The Chicago Cubs had a rough day on Sunday, getting blown out by the New York Yankees 18-4. There was one pitch, in particular, that summed up their performance.
Down 17-4 in the eighth inning, the Cubs sent first baseman Frank Schwindel to the mound in order to conserve their pitchers given that the game was essentially over. All Schwindel had to do was minimize mistakes and just try to get the ball over the plate.
The first batter he faced was Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka, and Schwindel served him up a meatball so perfect that the slugger couldn’t help but connect the eephus pitch for a home run.
Higgy baby one more time. pic.twitter.com/DebAKuWGNI
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 12, 2022
Because you’re wondering, that pitch came in at 35.1 mph, a sure-thing home-run ball if ever a Major League Baseball batter has seen one. In fact, it now lives on as the slowest pitch ever recorded to be hit for a home run.
This 35.1 MPH Frank Schwindel pitch is the slowest (known/measured) MLB pitch to ever get hit for a home run! pic.twitter.com/oSO3sLnUyo
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) June 12, 2022
The Cubs can look forward to better days and better pitching performances, but this one is sure to be a highlight that’ll be shown for years. If nothing else, it’s going to be something that Schwindel will get to think about if he’s ever asked to pitch in an MLB game again.
For the record, Schwindel got out of the inning only giving up one more hit, so aside from that very, very bad mistake, he didn’t do that terrible overall. But clearly, the only thing anyone wanted to discuss was that very, very slow pitch.
Exit velocity: 95.9 mph
Pitch velocity: 35.1 mph https://t.co/SfWk5jTtqo— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) June 12, 2022
Ok I guess 🤨 https://t.co/vVwk4OSWfu
— Mark Freund (@MarkFreundTV) June 12, 2022
I’m officially out on position players @CJNitkowski pitching in mlb games. They can do it if a player works on it and is designated on the lineup card. I like fun. But it’s getting out of hand. Moderation. They only time I ask for it. https://t.co/rEBx386AXE
— Ryan Spilborghs (@spillygoat19) June 12, 2022
Good try, Frank.
I actually am impressed he was able to square this one up so well. https://t.co/dGH2BMg3jm
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) June 12, 2022
Lollipop drilled. https://t.co/laQnuESbRL
— Damon Bruce (@DamonBruce) June 12, 2022
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.