Showing posts with label chakras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chakras. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Origin Theory: The Ying-Yang Chakra Tree









There are multiple theories as to how the Universe and it's living organisms began. Science and religion both monotheistic and polytheistic have espoused numerous ideas about our origin. It seems, however, that regardless of the method, that the point of origin is the same. It all begins as oneness. All inclusive of all elements light and dark, male and female, physical and spiritual yin and yang. It is the balance without polarities - Union. This is Yin & Yang in perfect balance as oneness. Within this oneness exists a vast universe reflecting the almost entirely Yang; heavens/cosmos (the spirit)and the almost entirely yin; earth (the physical) and from their mortal balance, the emotion love, life takes form.




All of us on the planet today were formed by the union of three primary planes of existence or energies. They are the physical or material plane which forms our bodies. It is the level of chromosomes uniting and cell walls dividing.

The spiritual plane; from which the soul enters the body. It is the plane of our collective cosmic consciousness.

And the emotional plane - this is the plane attraction and vibration in which the masculine and feminine elements of our creation (our parents)are drawn together to became as one. In machines as in nature, anything with an electrical current generates noise (vibration). The bio-electric activity of our brains functions in direct response to our emotions and Love is its highest vibration. As the key element of unity within the emotional plane Unconditional Love - the unbreakable bond of freely expressed and boundless true love - is our greatest expression.

Similarly, each of us were created through the union of Yin and Yang, or the Feminine and Masculine respectively. With the spiritual plane representing the energy of the "cosmic father", the Sun (almost entirely Yang), and the physical plane as the energy of "Mother Earth" (almost entirely Yin) then the emotional plane serves as the point of perfect equalibrium between the two. This suggests that the physical, emotional and spiritual are not completely seperate from each other, but are instead distinctive points (in fact, the most distinctive points) within a spectrum like the colors of the visible light spectrum



From one end of the spectrum to the other, the seven colors (ROYGBIV) represent the relative midpoint within sections indicating highly distinctive changes from one area of the spectrum to another. You may have noticed that devices and software used in the true color image projectection use only three colors [RED][GREEN][BLUE] Often expressed as RGB, they can be combined in specific proportions to create any other color. Likewise the physical, emotional, and spirtual planes of are integrated by moving each one a step towards the others.


• the Spiritual moves down towards Emotion
⇓ Pt. closer to being totally Spiritual than Emotional
⇑ Pt. closer to being Emotion than totally Spiritual
• the Emotional moves up towards Spiritual AND
• the Emotional moves down towards Physical
⇓ Pt. closer to being Emotional than totally Physical
⇑ Pt. closer to being totally Physical than Emotion
• the Physical moves up towards Emotion

More Commonly Expressed As...
• The Crown Chakra
• The Brow / 3rd Eye Chakra
• The Throat Chakra
• The Heart Chakra
• The Solar Chakra
• The Sacral / Sexual Chakra
• The Root / Base Chakra



The Chakras, like the colors that represent them, are not just specific points along a spectrum (or pathway), but instead represents a range of frequencies with an upper and lower boundary. Thus each chakra would function between two polarities, yin and yang, with a few noteable exceptions.


The Crown Chakra represents the upper bound of the entire spectrum, and as previously mentioned, Spiritual Energy is almost entirely Yang. It is therefore singular in polarity. Likewise, the Root Chakra and it's physical earth energy represent the other pole for the entire spectrum and being almost entirely yin in nature, it is also of a singular polarity. The Heart Chakra represents the point of balance and union and therefore is singular by its very nature.

The resulting patterm:

• Crown
• • Brow
• • Throat
• Heart
• • Solar
• • Sexual
• Root

The symetrical result contains both the masculine and feminine which makes it the model for an androgenous system. In our reality, however, most systems (e.g. organisms)are either male or female. In order to reflect this distinction, the sexual chakra is also reduced to one polarity as either male or female. The result is the Tree of Life structure.

Saturday, December 2, 2006

7 Chakras of the X-Men



7 Elements, 7 Chakras, 7 Planets

The following is a synthesis of Western and Eastern Classical Elements. The idea popped in my head when I was reading about the 5 chinese elements and their possible correlation to the 7 Chakras which I followed up with some reading about the 5 classical greek elements (Aristotle) and their possible association.  The 10 elements produced 3 common elements and 4 uncommon elments (2 a piece).  Instantly recognizing the math intrinsic to a possible universal theory (my mind loves to race in this way) connecting classical elements (7) to chakras (7) to classical astrology (you guessed it - 7 planets) I got busy absorbing and synthesizing.  So here are the Chakras and their elements (in theory).







