They call him the Freak. Standing on the mound at 5'10" and weighing in at just 172 pounds, Tim Lincecum's nickname isn't describing an imposing physical presence, but referring to his lack thereof. Ninety-eight mile-per-hour fastballs aren't supposed to come from frames like that.

The slingshot move of a pro pitcher’s shoulder is the fastest recorded action in sports. A pitch’s power, however, is generated by his entire body. For a right-handed pitcher, the chain of kinetic energy starts as soon as he lifts his left leg and faces third base. The energy of that foot landing transfers into the rotation of the trunk and then finally unleashes in the arm whipping around at the elbow.