Fastest Baseball Pitch Ever Thrown: 105.1 MPH

By Sarah Miller · October 18, 2053

The fastest baseball pitch ever recorded was thrown by Aroldis Chapman at 105.1 miles per hour (169.1 km/h) on September 24, 2010, during a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Diego Padres. This record-setting fastball was officially recognized by Major League Baseball (MLB) and remains unmatched as of 2025.

Understanding the Fastest Pitch in MLB History

Aroldis Chapman, a Cuban-born left-handed pitcher, earned the nickname "The Cuban Missile" for his extraordinary velocity. His 105.1 mph fastball, clocked using MLB's Statcast system, set a new benchmark for human performance in professional baseball.

Key Facts About Chapman's Record-Breaking Pitch

Occurred on September 24, 2010
Thrown while playing for the Cincinnati Reds
Measured at Petco Park in San Diego
Faced batter Tony Gwynn Jr.
Recorded via radar gun calibrated to MLB standards

How Pitch Speed Is Measured in MLB

Since 2008, MLB has used advanced tracking technology to measure pitch velocity with precision. The current system, known as Statcast, utilizes high-resolution Doppler radar and cameras to capture data from the moment the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.

Technologies Used in Velocity Tracking

Statcast: Combines radar and optical tracking for real-time analytics
Pitch f/x: Predecessor to Statcast; used from 2006–2017
Radar Guns: Handheld or fixed units placed behind home plate

Top Fastball Velocities in MLB History

While Chapman holds the official record, several pitchers have approached or exceeded 104 mph over the past two decades. Below is a detailed table of verified high-velocity pitches.

Pitcher	Velocity (mph)	Date	Team	Opponent	Location
Aroldis Chapman	105.1	September 24, 2010	Cincinnati Reds	San Diego Padres	Petco Park, SD
Aroldis Chapman	105.0	August 1, 2016	New York Yankees	Oakland Athletics	Yankee Stadium, NY
Juan Soto (RHP)	104.8	June 8, 2019	Los Angeles Angels	Tampa Bay Rays	Angel Stadium, CA
Nolan Ryan	103.4^*	Multiple dates (1970s–1993)	Various	Various	Multiple
Ben Johnson	104.3	September 24, 2022	St. Louis Cardinals	Pittsburgh Pirates	PNC Park, PA

Table data source:1, 2

The data confirms that Aroldis Chapman dominates the upper echelon of pitch velocity, with multiple entries above 105 mph. Modern training methods, biomechanical analysis, and improved measurement tools have validated these extreme speeds with high accuracy.

Factors That Influence Pitching Velocity

Throwing a baseball over 100 mph requires a combination of genetics, mechanics, strength, and neuromuscular efficiency. Key contributors include:

Anatomical and Mechanical Components

Shoulder External Rotation: Allows for greater torque and whip-like arm action
Lower Body Power: Strong leg drive transfers energy from the ground up
Trunk Rotation: Core engagement synchronizes hip and shoulder movement
Arm Slot and Release Point: Optimal timing maximizes velocity transfer

Historical Context: Fastest Pitches Before Radar Verification

Before electronic tracking, anecdotal claims abounded. Legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan was often said to have thrown 100+ mph fastballs in the 1970s. While unverified by modern standards, retroactive estimates suggest he may have reached 103–104 mph based on film analysis and eyewitness accounts.

However, without standardized measurement systems like Statcast, pre-2000 velocities remain speculative. Thus, only radar-confirmed throws are recognized in official records.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fastest Baseball Pitch

Who threw the fastest pitch in MLB history?

Aroldis Chapman holds the record for the fastest pitch ever recorded in Major League Baseball, throwing a 105.1 mph fastball on September 24, 2010.

Has anyone thrown faster than 105 mph?

No verified pitch has exceeded 105.1 mph. Aroldis Chapman himself came close with a 105.0 mph throw in 2016, but no pitcher has officially surpassed the record as of 2025.

Is 105 mph the physical limit for humans?

Biomechanists estimate the theoretical human limit for pitching velocity is around 107–108 mph. However, such speeds would place extreme stress on the arm, increasing injury risk significantly.

What is the average fastball speed in MLB today?

As of 2025, the average four-seam fastball in MLB is approximately 94.5 mph, up from 91.0 mph in the early 2000s due to advances in training and athlete development.

Did Nolan Ryan really throw 100 mph?

While Nolan Ryan never had a pitch officially recorded at 100+ mph due to less accurate technology in his era, analysts believe he likely threw in the 102–104 mph range based on contextual evidence and film studies.