Supported by the power of his left arm, Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman of the Pittsburgh Pirates reached new heights this Saturday by becoming the left-handed reliever with the most strikeouts in Major League Baseball (MLB) history.
At 36 years old, the Holguín native struck out Travis d’Arnaud and pinch hitter Sean Murphy in the ninth inning, although the Pirates fell 1-2 to the Atlanta Braves in 10 innings. With this feat, Chapman surpassed Billy Wagner's record of 1,196 strikeouts, continuing to build his case for induction into the Cooperstown Hall of Fame when he decides to end his career.
"Without a doubt, I went out knowing I was two strikeouts away from tying or breaking the record," Chapman said through an interpreter. "Yes, I was trying to achieve that today," he added, according to ESPN.
Currently, the Cuban flamethrower has 49 strikeouts this season and a couple of saves, bringing his total to 323—just one shy of Huston Street for 20th place all-time since this statistic became official in 1969.
After winning the last World Series with the Texas Rangers, Chapman signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract to defend the Pittsburgh team and prove that he still possesses that almost unparalleled power when sending the ball toward the home plate in the MLB. It's worth noting that in 2023, the Cuban officially received the certificate accrediting him as the holder of the Guinness World Record for the fastest pitch in baseball history: 105.8 miles per hour (mph), achieved in 2010.
Aroldis Chapman's Historic Achievement in MLB
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Aroldis Chapman's recent milestone and his career.
Who did Aroldis Chapman surpass to become the left-handed reliever with the most strikeouts?
Aroldis Chapman surpassed Billy Wagner's record of 1,196 strikeouts.
How many strikeouts does Aroldis Chapman have this season?
Aroldis Chapman has 49 strikeouts this season.
Which team did Aroldis Chapman sign with after winning the World Series with the Texas Rangers?
Aroldis Chapman signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
What is the speed of the fastest pitch Aroldis Chapman has thrown?
Aroldis Chapman holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest pitch in baseball history: 105.8 mph, achieved in 2010.