve, and his mindset is that of an athlete who is determined to reach the peak of his physical abilities. Whether he ever reaches 107 MPH or not, the fact that he’s even entertaining the possibility is a testament to his competitive drive and relentless work ethic.

Ben Joyce’s Impact on Baseball and the Future

While his fastball is already a weapon, Ben Joyce’s potential to push the boundaries of velocity has the entire baseball community watching. If he does break the 107 MPH mark, it could have a profound impact on the way the game is played. Pitchers who are able to consistently throw above 105 MPH are rare, and the game has evolved over the years to highlight the importance of velocity in pitching.

However, as Joyce continues to develop his skills, it’s not just the radar gun that will define his career. His ability to pitch with control, adapt to hitters, and stay healthy will ultimately determine his long-term success. In today’s game, pitchers who can throw hard but also have a deep understanding of pitching strategy and tactics are the ones who thrive.

In the end, Ben Joyce’s journey is one of determination and limitless potential. Whether or not he ever hits 107 MPH, his fastball remains one of the most exciting weapons in baseball. And for fans, watching him pitch will continue to be a thrilling experience, with the promise that his journey has only just begun.