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Red Sox Turn Up the Heat: New Pitchers Break 100 MPH Barrier, Ending Long Drought
BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have finally broken their 336-game drought without a pitcher reaching 100 mph, thanks to newcomers Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman.The team is so excited that they are handing out special T-shirts to pitchers who can hit the mark!
Power Arms Arrive at Fenway
Before this season, the last time a Red Sox pitcher reached that velocity was Kaleb Ort on Sept. 23,2022. Now, with the acquisition of Crochet as their ace and the signing of Chapman as closer, the Red Sox have officially caught up with the rest of the league in terms of premier pitching firepower.
Cora Emphasizes swing-and-Miss Stuff
Manager Alex Cora emphasized the importance of avoiding contact late in games. ”Let’s be honest, we’re trying to avoid contact late in games,” Cora said. “Swing-and-miss is vital.” He also expressed his excitement about the beginning of games when Crochet pitches.
Chapman Brings Veteran Heat
Chapman, a 37-year-old veteran known for his blazing fastball since his debut in 2010, reached 98.5 mph in his Red Sox debut on Opening Day. He has thrown over 200 pitches at speeds of 100 mph or higher during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and even has “105.1” tattooed on his left wrist to commemorate his fastest pitch.
Crochet’s Natural Velocity
Crochet, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 245 pounds reached the mark 49 times in his Chicago White Sox career, mostly as a reliever for parts of three seasons.Last year, his first as a starter, he averaged 97 mph with his fastball and touched 100 four times, racking up 209 strikeouts in 146 innings. The 25-year-old Crochet says his ability to throw hard comes naturally. “I don’t really have to conjure anything up,” he said.
Around the League: Othre Notable Streaks
While the Red Sox celebrate ending their 100 mph drought, other teams are dealing with their own unique streaks.
Baltimore Orioles: 200-Strikeout Season Elusive
the Baltimore Orioles haven’t had a pitcher record a 200-strikeout season since Erik Bedard in 2007. General Manager Mike Elias has expressed optimism about the “pitchability” of his starting rotation, but strikeout numbers remain a missing ingredient.
New York Yankees: Long Wait for walk-Off Home Run
The new York Yankees are in the midst of a walk-off home run drought after a dramatic 2022 season which saw seven such blasts. Giancarlo Stanton hit their last one Sept. 20, 2022.
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MLB’s Longest Droughts: From Yankees’ Walk-Off Woes to Guardians’ Batting Title Wait
Droughts Across the Diamond: Which MLB Teams Are Waiting the Longest?
While every Major league Baseball team strives for consistent success, some find themselves stuck in prolonged droughts, chasing elusive milestones. From the New York Yankees’ puzzling inability to hit a walk-off home run to the Cleveland Guardians’ decades-long wait for a batting champion,several franchises are enduring lengthy streaks without achieving certain feats.
Yankees’ Unexpected Walk-off Homer Dry Spell
Despite their reputation as the “Bronx Bombers,” the New York Yankees have an unexpected drought: a walk-off home run. The team has hit 499 home runs since Giancarlo Stanton’s last walk-off blast but none have actually ended a game, an anomaly for a team known for its power hitting.
Tampa Bay Rays’ Complete-Game Shutout Silence
the Tampa bay Rays, known for their innovative strategies, haven’t had a pitcher throw a complete-game, nine-inning shutout since Matt Andriese’s two-hitter against the Oakland A’s on May 14, 2016. That’s a streak of 1,322 games for the team that popularized the ”opener.”
Toronto Blue Jays’ Manager of the Year Skid
The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t had a manager win Manager of the Year since Bobby Cox in 1985, despite multiple playoff appearances under managers like Cito Gaston, John Gibbons, Charlie Montoyo, and current manager John Schneider.
Chicago White Sox’s Contract Ceiling
The Chicago White Sox have never signed a player to a contract exceeding $75 million. Their current record is held by Andrew Benintendi. Every other team except for the Oakland A’s has given out a contract worth more than $75 million.
Cleveland Guardians’ Batting Title Blackout
The Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians) are experiencing a 71-year drought without a batting champion. Bobby Avila was the last to win the title in 1954 with a .341 average, benefiting from a technicality as Ted Williams didn’t meet the required at-bats due to leading the league in walks.
Detroit Tigers’ Long-Distance Power Outage
the Detroit Tigers haven’t hit a home run of 460 feet or more since Jeimer candelario’s blast on July 15, 2019. The Tigers’ power has waned in recent years, ranking low in home runs compared to other MLB teams.