Your first chakra is associated with your connection to a tribal force and your sense of belonging in the world. It symbolizes the physical plane of existence  both the earth and your physical body. This being true, it's not surprising that the first chakra is known to be the source of self-preservation and survival. When this first chakra energy is disrupted, you may be more liable to feel alone in the world, be afraid for your safety, and feel disconnected from other people. You're also likely to feel ungrounded, lacking a strong connection to the earth or your body. Energetically, when the first chakra is disrupted you can feel you have no real "roots."
The Earth element nurtures all that we do, and represents solidity and grounding. Earth people are firm and resolute - we can say they are "down to Earth". They are also practical, hard working and very conservative. Those of you born under the influence of the Element of Earth are wise, serene and prudent, firmly rooted in your morals, ethics and responsibilities. Led by logic rather than emotion, you seek to plan your life as far out in advance as possible, to expect the unexpected and control your destiny down to the last detail. Your disciplined reserve -- which can come across as true grace if you work it right -- garners you respect and admiration.
Saturn is known as the planet of restriction and limitation, but it could also be known as the planet of manifestation. Saturn is the planet that keeps us grounded because Saturn requires tangible usefulness from all that it touches. Saturn is that which denies entropy and manifests the physical form to maintain order over chaos.


The second chakra is often called the sexual chakra, because sexual energy is believed to originate there. But the second chakra is much more than simply a sex chakra; it is the seat of creativity. This chakra is located at the sacrum, which is the densest bone in the spinal column. When the second chakra is closed or blocked, it can make the entire person appear lifeless. A blocked second chakra can cut you off from your emotions, and you may feel removed from an interest in sexuality. On the other hand, if your second chakra is excessively open, emotions can sometimes rule your being, creating an unbalanced system overall.
Water represents emotional depth and instinctive feeling. Water is considered cleansing and regenerative. Water types are fluent, have deep feelings and often strong intuitions or psychic powers as well.  Water is the element that sustains life and it is the medium in which life was created. Those of you born under the influence of Water act with the fluidity of a river, affecting your environment with your strength and quiet charm. Creative and captivating, diplomatic and intuitive, Water individuals are the masters of subtle persuasion. Without even appearing to try, you can gain someone's trust and affection, and once you've got them they'll follow you anywhere. You make everyone feel special, noting and praising each person's unique talents.
The Moon is the undisputed master of the ocean tides. Water is its domain and it reflects both its subtlty and strength. It is associated with a person's emotional make-up, unconscious habits, rhythms, memories and moods. It is the seat of intuition and inspiration as well as our instincts and it sets the subtle beat for the rhythm of life.

The third chakra  is associated with personal power. People who are empowered have high positive energy emanating from their third chakras. Knowing that you can move things forward in your life to order to learn, grow, and live well is closely related to having a clear third chakra. Individual charisma is also generated in this energetic region. Conversely, people who don't trust their own perceptions or feel confident in their own decisions may experience disruptions in this chakra. When the third chakra is closed or blocked, it can lead to a lack of energy, fatigue, and a yearning to be quiet and shut down. During times when this chakra is blocked, confrontations with others can be very hard to initiate or even tolerate.
Fire , at its core, symbolizes the life force.  Optimism, enthusiasm and motivation are governed by fire, as is anger and war. Fire people are quite intelligent, impulsive, fervent, and dynamic - true leaders. Fire types burn through life with your fierce charm, your impulsive enthusiasm and your restless emotions. A natural leader, you inspire with your decisive action and dramatic expression; people can't help but be magnetically drawn to you. You're instinctual, but your mind sparks with new ideas and clever solutions. Identity, self expression, and hence self-esteem are areas of life central to Fire people and it fuels their creative and inquisitive nature and underlies their need for to be heard and/or seen.
Mars, the "Red Planet" is always associated with fire. Indeed, the eternal flame of life which shall not be vanquished is governed fanned and fueled by Mars. Passion is the fuel for this fire and all emotions that take form from it are ruled by Mars. Ruler of the individual ego and its need for self expression, Mars is master of naked force and drive. Mars is the will to express, the passion to create, and the ambition to be.

