Aroldis Chapman: Has the Cuban Missile thrown the fastest pitch in MLB history?

Aroldis Chapman, also known as the 'Cuban Missile', has quite the arm on him. During his days with the Cincinnati Reds and now with the New York Yankees, he has thrown some howitzers.

Chapman is originally from Cuba and he signed with the Reds as an international free agent in 2010. By 2012, his ability to throw hard for short spurts earned him a spot as the regular closer for the Reds.

Chapman had 146 saves and an ERA of just over 2.00 in seven seasons with the Reds. He spent a brief time with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 before joining the New York Yankees, where he has remained ever since.

Chapman threw a 105 mph pitch against the San Diego Padres in September 2010, his first season in the major leagues. The lightning bolt came just a season after Brian Wilson of the San Francisco Giants closed out a game with a 102 mph pitch.

Chapman was eventually recognized in the Guinness World Records for the fastest pitch to ever be recorded. At 105.1 mph, the pitch must have seemed more like a white flash than any discernable ball-shaped entity.

However, in recent years, some have called Chapman's record into question. Some have pointed to a 1946 speed reading off of a pitch from Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller that allegedly reached 107.6 mph.

Additionally, according to Doppler Laser Readings from 1974, Atlanta Braves pitcher Nolan Ryan established the record that year when he delivered a pitch of 108.1 mph.

"September 24th 2010: Cincinnati #Reds RP Aroldis Chapman threw the fastest pitch (105.1 MPH) ever recorded in MLB history. Jordan Hicks tied it in 2018 but nobody has ever surpassed it" - @ Best of Pro Sports

While it is impossible to know for sure, especially given the lack of reliability of old readings, Aroldis Chapman does indeed have the accreditation to say that he has delivered the fastest pitch in MLB history.

Aroldis Chapman's speed seems to be slowing

It is certain that Aroldis Chapman has one of the strongest arms around. However, at the age of 34, he possibly does not have the torque of recent years.

Chapman pitched only 36 innings last season, the lowest of any full season of his career. Perhaps the Yankees will have mixed feelings when his contract is up next season.