Challenges Faced by Aroldis Chapman: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Aroldis Chapman's life and career.

Aroldis Chapman is a Cuban-born American professional baseball relief pitcher currently playing for the Boston Red Sox. Known as "the Cuban Missile" for his high-velocity fastball, Chapman has played for several MLB teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs. He is a left-handed pitcher and hitter and a member of the 300 save club. Chapman is also the all-time leader in strikeouts for left-handed relief pitchers, marking him as a dominant force in MLB bullpen history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2008: Failed Defection Attempt

After a failed attempt to defect in the spring of 2008, Chapman met with Cuban president Raúl Castro, who gave him a conditional reprieve.

2010: First Postseason Loss

In Game 2 of the 2010 NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, Chapman experienced his first career postseason loss.

April 18, 2011: Disparity in pitch speed

On April 18, 2011, Aroldis Chapman threw a pitch to Andrew McCutchen that was clocked at 106 mph by the scoreboard, but measured at 102.4 mph by the PITCHf/x system, causing confusion about the actual speed.

May 2012: Chapman Sued

In May 2012, Aroldis Chapman was sued for allegedly serving as an informant for Cuban state authorities after a failed defection attempt and helping turn in another man in order to get back on the country's national baseball team.

August 2012: Further Fastball Decline in August 2012

Through August 2012, Aroldis Chapman's fastball averaged 97.8 miles per hour, a further decrease that may have been an attempt to improve control.

March 19, 2014: Injured by Line Drive

During a spring training game on March 19, 2014, Chapman was struck in the head by a line drive, resulting in a skull fracture and subsequent surgery.

October 30, 2015: Alleged domestic violence incident

On October 30, 2015, Aroldis Chapman was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident with his girlfriend at his home in Davie, Florida. He was accused of pushing and choking her, and firing eight gunshots.

December 7, 2015: News of domestic violence breaks, Dodgers trade put on hold

On December 7, 2015, news broke about Aroldis Chapman's alleged domestic violence incident from October 30, 2015, leading MLB to investigate, and the Los Angeles Dodgers to put a pending trade on hold.

May 14, 2017: Placed on disabled list

On May 14, 2017, Aroldis Chapman was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to rotator cuff inflammation in his left shoulder.

2017: Fastest pitch hit for a home run in Statcast era

In 2017, Aroldis Chapman gave up a home run to Rafael Devers off a 103 mph pitch, which was the fastest pitch hit for a home run in the Statcast era. His fastest pitch of 2017 was 104.3 miles an hour, best in MLB.