1.   Bohanon said Dempsey helped him realize his fastball was not good enough to challenge hitters like the heaters of Randy Johnson or Roger Clemens.

2.   But he has become better known for not challenging hitters when times got tough.

3.   But Hernandez would rather work on the fringes, nibbling, taking a little off, never really challenging hitters.

4.   Challenge power hitters with my fastball.

5.   Cone is uncorking a more robust four-seam fastball that should let him challenge hitters.

6.   Despite the walks, the big lefthander was not afraid to challenge hitters.

7.   Gooden had his fastball and a baffling curve, challenging hitters and winning, sitting down the first six he faced.

8.   He challenged hitters with his fastballs.

9.   Here, too, the pitchers tend to challenge hitters with fastballs and thus at-bats are resolved more quickly.

10.   Hunter challenged hitters, never fearing the consequences.