Boston Red Sox’s Aroldis Chapman breaks MLB reliever strikeout record
Boston Red Sox pitcher Aroldis Chapman has become Major League Baseball’s all-time career leader in strikeouts by a reliever after reaching 1,364 during Friday’s 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim.
The 38-year-old surpassed Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm, whose record had stood for more than half a century since his retirement in 1972.
The historic milestone was achieved when the veteran left-hander struck out Denzer Guzman with a 98.6 mph fastball.
It occurred during the Cuban-born pitcher’s 889th major league appearance across a remarkable 17-year career in the sport.
A milestone decades in the making
Wilhelm’s previous benchmark was established by a pioneer of relief pitching who primarily utilised a knuckleball to deceive hitters.
In stark contrast, the Boston closer has built his formidable reputation upon triple-digit fastballs that have consistently overwhelmed batters since his 2010 debut.
The record-breaking out also secured the 383rd career save for the former Cincinnati, Cubs, and Rangers star.
“I feel very happy, very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish,” the eight-time All-Star said through an interpreter.
“I just feel very satisfied right now.”
Red Sox celebrate veteran’s achievement
Following the landmark strikeout, the milestone man briefly acknowledged the achievement on the mound before inducing a double-play grounder to escape a late jam.
His efforts preserved a deserved victory for rookie teammate Jake Bennett, who was making only his seventh appearance in the majors.
“It’s incredible to even just be a part of a team that it happens on,” Bennett noted after the game.
Boston interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed the clubhouse celebrated the historic night with a retrospective video highlighting the closer’s two World Series championships.
“What a career he’s had,” Tracy remarked.
“The cool thing is watching the video, and you’re seeing him at a young age throwing 102, and he’s still doing it.”
Record-breaking profile
- 1,364: Career strikeouts as a reliever
- 889: Major league appearances
- 383: Career saves
- 2: World Series championships won