MLB

The fastest pitch ever recorded in MLB history: Who threw it and how fast was it?

A moment etched in baseball history: the fastest pitch ever recorded in MLB, a feat that defied all speed limits and left an indelible mark on the game. Find out which one it was, who threw it and more.

Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in game 2 of the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park on October 8, 2010.
Ā© Chris Trotman/Getty ImagesAroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in game 2 of the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park on October 8, 2010.

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 Chapmanā€˜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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Data analysis has allowed athletes to reach performances once considered unattainable. In this way, the ā€œCuban Missileā€ 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

RankPitcherSpeed (mph)Date
1Aroldis Chapman105.8Sep. 24, 2010
2Aroldis Chapman105.7July 18, 2016
3Ben Joyce105.5Sept. 3, 2024
4Aroldis Chapman105.4July 18, 2016
5Aroldis Chapman105.2July 22, 2016
6Aroldis Chapman105.1Aug. 7, 2024
7Jordan Hicks105May 20, 2018
8Aroldis Chapman105July 23, 2016
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