The legendary Cuban pitcher, Aroldis Chapman, continues to make history in Major League Baseball. This past Saturday, he became the first pitcher to record 3,800 pitches clocked at 100 miles per hour (mph) or faster since the MLB began officially tracking pitch speeds in 2008. At 37, Chapman further cements his legacy as the fastest pitcher in the modern era of baseball, boasting a number that far exceeds his closest competitor, according to journalist Francys Romero on social media.
Now serving as the closer for the Boston Red Sox, Chapman is followed by American pitcher Jordan Hicks with 1,682 high-speed pitches and Dominican players Emmanuel Clase (1,209) and Jhoan Durán (1,134). Known for his explosive fastball, Chapman not only leads in velocity but also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest pitch ever recorded—105.8 MPH, achieved in 2010 with the Cincinnati Reds.
Beyond mere numbers, the Holguín-born pitcher continues to show that his arm remains a formidable force in the MLB. His reign as the undisputed speed king appears to be solidly intact, making it clear that his legend is far from over.
Aroldis Chapman's Unmatched Speed in MLB
What milestone did Aroldis Chapman recently achieve?
Aroldis Chapman became the first pitcher to achieve 3,800 pitches thrown at 100 mph or faster, a record since MLB began tracking pitch speeds in 2008.
Who are the closest competitors to Aroldis Chapman in terms of pitch speed?
The closest competitors to Aroldis Chapman in high-speed pitching are Jordan Hicks with 1,682 pitches, Emmanuel Clase with 1,209, and Jhoan Durán with 1,134.
What is Aroldis Chapman's fastest recorded pitch?
Aroldis Chapman holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest pitch ever recorded at 105.8 mph, set in 2010 while playing for the Cincinnati Reds.