5-year-old hits 90 mph pitch

[Auggie]

06-18-10 / mlb.com

He's got astounding range at second base, intense focus and discipline at the plate and can send a 90-mph fastball screaming back where it came from.

No, he's not All-Star Chase Utley or former American League MVP Dustin Pedroia. He is 5-year-old Ariel Antigua, and while comparing his skills to those Major Leaguers might be a stretch at the moment, he's certainly got skills far beyond his years.

While other kids his age are still trying to transition off of a tee, Antigua, who lives with his family in Jersey City, NJ., is on the verge of officially setting the Guinness World Record for youngest person to hit a fastball traveling at 90 mph.

The young slugger has grown quite famous in recent weeks, after a video that his father Luis Antigua had made to prove his son's exploits to his friends went viral on YouTube. Since that time, Ariel has been interviewed by all the local news outlets, Sports Illustrated and even has an invite to showcase his ability on the Jimmy Kimmel show this summer. He, along with his family, was even invited to visit Mets' batting practice a few weeks ago.

LINK & VIDEO: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100616&content_id=11241826&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

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"Invited to visit the Mets' batting practice..."

I'm surprised they didn't sign him.

[joeybee12]

1. I'm surprised Pittsburg or Baltimore haven't snatched him up yet!

:evilgrin:

[Renew Deal]

2. They can have him for a few years until the Yankees are ready for him.

:D

[hughee99]

3. Who the hell throws a 90 mile and hour pitch to a 5 year old! n/t

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

4. Due to shorter pitching distances at younger levels of play,

the better pitchers throw 100+ mph relative to the pros. Not at 5, though.

The same goes for softball.

[Onceuponalife]

5. That video does not show him hitting a 90 MPH fastball

I don't believe it.