Aroldis Chapman Ties MLB Record with 105.1 MPH Fastball

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman tied his own MLB record Monday by throwing a 105.1 mph fastball in the ninth inning of their 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Just when Yankees fans had gotten used to Aroldis Chapman’s other-worldly 100 mph heater, he managed to top himself while closing out Monday’s 2-1 squeaker over the Orioles. In the tightest of situations, Chapman reached back and fired a 105.1 mph fastball past shortstop J.J. Hardy.

Not only was it Chapman’s fastest pitch with the Yankees, but tied his own record as the fastest recorded pitch in Major League Baseball history. He first set the record back in 2010 as a member of the Cincinnati Reds.

Catcher Brian McCann, who has the unenviable task of receiving Chapman’s bullets, told Randy Miller of NJ.com following the game:

“I look every time he throws a pitch. I look (at the scoreboard’s radar gun) every time to see how hard it was. It’s incredible what he can do on the mound … You just hope you catch it … I’m as locked in as I can possibly be … The thumb is where it would hurt you.”

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Yankees manager Joe Girardi also sounded in awe of his closer’s unmatched velocity:

“I duck down one step in the dugout when he’s pitching. Some of our hard throwers, you get a little bit nervous over there. But you watch him, and his arm is so quick. I can’t really say I’ve ever seen an arm that quick, and it’s impressive.”

While Chapman’s numbers have been slightly less jaw-dropping than usual, he has still been among MLB’s most valuable relievers since returning from a 30 game suspension to begin the 2016 season. He earned his 19th save by finishing Monday’s game, and has a 2.22 ERA and 2.09 FIP. Chapman has struck out 36.7% of the batters he’s faced, while walking a career-low 7.3%.

Hard to believe those marks are actually slightly disappointing for the 28-year-old flamethrower, but that’s just the kind of career Chapman has had.

As for the trade rumors that have swirled around Chapman and the Yankees leading up to the August 1st deadline? He says they don’t bother him.

“That’s something I don’t worry about. I try just to concentrate on doing my job on the game and helping the team win. It’s really something I have no control over.”

Next: What Happened to the New CC Sabathia?

This latest performance was a nice reminder to potential buyers exactly what Aroldis Chapman is capable of.