The Boston Red Sox have introduced a unique T-shirt for pitchers who achieve remarkable speed, featuring “FUEGO” on the front and “100” on the back, a nod to pitches hitting 100 miles per hour. This exclusive item is the brainchild of Justin Willard, the team’s pitching director.
Garrett Crochet sported this T-shirt in the clubhouse after his last spring training start, noting that Aroldis Chapman has one as well. The addition of Crochet and Chapman, both capable of throwing 100 mph fastballs, has ignited excitement at Fenway Park as the Red Sox ramp up their pitching lineup.
Prior to Opening Day, the Red Sox had not seen a pitcher break the 100 mph threshold for 336 games, a streak that ended on September 23, 2022, with Kaleb Ort’s achievement. The acquisition of Crochet and Chapman has finally helped the Red Sox catch up with other teams in this regard.
Manager Alex Cora expressed that the goal late in games is to minimize contact. He stated, “When hitters put the ball in play late in games, sometimes bad things happen. Swing-and-miss is important,” highlighting his enthusiasm for what Garrett brings to the field.
Aroldis Chapman, who debuted in the majors in 2010, has been known for his exceptional speed, tattooing “105.1” on his wrist. Last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he recorded 222 pitches at 100 mph or more. He reached 98.5 mph during his Red Sox debut on Opening Day.
Crochet, who achieved 49 pitches at the 100 mph mark during his career with the Chicago White Sox, showcased his capabilities in a recent game, throwing 88 pitches in a solid 5-2 win against Texas. At 6’6″ and 245 pounds, he attributes his natural power to his mechanics and physical build, allowing him to effectively generate velocity.
The Red Sox’s drought without a 100 mph pitch is one example of the hidden voids found in Major League Baseball. As the season progresses, various teams will also be spotlighted for notable achievements they are currently missing, such as complete-game shutouts, batting titles, and more.