MLB Droughts: longest Streaks and Elusive Milestones for Each American League Team
In baseball, history and milestones intertwine, creating narratives of triumph and endurance. Every team chases records, but some streaks and achievements remain stubbornly out of reach. Here’s a look at the longest droughts and elusive milestones for each American League team, showcasing the challenges and aspirations that define their seasons.
Detroit Tigers: 460-foot Home Run
The Detroit Tigers haven’t seen a ball travel 460 feet since Jeimer Candelario’s 467-foot homer off Adam Plutko in Cleveland nearly six years ago.
Kansas City Royals: Retired Number
The Kansas City Royals last retired a number in 1995, honoring Frank White’s No. 20.While 30 individuals are celebrated in the Royals Hall of Fame, only a select few have received this ultimate recognition, including manager Dick Howser (No. 10) and third baseman George Brett (No. 5). Speculation grows around Sal Perez (No. 13) and Alex Gordon (No. 4), key figures from the 2015 championship team, as potential future honorees.
Minnesota Twins: 200-Hit Season
The Minnesota Twins haven’t had a player reach 200 hits in a season since Paul Molitor in 1996. Jose miranda tied a major-league record last season by getting a hit in 12 consecutive plate appearances, though fell short of the 200 mark with only 114 hits. Only five Twins have joined the 200-hit club which includes Cesar Tovar and Hall of Famers Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, Kirby Puckett, and Molitor.
Oakland Athletics: Inside-the-Park Home Run
As the Athletics prepare for their move to Sacramento, their last inside-the-park home run dates back to the 2006 playoffs, when Mark Kotsay achieved the feat at the Metrodome. kotsay, who is now the A’s manager, hit a sinking liner that skipped past a diving Torii Hunter, turning into a pivotal play in Oakland’s last best-of-five playoff series win.
Houston Astros: Perfect Game
despite being no-hit specialists, the houston Astros have never had a pitcher throw a perfect game. Since 1962, they’ve recorded 17 no-hitters, starting with Don Nottebart in 1963 and most recently Ronel Blanco last April 1. However,in each of those games,at least one opponent reached base.
Los Angeles angels: 100-Loss Season
The Los Angeles Angels remain the only major-league franchise to have never recorded a 100-loss season. Their struggles of late have been well documented as they finished just shy of the mark last season with a 63-99 record, they still hold the distinction of never reaching that low.
Seattle Mariners: 3-Homer Game in Seattle
The Seattle Mariners haven’t seen a player hit three home runs in a game at home as Edgar Martinez achieved the feat on May 18, 1999, at the Kingdome.
MLB’s Unwanted Records: A Deep Dive into Team-Specific Droughts
While every Major League Baseball team strives for championships and individual accolades, some franchises are haunted by unwanted droughts – dubious distinctions they’d rather forget. From Cy Young-less seasons to decades-long hitless streaks, these are some of the most notable.
Texas Rangers: The Elusive Cy Young Award
Despite boasting legendary pitchers like Bert Blyleven and Nolan Ryan, who each threw no-hitters for the team, the Texas Rangers have never had a pitcher win the Cy Young Award while playing for them. Numerous pitchers who later won the award elsewhere – including Bartolo Colon,Jacob deGrom,and Max Scherzer,have donned a Rangers uniform,but in 65 seasons,the franchise hasn’t been able to claim this pitching crown.
New York Mets: Missing the MVP Trophy
The New York mets have never had a player win the Most Valuable Player award, despite several close calls. Francisco Lindor was a runner-up, and past players such as Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, and Tom Seaver all finished second.Seaver came the closest, tying in first-place votes but losing overall. New acquisition Juan Soto is still seeking his first MVP award.
Atlanta Braves: A No-Hitter Drought
The Atlanta Braves, a franchise synonymous with pitching excellence thanks to Greg maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, haven’t seen a no-hitter since Kent Mercker’s gem on April 8, 1994. Despite the trio’s Cy Young Awards and Hall of Fame careers, none of them ever achieved a no-hitter.
Philadelphia Phillies: Longest Wait for a 6-Hit Game
The Philadelphia Phillies haven’t had a player record a 6-hit game since Connie Ryan accomplished the feat on April 16, 1953. While a 6-hit game is rare, every other team that existed before the 1993 expansion has had a player reach that milestone.
