fastest recorded pitch in baseball varies among sources
Fastest Pitches in Major League Baseball History
In the world of baseball, pitching speed has always been a topic of fascination. Here's a look at some of the fastest pitches ever recorded in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB).
The current record for the fastest pitch under pitch tracking, which has been in use since 2008, belongs to Aroldis Chapman. During a game against the San Diego Padres in 2010, Chapman hurled a pitch that was officially clocked at 105.8 mph (170.3 kph). This record remains unchallenged in the modern era.
However, before the advent of pitch tracking, the title of the fastest pitch was a subject of debate. Bob Feller, who pitched in the 1940s, is often cited as the pitcher with the fastest pitch, clocked at 107.6 mph (173.2 kph) in 1946. It's important to note that this measurement is not official.
Nolan Ryan, a legendary pitcher, also holds an unofficial record for the fastest pitch ever recorded. During the ninth inning of a game in which a radar gun was being introduced as a new technology, Ryan's fastest pitch was measured at 100.8 mph (162.2 kph) in 1974. Using modern measurement standards, this pitch would have been clocked at 108.1 mph (174 km/h).
In more recent times, Jordan Hicks, who debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018, has made his mark. His fastest pitch, thrown during his debut, ranks among the top 10 fastest pitches ever.
As for the 2025 season, the fastest pitch was recorded by Mason Miller, who threw a pitch at 104.2 mph.
In summary, Aroldis Chapman holds the official record for the fastest pitch in MLB history, while Nolan Ryan's pitch, measured under modern standards, would rank as the fastest unofficial record. Jordan Hicks is the only other pitcher with a pitch in the top 10 fastest ever, and Mason Miller holds the record for the fastest pitch in the 2025 season.
- In addition to pitching records, spectacular home runs are also part of the sports drama in baseball, with Jordan Hicks' debut home run adding a memorable moment to his impressive pitches.
- While baseball enthusiasts may argue about the fastest pitcher in the history of the MLB, discussions about the home run kings, like Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds, reign supreme in the realm of baseball's home run sports.
