Top 25 Slang For Fastball – Meaning & Usage

Baseball, often referred to as America’s favorite pastime, has its own unique language and slang. And when it comes to the fastball, there are plenty of colorful terms to describe this lightning-fast pitch. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into the game, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of slang words and phrases that will have you speaking the language of fastball aficionados in no time. So step up to the plate and get ready to knock it out of the park with our guide to the top slang for fastball.

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1. Heater

A “heater” is a term used to describe a fastball that is thrown with exceptional speed and velocity. It is often used to reference a pitch that is difficult for batters to hit.

For example, a baseball commentator might say, “The pitcher just threw a blazing heater right past the batter.”
A fan watching the game might shout, “That was one heck of a heater! No chance for the batter.”
A player discussing a pitcher’s strengths might say, “He’s known for his nasty heater that can reach triple digits.”

2. Cheese

“Cheese” is a slang term used to refer to a fastball. It is often used to describe a pitch that is thrown with high velocity and can be difficult for batters to hit.

For instance, a baseball player might say, “The pitcher threw some serious cheese in that inning.”
A commentator might describe a pitch as, “A perfect piece of cheese right down the middle.”
A fan might exclaim, “Did you see that cheese? It’s no wonder the batter swung and missed!”

3. Smoke

“Smoke” is a term used to describe a fastball that is thrown with incredible speed. It refers to the velocity at which the pitch travels, making it difficult for batters to react and make solid contact.

For example, a baseball analyst might say, “The pitcher has been throwing smoke all night, striking out batters left and right.”
A fan might comment, “That pitch had some serious smoke on it. The batter didn’t stand a chance.”
A player might describe a pitcher’s fastball as, “He’s got some serious smoke coming out of his arm.”

4. Gas

“Gas” is a slang term used to refer to a fastball that is thrown with great speed. It emphasizes the velocity and power behind the pitch, making it challenging for batters to make solid contact.

For instance, a baseball announcer might say, “The pitcher just unleashed some serious gas on that last pitch.”
A fan might shout, “Throw some gas, pitcher! Strike him out!”
A player might compliment a pitcher by saying, “His gas is unhittable. It’s like he’s throwing bullets.”

5. Cheddar

“Cheddar” is a slang term used to describe a fastball that is thrown with high velocity. It refers to the “cheese-like” speed of the pitch, making it difficult for batters to hit.

For example, a baseball commentator might say, “The pitcher just fired some cheddar right past the batter.”
A fan might exclaim, “That pitch had some serious cheddar on it! No chance for the batter.”
A player might describe a pitcher’s fastball as, “He’s got some wicked cheddar. It’s tough to catch up to.”

6. Express

This term refers to a fastball that is thrown with exceptional speed and velocity. It is used to describe a pitch that is difficult for batters to react to.

For example, “The pitcher just threw an express fastball that reached 100 miles per hour.”
A commentator might say, “The pitcher’s express fastball is his most dangerous weapon.”
A coach might advise a pitcher, “Focus on your mechanics to maximize the speed on your express fastball.”

7. Rocket

This slang term is used to describe a fastball that is thrown with incredible speed, similar to a rocket launching into the air. It emphasizes the velocity and power of the pitch.

For instance, “The pitcher unleashed a rocket fastball that left the batter swinging in vain.”
A fan might exclaim, “Did you see that rocket fastball? It was like lightning!”
A sports analyst might describe a pitcher’s performance as, “He’s been throwing rockets all game, overpowering the opposing hitters.”

8. Heaterino

This slang term is used to describe a fastball that is thrown with high velocity and intensity. It conveys the idea of the pitch being “hot” or difficult to handle for batters.

For example, “The pitcher threw a heaterino right past the batter for a strikeout.”
A teammate might encourage the pitcher, saying, “Keep throwing those heaterinos, they can’t touch you!”
A broadcaster might say, “The pitcher’s heaterino is his go-to pitch in high-pressure situations.”

9. Turbo

This term refers to a fastball that is thrown with exceptional speed and power, similar to a turbocharged engine. It emphasizes the explosiveness and force behind the pitch.

For instance, “The pitcher’s turbo fastball reached 98 miles per hour on the radar gun.”
A commentator might say, “His turbo fastball is nearly unhittable when he’s on his game.”
A coach might advise a pitcher, “Focus on your leg drive to generate more power on your turbo fastball.”

10. Flame

This slang term is used to describe a fastball that is thrown with blazing speed, as if it were on fire. It emphasizes the heat and velocity of the pitch.

For example, “The pitcher’s flame fastball sizzled past the batter for a strike.”
A fan might shout, “That was a flame fastball! No chance to catch up to that!”
A sports analyst might describe a pitcher’s performance as, “He’s been throwing flames all night, overpowering the opposing lineup.”

11. Cannonball

This term refers to a fastball that is thrown with great velocity and force, similar to the impact of a cannonball. The term emphasizes the strength and speed of the pitch.

For example, a commentator might say, “The pitcher just threw a cannonball that reached 100 miles per hour!”
A fan might exclaim, “Did you see that cannonball? It flew right past the batter!”
A player might describe their own pitch, saying, “I threw a cannonball that struck out the batter.”

12. Bullet

This slang term is used to describe a fastball that is thrown with incredible speed, likening it to the velocity of a bullet. The term highlights the rapidity and straight trajectory of the pitch.

For instance, a sports announcer might say, “The pitcher fired a bullet right down the middle for a strike!”
A pitcher might boast, “My fastball is like a bullet. It’s almost impossible to hit.”
A coach might encourage their pitcher, saying, “Keep throwing those bullets and overpower the batters!”

