Walter Johnson Pitching Footage

[auggiedoggy]

The "Big Train" in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imwUHeuVqME

My apologies if this has been posted here before.

While we're at it, here's some Christy Mathewson pitching footage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unwlec-YNYI

[markf31]

Fantastic clips! I just spent my entire lunch break watching those two clips as well as the other various "linked" clips.

Good stuff!

[DeanH3]

Thanks for posting. I have seen these before but I can watch these over and over and over. :)

[auggiedoggy]

Thanks for posting. I have seen these before but I can watch these over and over and over. :)

I hear you! Love watching old clips from that era. Its rather sad that both these men died young due to health complications. Johnson at 59 and Mathewson at only 45. :(

[z28jd]

I actually started using the Walter Johnson windup/delivery whenever I play baseball because I hurt something in my shoulder and can't throw regular anymore. That delivery doesn't hurt. Not good for any distance, but I can pitch that way. The windup he does at the 35 second mark is what I do, makes me feel all vintage inside :)

[auggiedoggy]

I actually started using the Walter Johnson windup/delivery whenever I play baseball because I hurt something in my shoulder and can't throw regular anymore. That delivery doesn't hurt. Not good for any distance, but I can pitch that way. The windup he does at the 35 second mark is what I do, makes me feel all vintage inside :)

Yes, that's a very vintage style windup. You may be the only one who does it now. :D

[Hankphenom]

I've always thought that Johnson's little windmill 360, which looks so quaint today, actually makes a hell of a lot of sense, relaxing and loosening the muscles a little before the furious strain of the pitch. Those old-time pitchers were certainly doing something the brittle-armed guys of today could learn from, and maybe the more elaborate windups of yesteryear were for more than just show.

[Hot Springs Bathers]

Hank it reminds me of Mike Marshall's delivery in the 1970s. Marshall had worked his out to minimize strain on the muscles and I know he felt like he was just as good 10 years after he left the majors as when he was playing. Too bad he couldn't get along with anyone.

The Matty delivery is Seaver dead on!

[ynnek4]

Are there any sort of estimates on how fast he could throw?

[deadballfreaK]

I've always thought that Johnson's little windmill 360, which looks so quaint today, actually makes a hell of a lot of sense, relaxing and loosening the muscles a little before the furious strain of the pitch. Those old-time pitchers were certainly doing something the brittle-armed guys of today could learn from, and maybe the more elaborate windups of yesteryear were for more than just show.

My biggest weakness as a player was a weak sore arm. One day while playing catch I started trying to emulate Johnson. Just an easy sidearm whipping motion and to my surprise I could throw maybe 10 mph faster with no pain. It was obvious by then I wasn't going anywhere in baseball, but it was fun burning guys out. I had several tell me to stop it before I broke their hand.

[packs]

Looks like some easy gas to me.

[deadballfreaK]

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y520/kdmadden/wj1934_zps44b89342.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/kdmadden/media/wj1934_zps44b89342.jpg.html)

[deadballfreaK]

Page 2 from Baseball Magazine Aug 1934

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y520/kdmadden/wj1934b_zps90110b80.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/kdmadden/media/wj1934b_zps90110b80.jpg.html)

[Zach Wheat]

Thanks for posting. I have seen the clips before but am always amazed by his side arm delivery.

[Runscott]

I watched the clip 3 times in a row - fascinating to see him doing so many things differently from today's pitchers, and being successful at it.

Nolan Ryan was my favorite pitcher until that race between him and Carlton to break Johnson's all-time strikeout record. I got to know more about Johnson back then, and he couldn't help but become a favorite. Now I have more of his memorabilia than any other player.