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, a Cuban-born American professional baseball relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, is renowned for his exceptional fastball velocity, earning him the moniker "the Cuban Missile." A left-handed pitcher and batter, Chapman has played for multiple MLB teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs. He is a member of the 300 save club and holds the record for the most strikeouts by a left-handed reliever. Chapman's career is marked by his dominant pitching and impactful presence in high-pressure situations.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1945: Cubs' First Pennant Since 1945

In 2016, Chapman helped secure the Cubs' first pennant since 1945.

September 24, 2010: Fastest Pitch Recognized by MLB

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

April 18, 2011: Chapman throws pitch clocked at 106 mph

On April 18, 2011, Aroldis Chapman threw a pitch to Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen that the scoreboard at Great American Ball Park clocked at 106 mph.

July 1, 2012: First All-Star Game

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

July 2012: Delivery Man of the Month

In July 2012, Aroldis Chapman won the MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award, recording 13 saves and not allowing a run in 14+1⁄3 innings.

March 2013: Named Closer

In March 2013, Chapman was announced as the closer for the Cincinnati Reds and was also selected to the All-Star Game for the second consecutive season.

August 21, 2013: Streak Begins

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

July 11, 2014: Most Consecutive Relief Appearances with a Strikeout

On July 11, 2014, Aroldis 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 this milestone. He threw 15 fastballs, all above 100 mph, in the 20-pitch appearance.

August 13, 2014: Strikeout Streak Ends

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

September 23, 2014: Fastest to 100 Strikeouts

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.

July 19, 2016: Chapman Matches Record

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

2016: Traded to the Cubs and World Series win

During the 2016 season, the Yankees traded Chapman to the Chicago Cubs. With the Cubs, Chapman won Game 7 of the 2016 World Series and then rejoined the Yankees after the season.

2016: NLCS Appearance

In 2016, Chapman made four appearances during the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers, securing the Cubs' first pennant since 1945 by pitching the final 1+2⁄3 innings of Game 6.

2016: Division Series Saves Record

In 2016, Chapman tied and set new Division Series records for saves and opportunities respectively.

2016: World Series Title

In the 2016 World Series, Chapman secured the win in Game 7, earning his first World Series title with the Chicago Cubs.

2017: Division Series Record Tied

In 2017, Wade Davis tied Chapman's Division Series saves record.

2017: Fastest pitch revision

In 2017, when MLB changed from the PITCHf/x to Statcast measurements, a pitch Chapman threw to Tony Gwynn Jr. on September 24, 2010, was revised up to 105.8 mph and is now considered the fastest pitch thrown.