Aroldis Chapman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Aroldis Chapman. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Aroldis Chapman, nicknamed "the Cuban Missile", is a Cuban-born American professional baseball relief pitcher currently playing for the Boston Red Sox. Known for his exceptionally high fastball velocity, Chapman has also played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as Holguín in the Cuban National Series. A left-handed pitcher, he is a member of the 300 save club and holds the record for all-time strikeouts among left-handed relievers.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1945: Cubs' First Pennant Since 1945

Chapman helped the Cubs secure their first pennant since 1945 during the 2016 NLCS.

September 24, 2010: Fastest Pitch Record

On September 24, 2010, Chapman threw the fastest pitch recognized by MLB, clocked at 105.1 mph against Tony Gwynn Jr.

July 1, 2012: First All-Star Game Selection

On July 1, 2012, Chapman was named to his first All-Star Game.

July 2012: MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award

In July 2012, Chapman was awarded the MLB Delivery Man of the Month, recognizing his outstanding performance as a relief pitcher.

2012: Improved Control

In 2012, Chapman walked 23 batters in 71+2⁄3 innings, showing improved control.

August 21, 2013: Strikeout streak begins

On August 21, 2013, Chapman's record-breaking streak of consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout began.

July 11, 2014: Strikeout Record

On July 11, 2014, Chapman broke Bruce Sutter's record for the most consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout.

July 29, 2014: 100th Career Save

On July 29, 2014, Chapman recorded his 100th save against the Arizona Diamondbacks, becoming the eighth-fastest pitcher to reach that milestone.

August 13, 2014: Strikeout Streak Ends

On August 13, 2014, Chapman's record-breaking streak ended at 49 consecutive games.

September 23, 2014: 100th Strikeout Milestone

On September 23, 2014, Chapman recorded his 100th strikeout in his 51st inning pitched of the season, making him the fastest pitcher ever to reach that milestone.

2015: Fastest Pitches of the Season

In 2015, Chapman's fastball averaged 99.98 miles per hour, and he threw the 62 fastest pitches of the season, topping out at 103.92 miles per hour.

July 19, 2016: Matches fastest pitch record

On July 19, 2016, Chapman matched his previous record of 105.1 mph with a ball to Baltimore's J. J. Hardy.

2016: National League Championship Series

Chapman made four appearances during the 2016 National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He secured the Cubs' first pennant since 1945.

2016: Division Series Records

Chapman made three saves in four opportunities in the 2016 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants to tie and set new Division Series records respectively.

2016: Trade to the Cubs and World Series Win

During the 2016 season, the Yankees traded Chapman to the Chicago Cubs, where he won Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

2016: World Series Title

In the 2016 World Series, Chapman was the winning pitcher in Game 7, securing his first World Series title with the Cubs.

2017: Home run given up to Rafael Devers

In 2017, Aroldis Chapman gave up a home run to Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox. The pitch was clocked at 103 mph, making it 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.

2017: Fastest pitch record revised

In 2017, MLB revised a pitch Chapman threw on September 24, 2010, to 105.8 mph, making it the fastest pitch thrown.

2019: AL Reliever of the Year Award

In 2019 Chapman's first win as a member of the Yankees. Chapman was named the AL Reliever of the Year.

2019: Chapman's 2019 Season

In 2019, Chapman had 37 saves and a 2.21 ERA. He received the AL Reliever of the Month Award for both May and August. He also received the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award.