The fourth chakra is associated with a gradual increasing of consciousness,  as it sits between the lower three and upper three chakras. However,  primarily,  it is the center of unconditional love. When a person becomes disconnected from their heart and the emotions associated with this region,  the fourth chakra becomes closed off. This often results in both low energy and shallow breathing. At times when you're feeling a fourth chakra blockage,  you might even feel that it's difficult to breathe. Emotionally,  when this chakra is blocked,  you're likely to feel wounded or victimized. Often this will be due to trying to work out past problems. If this kind of inner turmoil happens on an ongoing basis without relief,  the overall effect can be a feeling of being stuck in the past. When the energy from the fourth chakra is disrupted,  you may have trouble protecting yourself from emotional harm because you generally feel raw and emotionally vulnerable.
The Wood element represents the creative force of nature and all things green and growing. It is associated with Spring and new life,  and the colors green and blue. Wood people are creative,  strong and resilient - seeking growth and new creation in all that they do. All flowers,  plants,  trees,  and things made of wood represent this element.  Your open,  expansive mind makes you a compassionate and generous friend,  colleague and ally. You understand the inherent value of what you and those around you possess,  and your confidence allows you to act upon your beliefs.
Venus is the planet of aesthetics, appreciation, and acceptance. While Mars has dominion over our primal passions, Venus rules emotions of a higher vibration. Love, beauty, harmony and serenity are all the domain of Venus. Venus is responsible for moving beyond the self to acknowledge the life all around and accepting that the individual is apart of a greater whole. Acceptance leads to appreciation through which we constantly grow. Above all, Venus values true love and its shared sense of oneness.

The fifth chakra is associated with sound in general. The meaning of your own personal truth is central to this chakra. The more free-flowing the energy of this chakra,  the more you are able to speak your truth without fearing the consequences  or at least without letting external forces stop you from doing it. When the throat chakra is too open,  you may talk more than other people would like and may not listen closely enough. On a different level,  this chakra is also associated with personal will. When the chakra is very open,  your will can be excessively strong; when it is closed,  your will can seem nonexistent.
Reason,  logic,  and all forms of communication are properties of the element Metal. Often dealing with matters of self-worth,  Metal people are forceful,  strong and determined - and can often be driven by a need to succeed.  Metal people are determined,  self-reliant and forceful. You enjoy the good life and all it has to offer -- luxury,  comfort and freedom,  especially. You're like a reclusive film star: You want the acclaim,  but you also want to be left alone. You create your own success,  building your desired destiny with single-minded focus. Others look up to you in awe of your commanding,  confident presence.  As such,  the nature and pursuit of "the truth" is central to Metal types.  The need to impart this understanding to others is also a central characteristic of Metal people and contributes largely to the forcefulness of their personality socially.
Mercury is the only planet that also has a metal named after it so, like the Moon's reign over the seas, it only makes sense that Mercury be given domain over metal. After all, Mercury rules communication in all forms. The champion of logic and reason, Mercury rules rational thought. In fact, our learning styles and overall intellect is also a reflection of Mercury.

<The sixth chakra is associated both with light and with psychic abilities. This chakra provides a source of inner knowing,  as well as an objective reflection of how things are. By being focused on a commitment to the truth and flexibility of thought,  people with clear sixth chakras usually have a sense of life's realities that surpasses usual conscious barriers. For this reason,  the sixth chakra is connected with higher levels of wisdom and a level disposition. It is located between the eyebrows. When this chakra is closed or blocked,  you may have trouble seeing the big picture of events that are unfolding in your life. The truth of matters can be dwarfed in details,  and you may become easily confused.
Wind or Air is the element of thought and movement.  It symbolizes expansive and original thinking as well as wisdom and understanding of things.  Your are idealistic and philosophical.  Your open-mindedness and curiosity are blanced by a sense of knowing that underscores your self confidence in the wisdom of your thoughts.  You have the ability to conceptualize beyond what is apparent or visible - hence the fluidity and independence of air - to understand the hidden or deeper meaning of things.  At times,  this vision combines with your strong intuiton to create a powerful conduit for psychic energy and can generate extra-sensory experiences.
Jupiter is the planet of storms. Furious spirals of wind and electricity swirl throughout the planet of expanse, wisdom, and influenced gained from outside forces. As traditional ruler of visionary Sagittarius and transcendant Pisces, Jupiter's nature is characterized by the phrases "I see" and "I believe". Jupiter has dominion over our ideal greatness - the higher vibrations of our thoughts and ideas. The ability to see what is unseen comes from the belief in existance beyond that which can be proven and is ruled by Jupiter's benevolent force.

