Over the last 16 years, Aroldis Chapman has been putting on a show in the MLB. He hit the ground running early in his career, throwing the fastest pitch ever recorded with a 105.8 mph fastball in his rookie year.
The 38-year-old doesn’t reach that level of velocity nowadays, but he’s been impressive for the Boston Red Sox this season. On Friday, he made even more MLB history.
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With a 9th inning strikeout of Los Angeles Angels third baseman Denzer Guzman on Friday, Chapman became the MLB’s all-time leader in strikeouts by relievers.
It was the 1,364th strikeout of his career and helped him break a tie with Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm. As he sent Guzman back to the dugout, he briefly paused to soak in the moment before closing out his 384th career save.
“I feel very happy, very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish,” Chapman said through an interpreter after the game. “I just feel very satisfied right now.”
Boston’s interim manager Chad Tracy also spoke on the record-breaking moment after the win.
“It’s cool. We’ve been waiting for that one,” he said. “What a career he’s had. The cool thing is watching the video and you’re seeing him at a young age throwing 102, and he’s still doing it. It’s just incredible.”
Chapman joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2010 and has since pitched for seven teams across 17 seasons in the big leagues.
It’s not a guarantee that the eight-time All-Star will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but his case continues to get stronger.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
