Who Holds the Title for the Fastest Pitch? Opinions May Differ

Unsurprisingly, Major League Baseball pitchers deliver incredibly fast throws. It’s common to see speeds surpassing 100 miles per hour (161 kilometers per hour), with many pitchers consistently reaching the high double digits.

You might be curious about the ultimate limit: What’s the maximum speed a top-tier pitcher can achieve, and who currently holds the record for the fastest pitch in history?

How Does the MLB Measure Pitch Speed?

Since baseball’s inception, the core components of a pitch have remained unchanged: the human arm and a baseball. Yet, like all sports, baseball has evolved over time, with athletes continuously improving their strength, skill, and speed.

Pitching has followed this trend. Modern-day pitchers are achieving higher velocities than ever before.

However, the technology required to precisely measure pitch speed — and its consistent implementation across the league — is a recent development. To determine the fastest pitch records, we must examine the various technologies used throughout history.

Advancements in Measurement Tools

The 1970s marked the start of a new era in measuring pitch velocity, as radar guns originally designed for tracking car speeds were repurposed to gauge the speed of baseballs thrown by MLB pitchers. Over time, technological advancements enhanced accuracy and shifted the measurement point closer to the pitcher's release.

This change resulted in higher recorded speeds because a pitch naturally loses velocity as it moves toward home plate due to air resistance. For instance, a ball thrown at 100 mph (161 kph) might drop to 90 mph (145 kph) by the time it reaches the catcher.

Adapting to Modern Measurement Techniques

The introduction of the Statcast system in 2015 ushered in a new age of baseball analytics, revolutionizing how we track not only the fastest pitches but also the longest home runs. As new data was gathered, historical records were recalibrated to align with modern standards, ensuring consistency across different eras.

Consequently, older pitch speeds were adjusted upward to reflect what they would have been using current technology, which measures velocity as near as possible to the pitcher's release point.

The Fastest Pitches in the Statcast Era

Here’s a rundown of the top 10 fastest pitches recorded in this era, as per Statcast. It’s evident that Aroldis Chapman dominates the list, claiming eight of the fastest pitches ever, while Jordan Hicks secures the remaining two spots.

Aroldis Chapman's Unmatched Pitching Prowess

Aroldis Chapman has enjoyed a remarkable career. He made his MLB debut in 2010 with the Cincinnati Reds, quickly establishing himself with record-breaking pitch speeds.

Over the past decade, he has played for teams like the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, and most recently, the Texas Rangers. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered incredibly fast pitches.

On September 24, 2010, during a game against the San Diego Padres, Aroldis Chapman delivered what is now recognized as the world record for the fastest pitch. Initially recorded at 105.1 mph (169.1 kph), it was later adjusted to 105.8 mph (170.3 kph) to align with Statcast’s standardized measurements.

Chapman dominates the top 10 fastest pitches, particularly during his standout 2016 season. Jordan Hicks, who debuted in 2018 with the St. Louis Cardinals, is the only other pitcher to make the list, with his fastest pitch reaching 105.0 mph (169.0 kph).

Unofficial Records for Fast Pitches

Although Aroldis Chapman holds the official record for the fastest pitch in MLB history, there are other notable pitches often mentioned in discussions about speed. These unofficial records, however, lack the verifiable conditions needed to confirm their exact velocities.

No. 2: Bob Feller, Cleveland Indians, Griffith Stadium, 107.6 mph (173.2 km/h), 1946

This iconic, lightning-fast pitch wasn’t delivered during an official MLB game. Instead, it was measured before the game using a device called a Lumiline Chronograph, specifically set up to gauge Feller’s throwing speed.

His top speed was recorded at 98.6 mph (158.7 kph). Since this was a single test and exact details are scarce, its true speed remains a topic of debate.

However, when adjusted to modern measurement standards, estimates suggest this pitch could have reached an incredible 107.6 mph (173.2 kph).

No. 1: Nolan Ryan, California Angels, Anaheim Stadium, 108.1 mph (174 km/h), 1974

Nolan Ryan’s legendary fastball was delivered in the ninth inning of a game where radar technology was being introduced as a revolutionary innovation.

Although the initial measurement was 100.8 mph (162.2 kph), recalibrating it to modern standards pushes the speed to an incredible 108 mph (173.8 kph), solidifying its place as the fastest pitch ever recorded.

Despite this, much like Bob Feller’s record, the exact accuracy of Ryan’s blazing pitch remains uncertain, with some experts questioning its validity. Nevertheless, Ryan is revered as one of the greatest pitchers in history, and many believe he was capable of achieving such an extraordinary feat.