THE PAYOFF: THE HARDEST PITCH TO HIT IN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL is anything a pitcher can command and locate, coaches say. Velocity doesn't matter. The count doesn't matter. What matters is if a pitcher can hit his spot.

» That has an impact on the game in innumerable ways, from how coaches call the game, to how they scout opponents, to what pitches hitters are looking for each at-bat.

DeMatha Coach Sean O'Connor is looking for a fastball that stays off the heart of the plate, he said. He's not even looking for overwhelming velocity, only a fastball with decent movement that can cover both sides of the plate.

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