Aroldis Chapman became the major leagues’ career leader in strikeouts as a reliever Friday night, toppling a record that had stood for more than half a century. The Boston Red Sox’s 38-year-old left-hander didn’t do it with one of the triple-digit fastballs that have made him one of the most imposing pitchers of his generation and one of the most accomplished relievers in baseball history.
Chapman’s Record-Breaking Strikeout
Instead, his high pitch to the Angels’ Denzer Guzman was clocked at a mere 98.6 mph — and Guzman still couldn’t get around in time. The strikeout was the 1,364th in Chapman’s 17-year career. It broke the record long held by Hoyt Wilhelm, the Hall of Famer whose 21-year career ended back in 1972, just five days shy of his 50th birthday.
Chapman paused and soaked in the moment only briefly after fanning Guzman, aware of the significance of the strikeout while also knowing he still had to get two more outs. He promptly gave up two hits, but escaped the jam with a double-play grounder to secure Boston’s 5-2 win over Los Angeles and his 383rd career save.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
