The Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski etched his name into Major League Baseball history once again by firing a blistering 105.5 mph fastball during a matchup against the Chicago Cubs. The pitch, delivered to leadoff hitter Pete Crow-Armstrong on an 0-2 count, surpassed his own recently established record for the hardest pitch ever thrown by a starting pitcher. Armstrong managed only to foul the offering down the third base line, unable to catch up with the electric velocity.
The historic moment came just weeks after Misiorowski previously set the starter record with a 104.5 mph heater against Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. That performance featured multiple pitches exceeding 103 mph and touching 104 mph in the same at-bat, signaling that the young hurler possesses rare and repeatable velocity capabilities. Baseball analysts now suggest record books may need constant updating as Misiorowski continues to push the boundaries of human pitching speed.
Velocity peaks when fresh on the mound
Early-inning dominance appears to be Misiorowski’s calling card when it comes to maximum velocity. The latest record-breaking pitch came during his first batter faced, suggesting his arm strength reaches peak levels when fresh. This pattern mirrors his previous record-setting performance, where the hardest pitches also came early in the game. Pitching coaches and biomechanics experts note that maximum velocity typically occurs before fatigue sets in, making the first few innings prime territory for record-breaking fastballs.
The 105.5 mph reading places Misiorowski in elite company within professional baseball. His ability to consistently generate triple-digit velocity sets him apart from most starting pitchers, who typically sacrifice some speed for stamina over longer outings. Relievers traditionally dominate velocity charts due to shorter appearances, but Misiorowski challenges that conventional wisdom.
Joining baseball’s fastest pitch elite
The Milwaukee starter now shares the distinction of throwing the second-fastest pitch in recorded MLB history. His 105.5 mph fastball ties him with Los Angeles Angels reliever Ben Joyce, who reached the same velocity mark in 2024. Only Boston Red Sox pitcher Aroldis Chapman stands above them, holding the two fastest pitches ever recorded at 105.7 mph and 105.8 mph. Chapman, a veteran left-hander known throughout his career for exceptional velocity, set those marks while pitching in relief roles.
The distinction between starters and relievers remains significant in velocity discussions. Relievers typically pitch one or two innings maximum, allowing them to expend maximum effort without concern for pacing through multiple innings. Starters must balance velocity with endurance, making Misiorowski’s achievement particularly noteworthy. His ability to generate elite speed while maintaining a starter’s workload represents a rare combination in modern baseball.
Key factors behind extreme velocity include:
- Biomechanical efficiency in the pitching delivery allowing maximum energy transfer
- Exceptional arm strength and fast-twitch muscle fiber composition
- Optimal conditioning and flexibility through targeted training programs
- Advanced pitch sequencing that sets up high-velocity offerings
- Mental approach focusing on maximum effort in key situations
What this means for modern baseball
Misiorowski’s continued velocity progression highlights evolving trends in baseball training and development. Modern pitchers benefit from advanced biomechanical analysis, personalized strength programs, and enhanced understanding of arm care. Teams now invest heavily in technology that measures every aspect of pitching mechanics, allowing coaches to optimize delivery for maximum velocity while minimizing injury risk. The Brewers organization has clearly cultivated an environment where Misiorowski can thrive and push physical boundaries.
The competitive implications extend beyond individual records. Hitters face increasing challenges as more pitchers reach extreme velocities, fundamentally changing offensive approaches. Batters have fractions of a second less to recognize pitch type and location when facing 105 mph fastballs compared to traditional velocities. This velocity arms race may prompt further adjustments in hitting strategies and training methods across the league.
Future potential remains unlimited
With two record-breaking performances in recent weeks, speculation grows about how much faster Misiorowski might throw. The gap between his 105.5 mph mark and Chapman’s 105.8 mph record stands at just three-tenths of a mile per hour, well within striking distance. Given his youth and continued physical development, the right-hander could conceivably surpass Chapman’s all-time mark during the current season. Minor adjustments to mechanics, continued strength gains, or optimal game conditions could provide the marginal improvements needed to claim the outright record.
The Milwaukee faithful now watch each Misiorowski start with heightened anticipation, knowing they might witness baseball history. His early-game fastballs draw particular attention as the most likely moments for record-breaking velocity. As the season progresses, opposing hitters must prepare for confronting one of the hardest throwers in baseball history, while fans celebrate having a generational talent on their roster.
