On May 26, 2023, Ben Joyce of the Los Angeles Angels threw a 105.5 mph fastball, making it the fastest recorded MLB pitch of the 2023 season. This record-breaking velocity, tracked by MLB's Hawkeye system, was perfect for striking out batters using a two-seam grip.

TL;DR

The official record for the fastest pitch belongs to Aroldis Chapman, who hit 105.1 mph during a game against the San Diego Padres. While fans often discuss Nolan Ryan's legendary 108 mph heat, modern Statcast technology only verifies Chapman and Jordan Hicks as the true velocity kings of the MLB.

Who Holds the Official Speed Records?

Aroldis Chapman currently holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest pitch at 105.1 mph. Most experts agree that modern radar technology provides the only truly reliable data for such historical rankings.

While Chapman leads the official books, other pitchers have come incredibly close to his mark. Jordan Hicks famously threw two pitches at 105 mph in a single inning. This level of speed remains rare because of the massive physical strain on a pitcher's arm. Most starters average between 92 and 96 mph. Only a few elite relievers consistently break the 100 mph barrier.

*Note:Nolan Ryan's pitch was measured closer to the plate. Adjusting for modern measurement points suggests it might have exceeded 108 mph.

Sources:MLB Statcast Leaders, Guinness World Records

Does Pitch Velocity Still Matter Today?

High velocity remains the most effective way to beat batters because it reduces their reaction time to under 400 milliseconds. Faster pitches result in higher strikeout rates and less solid contact from the offensive side.

Velocity creates a smaller margin of error for the hitter. A 100 mph fastball leaves almost no time for a batter to decide whether to swing. This advantage has led to a league-wide obsession with speed. Scouts look for players who can naturally throw hard, even if they lack perfect control. However, velocity alone isn't everything. Pitchers must combine speed with movement to remain effective over a full season.

Sources:Baseball Savant Velocity Prep, Physiology of Pitching

How to Decide Which Pitching Metric Is Best?

When evaluating a pitcher's effectiveness, one should look at several data points beyond just the peak speed on the radar gun. Use these criteria to judge quality.

• Check the average velocity rather than just the peak speed.
• Evaluate the spin rate to see how much the ball moves.
• Look at the "Extension" to find the actual perceived velocity.
• Review the strikeout-to-walk ratio for overall control.

Final Thoughts

While 105.1 mph stands as the official peak, baseball velocity continues to climb across the league. Watch the latest Statcast data to see if a new record-breaker emerges this season.

References:

MLB Statcast LeaderboardGuinness World Records BaseballBaseball Savant Advanced Stats