30 Facts About Ben Joyce

Early Life and High School

Ben Joyce's journey to becoming a baseball sensation began in Knoxville, Tennessee. His early years laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Birthplace and Hometown: Ben Joyce hails from Knoxville, Tennessee, where his love for baseball took root.

2. High School Career: At Farragut High School in Knoxville, Joyce showcased his pitching prowess, catching the attention of scouts and coaches.

College Career and Challenges

Joyce's college years were marked by both impressive achievements and significant hurdles, shaping him into the player he is today.

3. College Career: Joyce began his college journey at Walters State Community College before transferring to the University of Tennessee in 2021.

4. Tommy John Surgery: In the fall of 2020, Joyce underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2021 season.

5. Recovery and Return: After a year of intense rehabilitation, Joyce made a triumphant return to the mound in 2022, regaining his velocity and form.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Joyce's time at Tennessee was nothing short of spectacular, with record-breaking performances that put him on the map.

6. College Dominance: During his tenure at Tennessee, Joyce set multiple records, including the fastest pitch ever thrown in college baseball history at 105.5 mph against Auburn on May 1, 2022.

7. NCAA Records: His record-breaking fastball not only set a college record but also ranked among the fastest pitches ever thrown in baseball at any level.

Transition to Professional Baseball

Joyce's transition from college to professional baseball was marked by significant milestones and impressive performances.

8. MLB Draft Selection: The Los Angeles Angels selected Joyce in the third round of the 2022 MLB draft with the 89th overall pick, awarding him a $1 million signing bonus.

9. Professional Debut: Joyce made his professional debut with the Double A Rocket City Trash Pandas in 2022, showcasing his skills on a new stage.

10. Minor League Success: In his first season with the Trash Pandas, Joyce went 1-0 with one save and a 2.08 ERA, striking out 20 batters in 13 innings.

Rise to the Major Leagues

Joyce's hard work and talent earned him a spot in the Major Leagues, where he continues to impress.

11. Promotion to MLB: In 2023, Joyce was promoted to the Los Angeles Angels, becoming the 19th former Rocket City Trash Pandas player to make his MLB debut.

12. MLB Debut: Joyce made his MLB debut against the Chicago White Sox, pitching in the seventh inning and striking out two batters without allowing any runs.

13. Fastest Pitches in MLB Debut: During his debut, Joyce threw 11 pitches that reached 100 mph or higher, with only one pitch not reaching 100 mph being an 89 mph breaking ball.

Pitching Style and Techniques

Joyce's unique pitching style and techniques set him apart from other pitchers, making him a formidable opponent on the mound.

14. Current Status: As of 2023, Joyce is 22 years old and continues to be a key prospect for the Los Angeles Angels, ranked as their No. 10 prospect according to MLB.com.

15. Pitching Style: Known for his extreme velocity, Joyce averages 101 mph with his fastball, reaching as high as 105.5 mph during his college days.

16. Unique Release Point: His low release point and flat Vertical Approach Angle (VAA) contribute to the deception and effectiveness of his fastball, making it difficult for hitters to time.

17. Horizontal and Vertical Movement: While Joyce’s fastball does not stand out in terms of horizontal and vertical movement, his unique traits and release point help create a dominant pitch.

18. Comparison to MLB Pitches: Joyce’s fastball is comparable to a few MLB pitches, particularly those with high velocity and specific release points, such as those thrown by Aroldis Chapman and Jordan Hicks.

Additional Skills and Metrics

Beyond his fastball, Joyce possesses other skills and metrics that enhance his performance on the field.

19. Slider and Changeup: Joyce also possesses a tremendous sweeper that generates above-average horizontal break, and he primarily uses a two-pitch mix of fastball-slider.

20. Stuff+ Value: According to Mason McRae’s Stuff+ model, Joyce’s overall Stuff+ value is 249, with his fastball Stuff+ valued at 258 and his slider Stuff+ valued at 203.

College Team Performance

Joyce's college team at Tennessee was a powerhouse, dominating in various aspects of the game.

21. College Team Performance: During his time at Tennessee, Joyce’s team led the nation in Home Runs, ERA, and WHIP, and ranked at the top in runs scored, OPS, and K/9.

22. College Schedule: The Tennessee Volunteers swept several top-10 teams, including Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Florida, and Mississippi State, showcasing Joyce’s team’s exceptional performance.

Future Prospects and Challenges

As Joyce continues to develop, he faces both exciting prospects and potential challenges in his career.

23. Potential MLB Impact: Given his unique pitching style and exceptional velocity, Joyce has the potential to make a significant impact in the MLB, particularly in the bullpen where his high-velocity fastball can be a game-changer.

24. Challenges and Concerns: Despite his impressive skills, there are concerns about Joyce’s ability to maintain his velocity and arm health over the long term, given the high demands of pitching at such extreme speeds.

Support and Development

Joyce's journey has been supported by dedicated coaches and a strong team environment, helping him overcome obstacles and continue to grow.

25. Rehabilitation Process: Joyce’s rehabilitation process after Tommy John surgery was crucial in his return to form. He worked extensively with his pitching coach, Anderson, to regain his velocity and refine his delivery.

26. Pitch Clock Drill: To help Joyce focus and manage external noise, Angels pitching coaches Barry Enright and Steve Karsay introduced a "chaos" drill during Cactus League training, which included music and crowd noise to simulate game conditions.

27. Competitive Environment: Joyce is competing for a spot in the Angels’ bullpen but could be sent to the minors for further seasoning if needed. This competitive environment is helping him develop and improve his skills.

28. Team Support: The Angels’ coaching staff has been supportive of Joyce, recognizing his potential and working to help him overcome any challenges he faces, both on and off the field.

Personal Life and Future

Joyce's personal life and future prospects add another layer to his intriguing story, highlighting his determination and resilience.

29. Personal Life: Joyce has a twin brother, Zach, who also pitches for Tennessee. Zach took time off from baseball for Tommy John surgery and mental health issues but is expected to return in 2024.

30. Future Prospects: As one of the most intriguing pitching prospects in recent years, Ben Joyce’s future in the MLB looks bright. His unique skills, combined with his determination and hard work, make him a promising addition to any team’s roster.

Ben Joyce: A Name to Remember

Ben Joyce's journey from Knoxville to the MLB is nothing short of remarkable. His record-breaking fastball and resilience after Tommy John surgery have made him a standout. Drafted by the Los Angeles Angels, Joyce quickly showed his potential, impressing with his high-velocity pitches and unique release point. His debut with the Angels, where he threw multiple pitches over 100 mph, solidified his status as a rising star. Despite challenges, including maintaining his velocity and arm health, Joyce's determination and hard work shine through. Supported by a strong team and coaching staff, he continues to develop his skills. With a promising future ahead, Ben Joyce is a name that baseball fans will hear for years to come. His story is a testament to dedication, talent, and the love of the game. Keep an eye on this young pitcher; he's just getting started.