Speed catcher.

In one way or another, we are all familiar with radar guns; whether they are something you fear when exceeding the speed limit or are amazed at when the final speed is disclosed in sports, this device is a critical component of every day life.

This week the Washington Nationals new pitcher Stephen Stasburg had his major league debut. For the opposing team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, there wasn’t as much fanfare as there was in Washington D.C. At age 21, he had been ramping up for this date and boy did he deliver the goods. With 14 strike outs, no walks, and the win, he threw pitches that were clocked in the 100-mile range. This might sound fast, but in reality, it’s mind blowing. To hear the players tell it, they have not seen someone throw so fast with so many different kinds of pitches in a very long time. In fact, if ever.

But speed is not restricted to baseball; you find tennis balls served in the 140 MPH range, hockey pucks that are literally shot from what would appear to be a cannon, and even innocent badminton, our favorite backyard game, where the shuttlecocks travel near 100 miles per hour. (When played as a sport.) Wow, we have come a long way from the days of a really cheesy racket and net.

But there is also another use for a radar gun and we all know what it is. There is a funny story that was told during college, whether or not it’s true, it is pretty funny.

Here’s the story. Along a highway in Columbia, MO, a car went by a police officer who was waiting along the side of the road to catch speeders. The guy in the car had been drinking and was well aware he had to be careful. As he travelled by the police officer, within a moment, the lights came on. He was really scared and could not believe his bad luck. He pulled over and the police officer approached his car. He was asked, “Do you know how fast you were going?” The driver had no idea but knew it must have been a lot worse than he had thought. “How fast officer?” The officer knew he had been drinking and said, “You were doing 7 MPH!” Honestly, I didn’t know a car could go that slow.

The photo above was taken a few years ago when the Chicago White Sox played the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City. I was fortunate to get to the game early and saw the speed guns located right behind home plate; I had never seen one before at the ballpark. So, I walked up and took this photo. Just like the same radar guns you see in the hands of police officers---this machine has made life miserable for players and drivers alike, especially when you are on the receiving end.

Thanks for stopping by.