Orioles interviews (Palmer, Ripken)

[Just Regular]

I'd never filtered Fangraphs pitcher leaderboards to cap it at Age 23 for all history, but I'm glad I now have.    The first page of results is a dazzling mosaic, including childhood fascination Matt Kilroy who had the 500K season for Baltimore.    Take that, Nolan Ryan.

Blyleven and a bunch of 19th Century dudes, but also Tanana, Fernando, Gooden and Felix.

https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&ind=0&startdate=&enddate=&season1=1871&season=2023&age=15%2C23

Silver, Kid, Toad, Noodles, Pink and Ice Box right there.

 

[Moose Milligan]

I always thought it was a bit odd that Palmer didn't strike out more batters.  In the interview he estimates that he threw in the upper 90s.  I mean, he didn't throw as hard as Nolan Ryan but he certainly wasn't a soft-tosser.  

I suppose if you have defenses behind you like he had, you're not worried about striking guys out.