A Record That Still Echoes
Aroldis Chapman still holds the record for the hardest‑thrown pitch in the tracking era, a 105.8‑mph fastball that lit up the radar gun on September 24, 2010.
Only one other hurler, Neftalí Feliz, ever reached the 104‑mph mark before Chapman’s mark, and the feat has become a benchmark that younger arms measure themselves against.
Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics has topped out at 104.2 mph, while Jacob Misiorowski, a rookie with a powerful arm, posted a 105.5‑mph effort earlier this season, keeping the conversation alive.
Andrew Miller, who once shared a locker room with Chapman, describes the Cuban right‑hander as a physical outlier, noting that the sheer force behind his delivery is hard to replicate.
Chapman himself is proud of the milestone but welcomes the idea of someone eventually surpassing it, saying the record is meant to be chased.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, are riding a strong road stretch that boasts the fifth‑highest winning percentage in baseball, yet they sit at the bottom of the league at home, prompting hopes for a turnaround.
Outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela is eager to feel the energy of Fenway again, and first baseman Willson Contreras, still nursing a bruised left ankle, believes the club’s home vibe is improving.
The upcoming weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays will open the second half, with rookie Jake Bennett slated to start Game 1 on Friday, while lefthanders Patrick Sandoval and Sonny Gray are lined up for Saturday and Sunday.
Boston’s pitching rotation will also feature Griffin Jax for the Rays’ Game 1, followed by Ian Seymour and Shane McClanahan on the next two days, setting the stage for a compelling matchup.
Reporter Alex Speier has been tracking these developments, noting how the blend of veteran presence and fresh arms could reshape the Red Sox’s fortunes.