Aroldis Chapman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aroldis Chapman |
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Chapman with the New York Yankees in 2016
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| Boston Red Sox – No. 44 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pitcher | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Born: February 28, 1988 Holguín, Cuba |
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| debut | ||||||||||||||||||||
| August 31, 2010, for the Cincinnati Reds | ||||||||||||||||||||
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) |
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| Win–loss record | 55–45 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Earned run average | 2.63 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Strikeouts | 1,246 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Saves | 335 | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Aroldis Chapman is a professional baseball pitcher from Cuba. He plays as a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has also played for other teams like the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Chapman is known for throwing very fast pitches. He is nicknamed "the Cuban Missile" because of how fast he throws. He holds the record for the fastest pitch ever recorded in MLB history, at 105.8 miles per hour! He is also a member of the 300 save club, meaning he has finished 300 games where his team won. He has won two World Series championships.
Contents
- Early Life and Baseball Start
- Professional Baseball Career
- How He Pitches
- Personal Life
- See Also
- Images for kids
Early Life and Baseball Start
Aroldis Chapman was born in Holguín, Cuba, on February 28, 1988. He grew up in a small house with his parents and two sisters. His father was a boxing trainer.
When Chapman was 15, a friend invited him to join a local baseball team. He started playing as a first baseman. But his coach soon noticed how well he could throw. In 2003, Chapman began playing as a pitcher, which is what he became famous for.
Professional Baseball Career
Playing in Cuba
Chapman started his professional career in Cuba with the Holguín Sabuesos team. He played there from 2005 to 2009. He was mostly a starting pitcher, but he also pitched as a reliever and earned 7 saves in 2007.
He also played for the Cuban national team. He helped them win a gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games.
Moving to America
In 2009, Chapman left Cuba to play baseball in the United States. He signed a six-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds in 2010.
Minor League Baseball
Chapman started his time in American baseball with the Triple-A Louisville Bats. He played there for a short time before moving up to the major leagues.
Cincinnati Reds (2010–2015)
First MLB Games
Chapman made his MLB debut on August 31, 2010, for the Cincinnati Reds. His very first pitch was clocked at 98 miles per hour! He quickly became known for his incredible speed.
On September 24, 2010, Chapman threw a pitch that was recorded at 105.1 miles per hour. This was the fastest pitch ever recorded in MLB history.
Becoming a Closer
In 2011, Chapman became a full-time relief pitcher. In 2012, he became the team's main "closer." A closer is a pitcher who comes in at the end of a game to protect a lead and get the final outs. He was chosen for his first All-Star Game in 2012. He finished the 2012 season with a very low ERA (1.51) and 38 saves.
In 2013, Chapman continued as the Reds' closer and was an All-Star again. He had 38 saves that year.
Injury and Return
In March 2014, Chapman had a serious injury during spring training when a ball hit his head. He had surgery and recovered, returning to play later that season.
On July 29, 2014, Chapman recorded his 100th career save. He reached this milestone faster than almost any other pitcher. He also reached 100 strikeouts in just 51 innings, setting another record for speed.
In 2015, Chapman was selected for the All-Star Game again. His fastest pitch that year was 103.9 miles per hour, the fastest in MLB.
New York Yankees (2016)
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In December 2015, Chapman was traded to the New York Yankees. He was suspended for the first 30 games of the season due to a violation of MLB's personal conduct policy. He returned to play for the Yankees in May 2016.
Chapman, along with other strong relievers, helped the Yankees have a very strong bullpen. Fans called them "No Runs–D.M.C." because it was so hard for other teams to score against them.
Chicago Cubs (2016)
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In July 2016, the Yankees traded Chapman to the Chicago Cubs. He was very excited to join the Cubs. His fastest pitch in 2016 was 105.1 miles per hour, again the best in MLB.
Chapman played a huge role in the Cubs' journey to the 2016 World Series. He helped them win the National League Championship Series. In the World Series, the Cubs were down 3–1 against the Cleveland Indians. Chapman pitched many innings in Games 5 and 6 to help the Cubs stay in the series.
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In Game 7, Chapman came in to close the game. The Indians tied the game, but the Cubs scored again in extra innings. Chapman was the winning pitcher, and the Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years! This was Chapman's first World Series title.
Second Time with New York Yankees (2017–2022)
After winning the World Series, Chapman signed a big contract to return to the New York Yankees. He continued to be a top closer for the team.
He faced some challenges with injuries during this time, including issues with his shoulder and knee. In 2019, he had a great season, earning 37 saves and winning the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award.
In 2020, Chapman tested positive for the COVID-19 virus but recovered and returned to play. On August 26, 2021, he recorded his 300th career save. On September 30, he got his 1,000th career strikeout.
In 2022, Chapman dealt with more injuries and also missed a team workout, which led to him not being on the team's postseason roster.
Kansas City Royals (2023)
In 2023, Chapman signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals. He pitched very well for them.
Texas Rangers (2023)
In June 2023, the Royals traded Chapman to the Texas Rangers. He helped the Rangers reach the 2023 World Series and win it, earning his second World Series ring!
Pittsburgh Pirates (2024)
In January 2024, Chapman signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. On June 29, 2024, he set a new record for left-handed relievers with his 1,197th career strikeout, passing Billy Wagner.
Boston Red Sox (2025)
Chapman signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox in December 2024.
How He Pitches
His Pitches
Chapman throws several types of pitches. His main pitch is a four-seam fastball that averages around 99-100 miles per hour. He also throws a slider, a splitter, and a change-up. Since 2018, he added a sinker that can reach 102 miles per hour.
His fastball and slider are very hard for batters to hit. He has one of the highest strikeout rates in baseball history. When Chapman comes into a game, the scoreboard at Yankee Stadium sometimes shows his name on fire, because his pitches are so fast, they are called "heat."
Speed Records
Chapman holds the record for the fastest pitch ever recorded in Major League Baseball. On September 24, 2010, he threw a pitch at 105.1 miles per hour. He tied this record again on July 19, 2016.
Pitching Style
Chapman's pitching motion looks smooth and powerful. He uses his whole body to generate incredible speed. Even though his pitches are super fast, his control has improved a lot over his career.
His unique and powerful pitching style means he usually pitches only one inning per game. This helps him stay strong and effective as a closer.
Personal Life
When Chapman left Cuba, he left his family behind. He later helped them move to the United States, and they were reunited. He became an American citizen in April 2016.
See Also
In Spanish: Aroldis Chapman para niños
- Cincinnati Reds award winners and league leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career games finished leaders
- List of Major League Baseball players from Cuba
- List of baseball players who defected from Cuba
Images for kids
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Chapman pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in 2010 spring training
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Chapman pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in 2011
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Chapman delivers a pitch for the Reds in 2010
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The scoreboard of Yankee Stadium "on fire" as Aroldis Chapman comes onto the field from the bullpen to close a game.
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