Max Clark’s Reaction to Rapid Pitch in Spring Game

Max Clark, a top prospect for the Detroit Tigers, had quite the reaction when he faced a blistering 162.4 mph fastball during his first at-bat. This occurred in an 8-7 exhibition loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where Clark led off the inning against Pittsburgh’s standout young pitcher, Seth Hernandez. As the fastball zoomed past him, Clark was visibly taken aback, exclaiming, “Oh my god—” after witnessing the speed of the pitch.

In this particular game, which was a part of MLB’s Spring Breakout event, Clark managed to get to bat, but Hernandez quickly induced a double play, concluding the only inning played. Spring Breakout is an annual event featuring exhibition games among top MLB prospects during spring training.

At just 21, Clark is recognized as the No. 2 prospect in the Tigers’ farm system. Last season, he posted a .271 batting average with 14 home runs and 67 RBIs in High-A and Double-A play. He’s poised to potentially make his major league debut this year, meaning fans might see more of those eye-popping fastballs from pitchers like Hernandez.

Hernandez, the 19-year-old pitcher for the Pirates, was drafted sixth overall last year and has already shown promise with a versatile four-pitch repertoire. He is expected to begin the upcoming season in rookie ball.

The Pirates have high hopes for Hernandez, looking to position him near the top of their pitching rotation alongside Bubba Chandler and National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skeens in the coming years.