In the vast universe of baseball, where records are forged and forgotten over time, there is one that remains etched in the collective memory of fans: the fastest pitch ever recorded in Major League Baseball.
Some whisper that others may have been even faster, thrown by legends from past eras, but without clear evidence, their existence fades into the air. Aroldis Chapman‘s record, however, remains steadfast.
Over the years, his name has become synonymous with speed, but beyond the numbers, his pitch represents something deeper—a breaking of limits that only a few chosen ones have had the privilege to witness.
What has been the fastest pitch in MLB history?
On September 24, 2010, at Petco Park in San Diego, Aroldis Chapman, a young relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, threw a fastball that was initially clocked at 105 miles per hour (169 km/h).
However, later studies adjusted the figure to 105.8 mph (170.4 km/h), solidifying his status as the man who took pitching speed to new heights, according to sources like Pinstriped Nation and Ciber Cuba.
Although some skeptics mention legendary pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Bob Feller, whose pitches might have surpassed this mark, the lack of precise technology in their eras makes it impossible to confirm.
Thus, Chapman’s record stands firm, symbolizing an era where science and technology allowed for the exact measurement of his achievement. Few have come close to breaking the record, as reported by Sporting News.
Throughout his career, he continued to impress with his speed, recording multiple pitches exceeding 105 mph. This phenomenon not only highlighted his innate talent but also reflected the evolution of modern baseball.
Data analysis has allowed athletes to reach performances once considered unattainable. In this way, the “Cuban Missile” not only set a record but also embodied the spirit of innovation and improvement that defines the sport.
Top 8 fastest MLB pitches of all time
| Rank | Pitcher | Speed (mph) | Date |
| 1 | Aroldis Chapman | 105.8 | Sep. 24, 2010 |
| 2 | Aroldis Chapman | 105.7 | July 18, 2016 |
| 3 | Ben Joyce | 105.5 | Sept. 3, 2024 |
| 4 | Aroldis Chapman | 105.4 | July 18, 2016 |
| 5 | Aroldis Chapman | 105.2 | July 22, 2016 |
| 6 | Aroldis Chapman | 105.1 | Aug. 7, 2024 |
| 7 | Jordan Hicks | 105 | May 20, 2018 |
| 8 | Aroldis Chapman | 105 | July 23, 2016 |
