In the baseball universe, the velocity of a pitcher’s throw significantly determines their overall success. Notwithstanding, the historical inaccuracy in the measurement of pitch speeds before Statcast technology gives the current leaders a somewhat unfair advantage. Recently, a record-breaking feat was achieved when Angels’ relief pitcher, Ben Joyce, struck out the Dodgers’ Tommy Edman with an incredible 105.5 mph pitch. This pitch, one of the fastest in history, also set a new record as the fastest strikeout pitch.
The Statcast era has seen remarkable velocities in pitches. Since the technology’s implementation, the top ten fastest pitches as per speed when leaving the pitcher’s hand are listed as follows. Aroldis Chapman holds the top spot with a pitch speed of 105.8 mph on September 24, 2010, while Ben Joyce comes in third with his record pitch of 105.5 mph on Sept 3, 2024. Other notable spots on the leaderboard are held by a combination of Chapman and Jordan Hicks, with speeds ranging from 105.1 mph to 105.4 mph.
Aroldis Chapman is clearly a name to note, with his name appearing multiple times on the leaderboard. Besides his league-leading record-breaking pitch in 2010, he remarkably clinched second place in the fastest pitch category with a velocity of 105.7 mph on July 18, 2016. Chapman also features in flanks of tied positions where his pitches clocked 105.1 mph, with instances recorded in 2016 and 2024. His pitching prowess is demonstrated by the frequency and consistency of his fastball speed, which consistently surpassed the 105 mph mark.
Another pitcher sharing the limelight with Chapman is Jordan Hicks. Although he’s in a tie for the 10th spot, his fastball speed of 105 mph recorded on May 20, 2018, is nothing short of impressive. Hicks shares the 10th position with Chapman, who hit the same 105 mph speed on July 23, 2016. Despite not making it to the top, their inclusion on this exclusive list testifies to their exceptional skills and performance on the mound.
The recent feat achieved by Ben Joyce goes to show that the top position on the chart is not irrevocable. His pitch on September 3, 2024, flying at 105.5 mph was the fastest pitch recorded in several years. His speed temporarily dethroned Chapman and set the record for the fastest-ever strikeout pitch. His noteworthy performance underlines continued improvements and competitiveness in the league.
In summary, Statcast’s contribution to baseball cannot be understated. It has facilitated more accurate data collection, particularly pitcher velocity, which has encouraged competitiveness among players. The historical records, especially from players like Chapman, Hicks, and Joyce are not only fascinating but also remind us of human strength and skill, inspiring newer generations to surpass them. Fans can follow and get more from Major League Baseball by following their favorite leagues, teams, and players on the FOX Sports account where they can receive personalized newsletters daily.