13. Thunder

This slang term refers to a fastball that is thrown with tremendous power and force, creating a loud and intimidating sound similar to thunder. The term emphasizes the impact and intimidation factor of the pitch.

For example, a commentator might say, “The pitcher just unleashed a thunderous fastball that the batter couldn’t touch!”
A player might describe their pitch, saying, “I love the feeling of throwing thunder. It makes me feel unstoppable.”
A fan might cheer, “Every time he throws thunder, the crowd goes wild!”

14. Laser

This slang term is used to describe a fastball that is thrown with pinpoint accuracy, likening it to the focused and straight path of a laser beam. The term highlights the pitcher’s ability to hit their target with precision.

For instance, a sports commentator might say, “The pitcher just painted the corner with a laser-like fastball!”
A pitcher might explain their strategy, saying, “I aim to throw lasers and hit the edges of the strike zone.”
A coach might praise their pitcher, saying, “Your laser fastball is unhittable. Keep hitting those spots!”

15. Zipper

This slang term refers to a fastball that is thrown with exceptional speed and movement, resembling the quick and zipping motion of a zipper. The term emphasizes the velocity and agility of the pitch.

For example, a commentator might say, “The pitcher’s fastball has so much zip, it’s hard for batters to catch up.”
A pitcher might exclaim, “I just threw a zipper that blew right past the batter!”
A fan might cheer, “We need more zippers like that to strike out the opposing team!”

16. Lightning

This term refers to a fastball that is thrown with incredible velocity. It suggests that the pitch is so fast that it resembles a bolt of lightning.

For example, a sports commentator might say, “The pitcher just threw a lightning fastball, clocked at 100 miles per hour!”
A fan might exclaim, “Did you see that lightning pitch? It was too fast for the batter to even react!”
A coach might instruct a pitcher, “Focus on your mechanics and try to throw a lightning fastball to catch the hitter off guard.”

17. Zoomer

This slang term is used to describe a fastball that is thrown with exceptional speed and movement. The pitch “zooms” towards the plate, making it difficult for the batter to track and hit.

For instance, a baseball player might say, “The pitcher’s zoomer was unhittable today. I couldn’t even see the ball!”
A commentator might note, “The pitcher’s zoomer had so much movement that it fooled the batter and resulted in a swing and miss.”
A coach might encourage a pitcher, “Keep throwing those zoomers. They’re the key to overpowering the hitters.”

18. Jet

This slang term refers to a fastball that is thrown with exceptional velocity. The pitch is so fast that it resembles a jet flying through the air.

For example, a sports announcer might say, “The pitcher just unleashed a jet fastball, reaching 98 miles per hour!”
A fan might comment, “The pitcher’s jet fastball is nearly impossible to hit. It’s like the ball disappears!”
A pitcher might boast, “I can throw a jet fastball that will blow right by any hitter.”

19. Zinger

This term describes a fastball that is thrown with tremendous speed and movement. The pitch “zings” towards the plate, often with late-breaking movement that surprises the hitter.

For instance, a baseball analyst might say, “The pitcher’s zinger had so much late movement that the batter swung right through it.”
A fan might cheer, “That zinger fastball was nasty! It started inside and broke right over the corner.”
A pitcher might explain, “I try to throw a zinger fastball to keep the hitters off balance. It’s my go-to pitch.”

20. Sizzler

This slang term refers to a fastball that is thrown with exceptional speed and intensity. The pitch is so fast that it sizzles through the air, leaving the batter with little time to react.

For example, a baseball commentator might say, “The pitcher’s sizzler reached 100 miles per hour on the radar gun!”
A fan might exclaim, “That sizzler fastball was on fire! The batter didn’t stand a chance.”
A pitcher might boast, “I can throw a sizzler fastball that will blow right by any hitter.”

21. Warp speed

This phrase is often used to describe something moving very quickly, like a fastball. It originates from science fiction and refers to a hypothetical speed faster than the speed of light.

For example, a sports commentator might say, “That pitch was thrown at warp speed!”
A fan might exclaim, “The pitcher’s fastball was so fast, it felt like warp speed!”
A player might describe their own pitching speed by saying, “I can throw the ball at warp speed.”

22. Sonic boom

This term comes from the sound phenomenon that occurs when an object moves through the air faster than the speed of sound. It is often used metaphorically to describe a very fast fastball.

For instance, a baseball announcer might say, “That fastball broke the sound barrier! Sonic boom!”
A fan might shout, “Did you hear that? That pitch was like a sonic boom!”
A player might boast, “I throw a fastball that creates a sonic boom.”

23. Quickie

This slang term is often used to describe something that is done quickly or in a short amount of time. In the context of a fastball, it refers to a pitch that is thrown with great speed.

For example, a sports commentator might say, “He threw a quickie fastball that the batter couldn’t catch up to.”
A fan might comment, “That pitcher’s known for his quickie fastballs.”
A player might say, “I rely on my quickie fastball to strike out batters.”

24. Speed demon

This term is used to describe a person or thing that moves or operates at a very high speed. In the context of a fastball, it refers to a pitch that is thrown with exceptional velocity.

For instance, a baseball announcer might say, “That pitcher is a real speed demon with his fastballs.”
A fan might cheer, “Go, speed demon! Strike ’em out with that fastball!”
A player might say, “I embrace my inner speed demon when I throw my fastball.”

25. Nitro

In the context of a fastball, “nitro” is used to describe a pitch that is thrown with explosive speed and power. It refers to the high velocity and intensity of the pitch.

For example, a sports commentator might say, “The pitcher unleashed a nitro fastball that left the batter stunned.”
A fan might exclaim, “That pitch had nitro in it! It flew past the batter.”
A player might say, “I rely on my nitro fastball to overpower hitters.”