The star Cuban baseball player Aroldis Chapman reminisced on Saturday, August 31, about his first game with a Major League Baseball team, marking the beginning of a career that has kept him among the world's best in baseball. "A day like today, in 2010, was my debut in the MLB. Today marks 14 years in the league. Thank you, God," he wrote on his Instagram account.
The Cuban Missile shared a video of his first game wearing the Cincinnati Reds uniform, with the number 54 on his back. The pitcher, who was 22 years old at the time, took the mound in the eighth inning of a game against the Brewers and was immediately cheered by the crowd. In that inning, he threw pitches up to 103 miles per hour and dominated the inning with ease after nine pitches.
On January 11, 2010, the flamethrower from Holguin signed a $30.25 million contract following a brief period in the Minor Leagues. Months earlier, in June 2009, he had defected from the Cuban national team at the Port Tournament in Rotterdam. From there, he traveled to Andorra, where he established his residence.
Chapman, now 36, has been playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates since January and continues to add significant achievements to his biography. This past June, he became the left-handed reliever with the most strikeouts in MLB history, a record he set during a game against the Cincinnati Reds, surpassing Billy Wagner's mark of 1,196 strikeouts.
In December 2023, he received the certificate officially recognizing him as the Guinness World Record holder for the fastest pitch in baseball history: 105.8 miles per hour (mph), achieved in 2010.
Aroldis Chapman's MLB Career Achievements
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Aroldis Chapman's illustrious career in Major League Baseball.
When did Aroldis Chapman make his MLB debut?
Aroldis Chapman made his MLB debut on August 31, 2010, with the Cincinnati Reds.
What is Aroldis Chapman's fastest recorded pitch?
Aroldis Chapman's fastest recorded pitch is 105.8 miles per hour (mph), a record he set in 2010.
Which MLB team does Aroldis Chapman currently play for?
As of January 2023, Aroldis Chapman plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
How many strikeouts does Aroldis Chapman have as a left-handed reliever?
Aroldis Chapman holds the record for the most strikeouts by a left-handed reliever in MLB history, surpassing Billy Wagner's 1,196 strikeouts.