The Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most popular and well-known sports leagues in the world. It is a professional baseball organization consisting of 30 teams and has been in existence since 1876. The league is known for its intense competition, thrilling individual performances, and, of course, its pitches. Many MLB pitchers have become legendary for their powerful and accurate fastballs, and over the years, the top pitchers have pushed the limits of what is possible with a baseball. Today, we are going to take a look at the fastest pitch ever recorded in the MLB.
What is a Pitch?
Before we dive into the fastest pitch ever recorded in the MLB, let’s take a moment to understand what a pitch is. In baseball, a pitch is a thrown ball from the pitcher to the catcher. The pitcher’s goal is to throw the ball in such a way that the hitter will not be able to hit it. There are many types of pitches, such as the fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup, each with its own unique characteristics.
How Is Pitch Speed Measured?
Pitch speed is measured in miles per hour (mph). The MLB uses PitchF/X, a system developed by Sportvision, to track pitch speed and other data such as spin rate, break, and release point. PitchF/X is a combination of cameras and software that tracks the trajectory of the pitch from the mound to the catcher.
A Brief History of MLB Pitching Speed Records
The fastest pitch ever recorded in the MLB is 105.1 mph, but there have been many other pitchers who have thrown incredibly fast pitches throughout the history of the league. Here is a brief look at some of the most noteworthy records:
Bob Feller – 98.6 mph
Bob Feller, also known as “Rapid Robert”, was a legendary pitcher for the Cleveland Indians in the mid-20th century. He was the first pitcher to break the 100 mph barrier, recording a pitch of 98.6 mph in 1946.
Nolan Ryan – 100.9 mph
Nolan Ryan is widely considered to be one of the best pitchers in MLB history. He holds the record for the most career strikeouts and no-hitters, and in 1974 he recorded a pitch of 100.9 mph.
Aroldis Chapman – 105.1 mph
Aroldis Chapman is a Cuban-born pitcher who currently plays for the Cincinnati Reds. In 2010, he broke Nolan Ryan’s record with a pitch of 105.1 mph, the fastest pitch ever recorded in the MLB.
Reactions to the Record-Breaking Pitch
When Aroldis Chapman’s record-breaking pitch was recorded, it sent shockwaves throughout the baseball world. Many people were amazed at the sheer speed of the pitch, and few doubted that it would remain the fastest pitch ever recorded in the MLB for many years to come.
Impact on the Game
Aroldis Chapman’s record-breaking pitch has had a lasting impact on the game of baseball. His pitch has inspired a generation of young pitchers to aim for higher speeds, and the league has seen an increase in the number of pitchers throwing pitches at speeds of 100 mph or more.
Fastest Pitchers in the MLB Today
Aroldis Chapman may hold the record for the fastest pitch ever recorded in the MLB, but there are still many pitchers in the league today who can throw incredibly fast pitches. Here is a look at some of the fastest pitchers in the MLB right now:
Jordan Hicks
Jordan Hicks is a relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. He has consistently been one of the fastest pitchers in the league, and his fastest pitch was recorded at 103 mph in 2018.
Noah Syndergaard
Noah Syndergaard is a starting pitcher for the New York Mets. He is known for his powerful fastball, and his fastest pitch was recorded at 102.3 mph in 2018.
Gerrit Cole
Gerrit Cole is a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros. He is one of the most dominant pitchers in the league and has recorded a pitch of 102 mph in 2017.
Conclusion
The Major League Baseball is home to some of the most talented and dedicated pitchers in the world. These pitchers have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with a baseball, and Aroldis Chapman’s record-breaking pitch of 105.1 mph stands as a testament to the incredible feats that can be achieved with hard work and dedication. While there are many pitchers today who can throw incredibly fast pitches, Chapman’s record is likely to remain the fastest pitch ever recorded in the MLB for many years to come.