Fastest Baseball Pitch in the World: Record Holder and Measured Speed
The fastest recorded baseball pitch in the world is 105.8 mph (170.1 km/h), thrown by Aroldis Chapman of the Cincinnati Reds on September 24, 2010. Statcast radar and PITCHf/x tracking systems measured the pitch at that speed during a regular season game. MLB and MLB Advanced Media use calibrated TrackMan and Rapsodo radar to certify pitch speeds in real time. The record is widely cited by MLB, ESPN, and The Associated Press as the official fastest pitch in professional baseball history.
Chapman's 105.8 mph fastball remains the top mark on the official MLB pitch speed leaderboard. The pitch was recorded at Citi Field in New York during a game against the San Diego Padres. MLB's Statcast data shows the ball left Chapman's hand at that peak velocity before reaching home plate. The record is frequently referenced in MLB.com features, baseball analytics reports, and sports science studies on human performance and pitching biomechanics.
How MLB Measures Fastball Speed and Verifies the Fastest Pitches
Radar and Tracking Systems Used in MLB
MLB uses TrackMan Doppler radar and optical tracking systems to measure pitch speed with high precision. The system captures velocity at the release point and as the ball crosses home plate. Data is integrated into the MLB Statcast platform and shared with teams, broadcasters, and official record keepers. These systems help verify record-breaking pitches and ensure consistent speed measurements across all stadiums.
Why Pitch Speed Matters for Performance and Player Evaluation
Higher pitch velocity is linked to weaker contact, more swings and misses, and lower batting averages against fastballs. Teams use velocity data to assess pitchers, design training programs, and monitor arm health. Sports science research shows that elite velocity requires a combination of biomechanics, strength, and neuromuscular efficiency. MLB organizations invest in pitching coaches, biomechanists, and technology to help pitchers maximize speed while reducing injury risk.
Fastest Pitches in MLB History After the Record
Several pitchers have exceeded 104 mph after Chapman's record. Notable high-velocity arms include Justin Verlander, Jordan Hicks, and Corbin Burnes, whose pitches have been tracked above 103 mph in MLB games. Statcast data shows that average fastball velocity across MLB has increased over the past decade. Teams now prioritize velocity in player development, and radar technology makes it easier to capture and compare top speeds across leagues and seasons.
MLB continues to refine its tracking infrastructure to capture every pitch with greater accuracy. The league shares velocity data through official APIs, public leaderboards, and partner platforms. Researchers and media outlets use this data to study trends in pitching velocity, pitch movement, and batter reaction time. As tracking technology improves, new benchmarks for the fastest pitches in baseball may be recorded in future MLB seasons.