Walter Johnson Pitching Footage

[deadballfreaK]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[deadballfreaK]

[deadballfreaK]

Page 2 from Baseball Magazine Aug 1934

[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.