Gibson's time in the 40-yard dash was clocked by NFL scouts as low as 4.28 seconds. LeFlore, similarly, is regarded by scouts as having been the modern era's fastest right-hand batter running to first base. LeFlore's numbers were colossal. In a standard 60-yard dash that most prospects are obliged to run, the average speed is 6.8 or 6.9 seconds, and 7.0 is acceptable. LeFlore's time was 6.4, and that was running in grass.
Bat speed is another important element when measuring hitters.
But it can be more difficult to gauge. Still, there are benchmarks. A radar gun on the market times the speed at which a pitch arrives at the plate, as well as the pace at which a ball moves after it is struck. In that context, Anaheim's Mo Vaughn is looked at as something of a Paul Bunyan. He was clocked not long ago sending a 95-mph pitch past the infield at 103 mph, which is not something you want to be in the way of.