Baseball’s allure lies in its constant pursuit of excellence. Outfield throws epitomize human potential, blending extraordinary strength with pinpoint precision. Like a master chef who knows exactly how much heat to apply to create the perfect dish, these outfielders have mastered the art of the throw.
Record-breaking throws continue to redefine baseball, transforming our understanding of what’s possible. Early outfielders relied primarily on raw power, but today’s elite defenders combine advanced technique, strategic positioning, and data-driven training. The evolution continues, and new throwing records are just around the corner.
Aaron Hicks’ Record Throw
On April 20th, 2016, Aaron Hicks rewrote baseball history at Yankee Stadium. His 105.5 mph throw against the Athletics wasn’t just fast—it was like watching someone break the sound barrier with a baseball. The throw nabbed Danny Valencia at home plate, leaving fans with dropped jaws and players questioning if what they saw was even legal.
This missile became MLB’s hardest recorded throw by a position player in the Statcast era. Many experts thought his record would stand for decades. It was the throwing equivalent of finding a unicorn—something you hear about but never expect to actually witness. Hicks’ feat fundamentally changed how teams approached running on defenders with cannon arms.
Brett Phillips’ Near Misses
After Hicks set the bar, Brett Phillips emerged as the persistent challenger who kept knocking on the door but couldn’t quite break it down. He surpassed 104 mph several times between 2018 and 2022—like a musician who keeps hitting the high notes but can’t quite reach that one impossible octave at the end.
Despite textbook mechanics and remarkable consistency, Phillips couldn’t crack Hicks’ record. His near-misses showcased just how difficult perfect throwing execution is under game conditions. Each attempt required flawless footwork, ideal arm positioning, and explosive power—a combination that proves as elusive as finding matching socks in the dryer on laundry day.
Brenton Doyle’s New Record
In 2023, Colorado’s Brenton Doyle shattered Hicks’ long-standing record against the Blue Jays. When Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sent a fly ball to medium center, Doyle caught it and unleashed a throw that clocked in at an eye-popping 105.7 mph. The baseball didn’t just travel—it teleported like it had access to some secret wormhole technology.
The throw combined technical perfection with raw athleticism, representing years of training meeting natural talent. Baseball analysts instantly recognized they’d witnessed something special. It was the defensive equivalent of hitting a walk-off grand slam—rare, beautiful, and worthy of endless replay loops on your phone when you should be doing something productive.
Impact of Doyle’s Throw
Over 70% of baseball fans agree Doyle’s record-breaking throw was jaw-dropping. Ironically, it didn’t even change the outcome of the play—Danny Jansen stayed put at third, and Davis Schneider later scored on a wild pitch anyway.
The numbers don’t lie about how special this throw was. Since 2020, the next-hardest throw trails Doyle’s by 1.4 mph—Colton Cowser’s 104.3 mph heave in 2023. That gap might seem small on paper, but in throwing velocity, it’s the difference between express shipping and whatever glacial pace your package moves when the tracking status hasn’t updated in three days.
O’Neal Cruz: The Potential Future Record Breaker
Who might claim the throne next? Pittsburgh’s O’Neal Cruz looks poised to make some noise in 2025. After transitioning to center field, Cruz’s average throw reached an absurd 99.1 mph—a baseline figure that most outfielders couldn’t reach if they were throwing downhill with a tailwind during a hurricane.
Cruz achieved 2024’s hardest throw at 103.3 mph while still learning his new position. That’s like someone picking up a guitar for the first time and immediately playing a perfect Hendrix solo. As he refines his mechanics, Cruz represents the most thrilling prospect for breaking records soon. When he eventually launches one at full potential, you’ll want to make sure your popcorn is ready—and maybe wear a helmet if you’re sitting in the first few rows.
