During a recent MLB game, a pitcher threw a fastball that exceeded 170 km/h. The ball directly hit the batter's body, who immediately fell to the ground. The stadium fell silent at the violence of the impact. However, against all odds, the player got up on his own feet and decided to continue playing, leaving everyone astonished.
The physics of the impact: how the body absorbs 170 km/h ⚡
From a technical standpoint, a pitch at that speed transfers kinetic energy close to 150 joules upon impact. The area of the body hit, usually the torso or arm, must dissipate that energy in milliseconds. Muscles and fat act as natural shock absorbers, but bruising and pain are inevitable. In this case, the batter's reaction suggests the bone did not fracture, something that depends on the impact angle and tissue density.
The steel batter: not even pain takes him out of the game 💪
One would think that after receiving a hit of such magnitude, the sensible thing would be to call an ambulance, get a massage, and take a few days off. But no, this modern gladiator got up as if nothing had happened, probably thinking: if I step down, the next pitch will be even faster. The crowd, between amazement and fright, applauded his resilience. Of course, ice will surely be his best friend in the locker room.