When you think about velocity from MLB pitchers, a few names probably come to mind. But left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman reigns supreme. That was only confirmed once he reached a specific milestone with the Boston Red Sox in April.
According to Francis Romero, the 37-year-old became the first pitcher in MLB history to throw 3,800 pitches at 100 mph or faster since the league began officially tracking velocity in 2008. It’s a number that sounds almost fictional until you realize we’re talking about a pitcher who’s been terrorizing hitters with triple-digit heat for 16 years.
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The Record That Defines a Generation
Aroldis Chapman reached 3,800 pitches at 100+MPH in the Major Leagues this Saturday.
He’s been the king of velocity since 2008, when pitch tracking began in MLB.
1-Aroldis Chapman (3,800) 🇨🇺
2-Jordan Hicks (1,682) 🇺🇸
3-Emmanuel Clase (1,209) 🇩🇴 pic.twitter.com/DjIdLa47Lz— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) April 12, 2025
This 3,800-pitch milestone is impressive. But it’s even more impressive when you consider the gap between the left-hander and his nearest competitors. At the time he reached 3,800, Jordan Hicks was a distant second with 1,682 such pitches, followed by Emmanuel Clase (1,209) and Jhoan Durán (1,134). Those numbers tell the story of Chapman’s dominance in the velocity department.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is his age. While most pitchers see their fastball velocity decline significantly by their mid-30s, the Cuban southpaw continues defying Father Time. His ability to consistently pump gas at an age when many closers have already hung up their cleats speaks to both his exceptional genetics and meticulous conditioning.
The foundation for this record was laid back in 2010 when he fired a 105.8 mph fastball as a rookie for the Cincinnati Reds. It’s a pitch that earned him a Guinness World Record and remains the fastest officially recorded pitch in baseball history. That single moment announced Chapman’s arrival as something special, but this career-spanning milestone proves his sustained excellence.
Aroldis Chapman Build His Career on Pure Heat
Chapman’s journey to becoming baseball’s speed king wasn’t just about raw talent. Born in Holguín, Cuba, he defected in 2009 and quickly established himself as one of the game’s most feared relievers. His fastball became his calling card.
Throughout his career with the Reds, Yankees, Cubs, Royals, Rangers, Pirates, and now Red Sox, he’s consistently sat in the upper 90s to low 100s with his four-seam fastball. He’s used it to accumulate more than 300 saves, seven All-Star Game selections, and two World Series titles throughout his career.
Controversies That Have Shadowed Excellence
While Chapman’s on-field achievements are undeniable, his career hasn’t been without significant controversy. In 2015, he faced a 30-game suspension from MLB after allegations of domestic violence involving his girlfriend. The incident, which reportedly included Chapman firing eight gunshots into his garage wall during an argument, cast a shadow over his reputation.
Chapman ultimately served the suspension to start the 2016 season, and the investigation didn’t result in criminal charges. Chapman has since kept a relatively low profile off the field…unless you want to talk about him hanging out with his mother (I don’t, and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, Google it — but I warned you).
The Enduring Legacy of Baseball’s Hardest Thrower
As Chapman continues his career in Boston, this latest milestone serves as a reminder of his unique place in baseball history. In an era where pitch counts are monitored more closely than ever and relievers are used more strategically, Chapman’s sustained velocity over such a long period becomes even more impressive.
The 3,800-pitch mark isn’t just a number. It represents thousands of moments where hitters stepped into the box knowing they were about to face serious heat. It’s the accumulation of countless “Did you see that?” moments that have defined Chapman’s career.
Looking ahead, it’s difficult to imagine another pitcher matching Chapman’s velocity longevity. Modern baseball’s emphasis on innings limits and pitch counts, along with the typical career arc for hard-throwers, means today’s hurlers may never accumulate the sheer volume of high-velocity pitches Chapman has delivered over his career.
At 37, Chapman continues adding to his legacy with every triple-digit fastball. Whether this record ever gets broken remains to be seen, but for now, the title of baseball’s undisputed speed king belongs firmly to the Cuban flamethrower.
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