During an in-game television interview, Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio mentioned hearing concerns from people about pitcher Jacob Misiorowski’s velocity.
Besides his own private box, Attanasio and his family have front row seats near the Milwaukee dugout, exposing him to what the fans are saying in the lower field section.
Attanasio couldn’t help but chuckle in detailing the anxiety due to Misiorowski reaching “only” 99 miles per hour on some pitches Thursday at American Family Field.
Such is the expectation level for the Miz, who has raised the bar with his electric right arm that any fastball under 100 is now questioned for not being fast enough.
Or his standard.
Not one to disappoint, Misiorowski did set a franchise record for Opening Day by striking out 11 during his five innings Thursday in a 14-2 win against the Chicago White Sox.
Misiorowski’s top speed was 101.1 mph.
During his postgame press conference, the 23-year-old Misiorowski, the third youngest Milwaukee pitcher to start an Opening Day, was, in fact, asked about his velo.
“Just early in the season, I don’t think there’s anything to it,” he said. “At the end (his final batter), I was still throwing 100. It’s still there. It’s not gone.
“I’m not trying to throw 104 right now.
“What is it, March?”
It was last October that Miz came out of the Brewers bullpen in Game 2 of the National League Division Series and unleashed lightning bolts against the Chicago Cubs.
In his first-ever postseason appearance, spanning three innings, Misiorowski had 31 pitches of 100 mph or faster, including a couple that hit 104.3 and 104.2.
In the pitch-tracking era, only San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller had thrown a pitch (104.5) faster in the postseason.
On Tuesday, Misiorowski appeared on the Pat McAfee television show and was the subject of a generous offer from McAfee, a former National Football League punter.
If Misiorowski was able to hit 104 on Thursday, McAfee would donate $100,000 to the charity of his choice — a number McAfee later increased to $500,000.
“Top pitch scientists say a baseball can go 106 or something like that,” Misiorowski told McAfee. “I think I’m good where I’m at … 104, point 2 or 3.”
Added the Miz, “It’s a crazy amount of college guys throwing 100 right now. It’s insane. I remember when I was in junior college (Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri)…
“Me hitting high 90s, it was crazy (then).”
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski reacts after striking out Chicago White Sox batter Andrew Benintendi during the first inning of an Opening Day baseball game Thursday in Milwaukee.
KAYLA WOLF / AP PHOTO
Contreras will challenge calls
During his McAfee appearance, Misiorowski admitted that his Brewers catcher William Contreras — Miz calls him Bill — would handle the ABS Challenge System.
This is new to Major League Baseball this season. The batter or pitcher or, in this case, Bill, the catcher, can appeal a ball or strike to the home plate umpire.
The call comes under 3D tracking technology. It defines the strike zone based on the batter’s individual height. The system is powered by T-Mobile.
Teams start with two challenges per game. You keep the challenge if you’re successful. Reviews are instant and results are played out on the centerfield scoreboard.
It’s pretty efficient. And fan-friendly. Sort of like Wimbledon’s in-or-out system. It was given a trial run in the minor leagues first to iron out any potential flaws.
There is an irony for the Miz.
“For me, not a chance in the world I could ever see the (strike) zone and take a guess,” he told McAfee. “I’m falling off the mound and my head is moving all over…”
Milwaukee Brewers’ William Contreras catches a pitch during a spring training workout on Feb. 18 in Phoenix.
MORRY GASH / AP PHOTO
Misiorowski noted that he has been working on a change-up to add to his arsenal of fastball, curveball and slider. But he didn’t sound real comfortable with the pitch yet.
He really didn’t need a fourth pitch against the White Sox.
Even though leadoff hitter Chase Meidroth homered off Misiorowski — “Giving up the home run sucks,” he said — the Miz was in total command, allowing just one other hit.
Rationalized Milwaukee skipper Pat Murphy, “Sometimes you’ve got to get punched in the face to respond, and I thought Miz did a great job responding.”
Misiorowski walked three in what was only his 15th career Major League start. He was the seventh youngest with double-digit strikeouts on Opening Day since 1900.
The impressive list includes Bob Feller in 1939, Gary Nolan in 1969, Felix Hernandez in 2007, Gary Bell in 1960, Don Drysdale in 1960 and Herb Score in 1957.
“I don’t look at it as historic in terms of how he threw the ball,” Murphy said. “I think he did some really good things and he matured, which we were hoping for.
“I think that’s the thing to get excited about.
“What it means for the future…
“He made some big pitches at big times…”
Misiorowski has been fast-tracked to stardom. He will turn 24 on April 3.
Speaking to his condensed timeline, Brewers television analyst Tim Dillard likes his upside.
“The guy has already been in big moments, he’s always had success. He’s had some ups and downs. What it comes down to…” he said prior to Thursday’s game, “can he channel that into longevity? Can he channel that into consistency instead of that roller coaster ride that maybe he was on a little bit last year?”
Before the opening pitch, Murphy said this, “He’s got to control his emotions. I think he understands that. He’s been through a lot in his career. You’ll see a good version of him.”
He was spot on.
Pat Murphy talks about the ‘who’
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy watches during batting practice ahead of Game 1 of the National League Championship Series last fall in Milwaukee.
BRYNN ANDERSON / AP PHOTO
Murphy was quizzed on his own team and what he likes most about the Brewers and their odds of winning a fourth straight division championship.
“I just trust them,” he said. “There’s a lot of guys who get it. We always talk about the who in the room. I think we have the right who.
“A lot of people have said we’re not going to be very good.
“But I believe and I trust in the team.”
Hours later, his belief and trust in his players was never stronger. So was his appreciation for the support at American Family Field.
“These fans are fabulous,” Murphy said. “They’ve taken this team and they’ve recognized who those guys are in the (locker) room.
“That’s been a fun thing to see the fans recognize our brand of baseball that they created … and we’re playing without one of the best offensive players we have.”
Outfielder Jackson Chourio was placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left hand before Thursday’s game. He’s expected to miss two to four weeks.
But it did not take away from a successful opener. Or the promise of more to come. Before long, the Miz will be up to 100 consistently, maybe then 104, and everyone can relax.
Except for McAfee if the offer stands.