The seventh chakra is associated with thought. It signifies our relationship to all things and the unity of everything. This chakra also symbolizes self-knowledge and spiritual consciousness. It is located at the crown of the head,  but it is connected with the entire muscular system,  the skeletal system,  the skin,  and nervous system. The seventh chakra is associated with a more profound spiritual connectedness than the other six chakras are. This chakra is the seat of higher wisdom and the energy that comes from it. The seventh chakra is thought to give access to the infinite intelligence that exists in the universe and is our key to opening the door to it. This chakra allows for self-expression on higher spiritual levels and is associated with the pineal gland,  the gland that produces visions in dreams.
Aether,  elemental Light (translated as "Void" or "Heavens" in various Eastern belief systems),  it is the element of the cosmos and Creation. As such,  it is manifested on the mental plane as the vibration of thought-energy.  On the physical plane it is represented by nuclear energy (energy derived from the atom as fundamental building block of the universe).  On a metaphysical level it is the particle-wave - those substances,  such as white light,  that display characteristics of both matter (particles) and energy (wave-forms). On the astral plane it is spirit energy - the divine essence of the soul that connects us to the cosmos and to the Creator.  On an esoteric and philosophical level it can be viewed as acting force behind universal will or Karma - the flow of energy that keeps the universe in balance.
Sol - The Sun is the focal point of Western astrology for a reason; it signifies our who we are. Not just our personal identities, but everyone's identity within the cosmic plan. It is the point from which the soul (sol) enters the body and it's astrological placement indicates why it chose to be born. The sun's radiant energy and gravitational pull are the forces that created our solar system, set it in motion, gave it life and sustain it. Just as the Moon revolves around our home, the Earth, like all things in this galaxy, revolve s around the Sun.

Chakra Pitching

Pitching the Chakras

If you ever wanted to understand anything about pitching in baseball, like what the different types of pitches are, who throws what, and how those pitches can be thrown (as I divulge my own pitching grips) then read on!! Otherwise, if you want to see what kind of insanity I've put through the Chakra model just to shake your head at my maddening genius, that's cool too.

First Chakra =
The Four-Seam Fastball:

The fundamental pitch thrown by all pitchers and non-pitchers alike. Not only is this your basic "grip it and rip it" fastball, it's also the grip position players are taught to throw the ball with. This pitch has the highest maximum velocity of any pitch and generally features the least amount of movement as it reaches the hitter. The top flamethrowers pitch at velocities higher than the batspeed of almost every hitter. The four seamer is thrown as either a tailing fastball or a riding fastball at speeds of 90 mph or better. Once you get above 90 mph, the rapid symmetrical backspin of the riding fastball's evenly spaced seams produces an optical illusion that the ball is rising as it approaches the hitter. The tailing four seam is thrown equally as hard and slightly off-center so that just before it crosses the plate it suddenly moves an inch or so to pitcher's throwing arm side of the plate (RH moves right, LH moves left)

Justin Verlander

Billy Wagner
From the right side we have the Detroit Tigers' starter Justin Verlander and from the left side, the New York Mets veteran closer Billy Wagner. Verlander is a young guy who is just coming into his own as a starter but this 6'5" behemoth throws hard all game. Consistently clocked at 97-98 mph, his fastball was clocked at 99 mph during the 8th inning of one of his starts this year. As a closer, Wagner's job is to come in to the game in the 8th or 9th inning while his team maintains a slight lead (3 or less) and completely shut the other team down. He's done so, some 300 plus times in his career, by launching fastballs with his 5'11" frame that can reach 100 mph and still have movement . OUCH.
Second Chakra = The Two-Seam Fastball:

Of course, not all pitchers can throw the ball that hard. They, therefore, replace the velocity with late movement. The two seam fastbal uses a nearly identical grip to the four seam but on another part of the ball where it is held just off center. The result is asymmetrical rotation on a tilted axis where gravity and air pressure ultimately force the ball to veer, or suddenly drop, as it crosses the plate. A sharp two seamer causes hitters to pound the ball into the ground for an easy out or ground-ball double play. For a select few who throw that sharp two seamer especially hard, the resuts are even better.

