The baseball world witnessed history on Saturday night as Milwaukee Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski unleashed a 103.7 mph fastball, the fastest ever recorded by a starting pitcher since tracking began in 2008. The 24-year-old right-hander’s electrifying pitch to Colorado Rockies’ Kyle Karros in the third inning has sent shockwaves through the sport, sparking conversations about the evolution of pitching velocity and the physical demands on modern athletes.
Misiorowski’s record-breaking performance wasn’t just about the single fastest pitch. The young phenom demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout his seven-inning outing, throwing 52 pitches at 100 mph or fasterincluding a record 45 pitches at 101 mph or more. His dominance on the mound resulted in eight strikeouts and just one unearned run, lowering his ERA to 1.50 in the Brewers’ 7-1 victory over the Rockies at Coors Field.
The science behind Misiorowski’s velocity
What makes Misiorowski’s performance particularly noteworthy is his mechanical efficiency. Unlike many hard-throwing pitchers who rely heavily on their arms, Misiorowski generates his velocity through full-body mechanicsa technique praised by none other than Aroldis Chapman, the current record holder for the fastest pitch in MLB history at 105.8 mph.
“Misiorowski has good mechanics. He throws hard because he throws with his body, not just his arm. That’s how you stay healthy,” Chapman told The Boston Globe. The 38-year-old Red Sox closer, who still regularly hits 100 mph, recognized the young pitcher’s potential and the Brewers’ innovative approach to developing high-velocity pitchers.
This full-body approach to pitching is becoming increasingly important as teams seek to maximize velocity while minimizing injury risk. Misiorowski’s ability to maintain such high speeds over an entire start suggests he may have found the secret to sustainable power on the mound.
A historic month for the Brewers’ ace
May 2026 will go down as one of the most dominant months in recent baseball history for Misiorowski. In six starts, he compiled a 0.23 ERAallowing just 14 hits and 6 walks while striking out 57 batters in 38.1 innings pitched. His performance put him in the conversation for National League Pitcher of the Monthcompeting with Philadelphia Phillies’ Cristopher Sánchez, who posted an even more eye-popping 0.00 ERA in five starts.
The debate between Misiorowski and Sánchez highlights the different ways pitchers can dominate. While Sánchez’s perfect ERA is difficult to ignore, Misiorowski’s 0.52 WHIP.109 batting average againstand 0.65 FIP tell a story of complete mastery over opposing batters. Notably, Misiorowski allowed the lowest slugging percentage by any pitcher in a calendar month in MLB history, a testament to his ability to neutralize even the most powerful hitters.
The historic performances by both pitchers have led to speculation that MLB might name them Co-Pitchers of the Montha rare honor not bestowed since 1997. Such a decision would recognize the unprecedented level of excellence displayed by both pitchers during the month of May.
The future of high-velocity pitching
Misiorowski’s record-setting performance raises important questions about the future of baseball. As pitchers continue to push the boundaries of velocity, how will hitters adapt? Will the focus on raw power lead to more injuries, or have we reached a new era of mechanical efficiency that allows pitchers to maintain their health while throwing harder than ever before?
One thing is certain: Jacob Misiorowski has put the baseball world on notice. His combination of velocity, control, and dominance makes him a formidable force on the mound and a player to watch as he continues to develop. As he faces the challenges of starting pitching—including the physical toll of frequent outings—his ability to maintain this level of performance will be crucial for the Brewers’ success.
For now, baseball fans can marvel at the spectacle of a 103.7 mph fastball and the young phenom who delivered it. As the sport evolves, Misiorowski’s performance may come to represent a turning point in the ongoing arms race between pitchers and hitters.
