Final answer:
The fastball is approximately 144.53 feet per second.
Step-by-step explanation:
In determining the speed of a fastball in feet per second, the conversion from miles per hour is pivotal. Recognizing that one mile is equivalent to 5280 feet and one hour is equivalent to 3600 seconds, the conversion process involves multiplying the given speed, 98 mph, by the conversion factors. Hence, 98 mph * 5280 ft/mi / 3600 s/hr results in approximately 144.53 ft/s. This conversion is indispensable in various fields, such as sports analytics or physics, where expressing velocities in consistent units is crucial for accurate analysis and comparison.