Derek Lowe

Brandon Webb

Two guys who happen to throw that hard-hard two seamer are the Los Angeles Dodgers' openning day starter Derek Lowe and the Arizona Diamondbacks' staff ace Brandon Webb. Both are capable of throwing their sharp-breaking 2 seamers in the low 90's where hitter's can struggle just to make contact. Even worse, the contact that is made is rarely solid and sometimes so poor that the pitches "saw off" or shatter the bats. Toothpick?

* Retired pitcher Kevin Brown (below) deserves his own catergory when discussing the 2-seam or sinking fastball since he is the power sinker master prototype. At his peak his hard-bighting bat shattering power sinker gave him a groundball -outs to fly-ball outs ratio of better than 4-1 (it's hard to hit homeruns on the ground) while still allowing him to strike out more than 200 hitters!

Third Chakra = The Sinker & The Cut-Fastball
*Retired*

Kevin Brown
The sinker and the cut-fastball (or cutter) are the middle ground between the true fastball and the breakingball (a pitch that suddenly "breaks" or changes directions as it approaches the hitter). The sinker is an pitch that expands upon 2 - seamer by exaggerating the off-center finger placement, which further imbalances the pitch in flight and increases air pressure on one side of the ball. Therefore, not only does the slightly slower sinker take a nose dive, it also breaks horizontally to the same side of the plate as the pitcher's throwing arm. The cut-fastball, on the other hand, has movement somwhere between a slider and a fastball. Thrown off center with a four-seam type grip or a 2 seam style grip. Thrown with less velocity but greater movement than the other fastballs, it not only dips down under bats but also breaks to the side of the plate that is the pitcher's glove side.

Andy Pettite

Greg Maddux

Houston left-handed pitcher Andy Pettite is tied for most career post season wins largely because he excels at inducing the groundball out from hitters. Using his cutter and change-up / sinker to attack the outside corner of the strike zone against right-handers, and his four-seamer for strikes inside, he sets hitters up for a filthy curve and watches as time and time again they pound it into the ground. Dodgers future hall of famer Greg Maddux is the definitive master of the sinker and cutter. With consistent pinpoint control Maddux learned to throw both pitches with nearly the same grip . Since the difference in rotation between the pitches was practically inpercievable until it was too late, hitters had to guess whether it was the sinker diving back to catch a corner or the cutter jetting out into unhittability. The result was 4 straight Cy Young Awards as the leagues best pitcher and a world series ring.

Mariano Rivera
It would seem wrong to mention the cut-fastball without mentioning the soon to be undisputed greatest all-time closer; the Yankees Mariano Rivera. Why? Rivera throws the same pitch ninety percent of the time - his signature 94-96 mph late breaking cut fastball. The greatest reliever in post season history generally relies on only one pitch.

Fourth Chakra =
The Change-Up

This is where we depart from the fastball, which occupies three chakras in it's various forms because it is the primary weapon in disrupting a hitter's timing. The change of pace, or change up, is the great immitator, the fastball's bestfriend, and the nightmare in the back of every hitter's head. It is a pitch designed to resemble the fastball in everyway except that it travels about 12-15 mph slower so the hitter swings at the fastball only to find the pitch has yet to reach home plate. To accomplish this, only the way the ball is gripped is changed to create more friction and less rotation. Everything else is the same; throwing motion, arm speed, and release point.

Pedro Martinez

Johan Santana
There is no question as to who throws the most dominant change-up from either the left-side or the right. Pedro Martinez has the best winning percentage of any pitcher with 200 decisions or more and is the only player under 6 feet tall to strike out 300 batters in a season twice. His primary strike-out pitch continues to be one nasty circle-change which has near breaking-ball like movement to his pitching hand side. The American League leader in both Earned Run Average (ERA = runs allowed per nine innings) and strikeouts over the past 2 1/2 years is Minnesota Twins Cy Young winning lefty Johan Santana. Santana has been baseball's most dominant pitcher while primarily relying on only 2 pitches - his precision point fastball and his unhittable circle change-up.

