How fast did ryne duren throw?

Answer 1

I was in Yankee Stadium on many occasions and watched Ryne Duren pitch in relief. There were no instruments to clock speed in those days. Announcer Mel Allen once estimated that Ryne was throwing at least 109 MPH and no one disputed him. Batters were fearful because Duren wore thick, coke bottle glasses and at least pretended to throw wild. They would move as far to the outside of the batters box as they could and then lean over trying to make contact with the ball. I once saw Ryne throw a wild pitch about 40 rows up and behind home plate while the batter crossed himself.

Duren was a tall man with long legs. I saw a batter charge the mound after a close pitch when suddenly Duren charged him. After getting a few feet from home plate the batter thought better of his aggression and began to back peddle.

I have no doubt whatsoever that Ryne Duren threw at least 4 to 5 MPH faster then any man who ever threw a Baseball.