Fastest Pitch Ever Thrown Explained: Record Speeds and Notable Pitchers

The fastest pitch ever thrown in professional baseball was clocked at 105.8 miles per hour by Aroldis Chapman in 2010. This record-breaking fastball set a new standard for velocity in Major League Baseball and remains unmatched more than a decade later.

Fans and analysts have long debated the limits of human performance on the pitcher’s mound. With advances in technology and athlete training, the quest to throw even faster pitches continues to push boundaries and capture the attention of baseball enthusiasts worldwide.

Understanding the Fastest Pitch Ever Thrown

Accurately identifying the fastest pitch requires reliable measurement and verification. Technology, competitive standards, and recorded data all play a role in tracking and comparing the top fastballs in baseball history.

Official World Record and Its Holder

The official record for the fastest pitch in Major League Baseball is held by Aroldis Chapman. On September 24, 2010, Chapman threw a pitch measured at 105.1 mph (169.1 km/h) for the Cincinnati Reds. This pitch was recorded using MLB's comprehensive PITCHf/x system.

Chapman's record has stood for over a decade, and no other MLB pitch has eclipsed this verified mark since. Unsanctioned claims from earlier decades exist, but Chapman's record is recognized because it was measured with modern, consistent technology.

This achievement is officially tracked by MLB and various baseball statistical organizations, ensuring clear recognition of the record.

Technologies Used to Measure Pitch Speed

Various technologies have been used to record pitch speed. Before the mid-2000s, radar guns like the JUGS and Stalker were standard; these devices are hand-held or mounted and rely on Doppler radar. Accuracy can vary with placement and calibration.

In 2006, MLB introduced the PITCHf/x system, which uses multi-camera tracking for greater accuracy and consistency. As of 2015, the Statcast system became the standard, providing even more data points and precision. Statcast uses a combination of radar and high-speed cameras.

The varying measurement methods through the years mean that speeds sometimes differ even for the same pitcher or pitch, depending on equipment and technique.

Comparison of Historical Fastball Speeds

Pitch speed measurement has evolved significantly over time, which affects historical comparisons. Radar guns in the past often measured velocity at different points on the pitch's trajectory—sometimes right as the ball left the pitcher's hand and sometimes at the plate.

Below is a comparison of some top recorded fastball speeds in MLB history (all speeds in mph):

Pitcher Recorded Speed Year Measurement Technology

Aroldis Chapman 105.1 2010 PITCHf/x

Joel Zumaya 104.8 2006 PITCHf/x

Nolan Ryan 100.9 1974 Radar Gun (at plate)

Bob Feller 98.6 1946 Photoelectric Timing

* Older measurements may have been taken closer to home plate, resulting in slightly lower readings compared to modern standards.

Notable Contenders and Close Challengers

Several pitchers have come close to matching Aroldis Chapman's record, particularly in the era of advanced pitch tracking. Joel Zumaya logged multiple readings above 104 mph during the 2006 season with the Detroit Tigers but never broke Chapman's mark.

Jordan Hicks of the St. Louis Cardinals regularly throws above 103 mph, and his fastest pitch was measured at 105.0 mph in May 2018 by Statcast. However, MLB did not officially classify it as exceeding Chapman's velocity.

Earlier legends such as Nolan Ryan, Bob Feller, and Steve Dalkowski were long rumored to have thrown over 100 mph, but the lack of modern measurement technologies at the time makes comparison difficult. Their reputations remain, but only those pitches measured with standardized technology are accepted for official records.