Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller set the record for fastest pitch in MLB All-Star game with a 103.6 mph fastball. Miller is a Type 1 diabetic patient and has still managed to be one of the fastest pitchers in the major league right now. He was diagnosed with T1 Diabetes when was just 19, playing Division III at Waynesburg University.
During his sophomore year at college, Miller landed a finance internship at a local hospital, where he had to go through a drug screening test. The results were concerning as they came to be a bit diluted. Miller couldn't believe it and the lab coordinator did the tests again, however, the results remained the same.
At that time, it was found out that this happened because of high blood sugar in Miller's blood. He was instantly admitted to the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes for the first time. Since then, he has had a glucose monitor taped on his body mostly and keeps a check on his blood sugar levels via his phone.
Miller also makes sure to use an insulin pen while eating and before sleeping and routinely changes the monitor every 10 days. However, his performance only improved after the diagnosis, he has better muscle mass and velocity in his pitching. The 19-year-old kid who could hardly throw a 90 mph pitch, has now the highest average speed in the MLB this season, 100.9 mph.
Mason Miller broke the highest velocity pitch record of the All-Star games
Oakland Athletics rookie closer Mason Miller dominated the 2024 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field. Miller's dominance began with a record-setting 103.6 mph fastball, the fastest pitch ever recorded in an All-Star Game. Though it missed the zone, it served as a potent warning to the elite hitters facing him.
Miller unleashed a string of eight consecutive pitches exceeding 100 mph. The tension peaked as reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani stepped into the box. However, Miller struck him out.
Trea Turner also succumbed to a deceptive slider that secured the final out for Miller. His perfect inning not only secured the victory for the American League but also cemented his place in All-Star Game history.
Mason Miller is the third rookie pitcher who has been rewarded victory in an All-Star game, right behind Spec Shea in 1947 and Dean Stone in 1954.