The 5 Fastest Pitches in MLB History

In Major League Baseball (MLB), the speed of a pitch is not just a measure of a pitcher’s strength and skill but also a testament to the evolution of the game. Over the years, a few pitchers have defied the limits of what seems humanly possible, throwing pitches that exceed 100 mph and leaving batters – and fans – in awe. As of September, 2024, the fastest recorded pitches in MLB history are dominated by one name: Aroldis Chapman. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the top five fastest pitches ever thrown, the version of Chapman behind them and the moments that have etched their names into baseball history.

5. Aroldis Chapman – 105.1 mph (August 7, 2024)

It had been eight years since Chapman fired a pitch worthy of the top five velocities of all time, but on August 7, 2024, he once again found himself in the record books with a 105.1 mph fastball. Now, Chapman is pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the pitch came during a game against the San Diego Padres. Despite an extra-innings loss, Chapman’s pitch came in a scoreless inning of relief in which he struck out the side.

Despite being in his 15th season, the 36-year-old Chapman proved that he still has the power and technique to deliver one of the fastest pitches in MLB history.

4. Aroldis Chapman – 105.2 mph (July 22, 2016)

Just days after back-to-back 105 mph pitches (detailed next), during his first stint with the New York Yankees, Chapman did it again, this time throwing a 105.2 mph fastball on July 22, 2016. The pitch came during a game against the San Francisco Giants and continued to showcase Chapman’s unprecedented ability to reach triple digits with ease. The pitch was delivered to Brandon Belt, who, like many batters facing Chapman, struggled to keep up with the speed. By this point, Chapman’s fastballs had become a spectacle, drawing crowds eager to witness history in the making.

3. Aroldis Chapman – 105.4 mph (July 18, 2016)

On the same day as his 105.7 mph pitch (detailed next), Chapman unleashed another blistering fastball that clocked in at 105.4 mph. This pitch, against the Baltimore Orioles, demonstrated Chapman’s incredible consistency in maintaining such high speeds. It’s rare for a pitcher to hit over 105 mph once in their career, let alone twice in the same game. This performance by Chapman is one of the most remarkable displays of pitching power in MLB history, showing that he was not just a one-hit-wonder but a dominant force capable of reaching extraordinary speeds regularly.

2. Aroldis Chapman – 105.7 mph (July 18, 2016)

Six years after setting the record, Chapman came close to breaking his own mark with a 105.7 mph fastball on July 18, 2016. This blazing pitch was also delivered during a game against the Baltimore Orioles. The pitch was thrown to J.J. Hardy, who managed to foul it off, but the speed was a clear reminder of Chapman’s enduring dominance as a flamethrower in the league. This pitch was part of a series of high-velocity throws during Chapman’s time with the Yankees, further solidifying his legacy.

1. Aroldis Chapman – 105.8 mph (September 24, 2010)

The fastest pitch ever recorded in MLB history belongs to Aroldis Chapman, who threw an astonishing 105.8 mph fastball on September 24, 2010. At the time, Chapman was pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in a game against the San Diego Padres. This pitch, which shattered previous records, came during a ninth-inning at-bat against Tony Gwynn Jr. The pitch’s velocity was so extraordinary that it instantly made headlines and cemented Chapman’s reputation as one of the most electrifying pitchers in baseball. Known as “The Cuban Missile,” Chapman’s ability to consistently throw over 100 mph has made him a nightmare for batters and a sensation for fans.

Honorable Mentions

While Aroldis Chapman dominates the list of fastest pitches, other pitchers have also made their mark. Jordan Hicks, now of the San Francisco Giants but at the time with the St. Louis Cardinals, threw a 105 mph pitch on May 20, 2018, joining the exclusive club of pitchers capable of such velocity. Ben Joyce also exceeded 104 mph in 2024, showcasing a piece of the next generation of flamethrowers pushing the boundaries of speed in MLB.