Fifth Chakra = The Splitter
The pitch originally touted as a "super change-up" this variant of the forkball is not truly a fastball and thus it's title is a misnomer. A hybrid of the fastball that drops like a breaking ball is classified as a change-up but travels faster. In fact, those who throw it hardest throw it 7-9 mph slower than their fastball which it looks identical too as it approaches the hitter. Then, just a couple feet from the plate, the proverbial bottom falls out and the pitch dives down. As it looks virtually identical to the 2 seam fastball, most hitters cannot distinguish one from the other and are forced to guess on any given pitch as to which one is being thrown.

Roger Clemens

Curt Schilling
The winner of an unprecidented 7 Cy Young Awards, Houston Astros icon Roger Clemens is second all-time in career strike-outs and the definitive master of the split-fingered fastball. A steadfast proponent of the splitter Clemens has identified it as the pitch that revived his career and allowed him to prosper with such longevity. Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has won the World Series MVP as a National League player and an American Leaguer player. The ultimate iron-horse warrior, Schilling battles relentlessly with his fastball setting up hitter after hitter for his signature go-to pitch - the split fingered fastball.

Sixth Chakra = The Slider
The slider, or side-ways curve, is a breaking ball historically refered to as the great equalizer. A breaking ball is an offspeed pitch that has a sudden change of direction, or "break" as it moves through the hitting zone. First seen in the 1930's the slider gained popularity in the 50's when pitchers, desperate to end a decade of dominance by the hitters, sought out a new weapon. Perfected by the 1960's the slider is thrown just as hard as the fastball and generally travels only 5-7 mph slower making it very deceptive to the hitter. In terms of the pitcher's arsenal, it became the pitch that allowed pitchers to regain the advantage over hitters.

Randy Johnson

Jeremy Bonderman
New York Yankees Left-hander Randy Johnson is the most prolific strike-out pitcher in baseball history. No pitcher with half as many strike-outs averages as many as his career average of 11-plus per 9 innings. Amazingly he has done so primarily through the use of two pitches; his upper 90's fastball and his signature slider. Johnson's leathal weapon is concealed by his low angle of delivery which produces a side-ways slicing snap action slider that often can't be touched. Right-handed Jeremy Bonderman is the Detroit Tiger's emerging young ace who's slider is like a ghost. Thrown in combination with a mid 90's fastball, his slider comes in a mere 7 mph slower on the same plane as the fastball and then breaks practically straight down-almost like a splitter. Now you see me; now you don't. As a result, what was meant to be a baseball swing by the hitter turns into an ugly golf swing as they try in vain to adjust.

Seventh Chakra = The Curveball
Many people, including myself and most pitchers, consider pitching to be an art form. If this is true, then, without a doubt, the curveball is its master stroke. The devastating power and elegant form that is the curveball in its purest form is truly something to behold. As a breaking ball it moves almost entirely on a vertical axis and is capable of moving from the top of the strike zone to the bottom as it moves through the hitting zone it is literally the opposite of a fastball in rotation and velocity. Intended to build friction and resistance as it heads towards the hitter it is thrown at least 15 mph slower than the fastball making it highly disruptive to a hitter's timing. Also the mechanics of hitting any pitch dictate that the bat be swung on a primarily horizontal plane. This makes the vertically moving curveball very difficult to hit because the hitter must time the break of the ball and guess location of the pitch all at once.

Barry Zito

Josh Beckett
There is no question who has the best left-handed curve in baseball since it is largely considered the best curveball in all of baseball today and among the all-time greats. Barry Zito of the Oakland A's is the man who wields this magnificent weapon. This Cy Young winner's slow bender travels 15mph slower than his fastball and has been known to begin above the strikezone and end at the knees for a strike. When armed with his best curveball, he could tell the hitter it was coming and they'd still swing straight threw it hitting nothing but air. Boston Red Sox hard throwing right-hander Josh Beckett continues an oustanding tradition of big flamethrowing Texans with blazing hot fastballs and kneebending curves that includes Nolan Ryan and Kerry Wood. Beckett can snap off his late-breaking dive bombing curve in the upper 70's. Dropping nearly straight down just before it crosses the plate, Beckett's over-hand curve is a devastating complement to his 96 mph fastball. Armed with his wicked curve and a bat-shattering fastball, Beckett twice defeated the New York Yankies in the World Series to help lead his Florida Marlins to their second world championship. In doing so, he became World Series MVP at age 22.