Ex-Yankees Reliever Sparks Hall of Fame Debate With Fastball Display

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 14, 2025 10:31 PM ET

It's been years since Aroldis Chapman last took the mound at Yankee Stadium wearing pinstripes, but his fastball still echoes through the memories of Yankees fans. Now, at 37 years old and pitching for the Red Sox, Chapman has once again reminded everyone why he remains one of baseball's most electrifying—and polarizing—figures.

A recent tweet from Codify Baseball highlighted Chapman's unique dominance: he holds the record for the fastest pitch in the Statcast era for not just the Yankees but also the Reds, Cubs, Royals, Rangers, Pirates, and now the Red Sox. Pitching Ninja summed it up simply, dubbing Chapman's latest outing "Jet Fuel," showcasing pitches clocking in at 101, 103, and 102 mph. His fastest of the night? An astounding 103.4 mph, a staggering number considering his age.

Yankees fans witnessed Chapman's highs and lows firsthand.

There is the adrenaline of seeing that triple-digit fastball close out crucial games, tempered by the heartbreak of moments when his command betrayed him. There was an awkward smile on his face after giving up the game-winning, American League Championship Series-clinching home run to Jose Altuve in 2019 and his failure to show up for the postseason, literally, in 2022.

His tenure in the Bronx was a rollercoaster, exhilarating but not without moments of frustration.

Yet, the recent conversation sparked by Pitching Ninja's tweet poses a compelling question: Should Aroldis Chapman be enshrined in Cooperstown? A solid 63% of respondents say yes, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of his career accomplishments.

While some Yankee faithful might hesitate due to postseason disappointments, it's impossible to ignore Chapman's impact on the game. Chapman's ability to consistently rewrite velocity records across multiple franchises places him in rare company.

As the debate continues, Yankees fans might be wrestling with mixed emotions. But one thing is certain: Aroldis Chapman's legacy, like his fastball, is undeniably scorching.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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