Seattle Mariners: The Elusive 3-Homer Game at Home
Since moving to their current ballpark, the Seattle Mariners have struggled to produce 3-homer games at home. They haven’t had a player accomplish the feat in Seattle as the stadium opened. The team did have a 4-homer game on the road in 2002, courtesy of Mike Cameron.
Miami Marlins: A Lone Triple play
In over 5,000 games, the Miami Marlins have recorded only one triple play. It occurred on July 28, 2002, when Mike Lowell snagged a line drive, tagged a runner, and threw to Derrek Lee to complete the play.
MLB Oddities: Cubs’ Fan Frenzy, Reds’ Playoff Drought, and Pirates’ Elusive Streak
Baseball, America’s pastime, is filled with captivating stats and quirky droughts. From the Chicago Cubs’ impressive fan support to the Cincinnati Reds’ long-standing home playoff victory drought, each team has its unique narrative.Here’s a look at some of the more unusual streaks and trends across major League Baseball.
Cubs’ Unwavering Fanbase: Drawing Crowds to Wrigley
Despite a pennant setback in 2003, the Chicago Cubs have consistently drawn massive crowds to Wrigley Field. For eight consecutive seasons, they welcomed at least 3 million fans each year, reigniting the streak with another four-year run culminating in their 2016 World series win. After a pandemic-induced lull, the Cubs are bouncing back, setting a spring training attendance record on March 8 with 16,161 fans against Seattle.
Reds’ Playoff Puzzle: A Home Winless Streak As 1995
The Cincinnati Reds haven’t celebrated a home playoff victory since their 1995 division series clincher against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the Reds have often found success on the road in October, their home field has been a different story. They’ve endured six straight home playoff losses, a streak dating back to 1995.
Brewers’ Uncommon Feat: the Elusive First At-Bat Home Run
The Milwaukee Brewers’ spring training facility showcases a wall of names, honoring every player who debuted with the franchise. Yet, among these players, not one has managed to hit a home run in their first MLB at-bat. This unusual drought adds a unique layer to the Brewers’ history.
Pirates’ Hitting Hunt: The Search for a 30-Game Streak
Despite having eleven batting title winners since 1900, including five Hall of Famers, the Pittsburgh Pirates are still waiting for a player to achieve a 30-game hitting streak within a season. The closest anyone has come is Jimmy Williams, a rookie third baseman in 1899, with a 27-game streak.
Orioles and Nationals: Ending a Decades-Long Impasse
In 2001, the Montreal Expos traded Tim Raines, Sr. to the Baltimore Orioles. The Expos moved to Washington, D.C.in 2004, sparking a dispute with the Orioles over TV rights. This conflict strained the relationship between the two franchises for two decades. With the resolution of their MASN conflict in early March 2025, it is hoped that this marks the end of this baseball cold war.
Droughts and Milestones: MLB Teams Chasing Elusive Feats
Across Major League Baseball, several teams are looking to break long-standing droughts and achieve milestones that have eluded them for years, or even decades. From individual accomplishments to franchise firsts, here’s a look at some of the most notable pursuits.
Diamondbacks Still Seeking First 100-Save Pitcher
The Arizona Diamondbacks stand alone as the only expansion team yet to see a pitcher reach 100 saves in their uniform. José “Papa Grande” Valverde came closest with 98 saves before being traded to the Houston Astros after leading the majors with 47 saves in 2007.
Rockies Await a 5-WAR Season Performance
Following a promising 2018 season, the Colorado Rockies have struggled, and individual accolades have been scarce. They haven’t had a player reach 5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) since Nolan Arenado’s 7.1 WAR season in 2019.All other MLB teams have had at least one 5-WAR season in the 2020s. Hopes rest on potential breakouts from Brenton Doyle and Ezequiel Tovar.
Dodgers Aim for Back-to-Back World series Titles
Despite a rich history, the los Angeles Dodgers have never achieved back-to-back World Series championships. Only seven franchises have accomplished this feat. This year’s team has a chance to make history by doing something legends like Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax never did.
Padres Search for a 20-Game Winner
The San Diego Padres haven’t seen a pitcher win 20 games in a season since Gaylord Perry’s cy Young Award-winning 21-6 campaign in 1978. Actually, no pitcher has won more than 100 games in a Padres uniform; Eric Show is the franchise leader with exactly 100 wins.
Giants Hope Adames Can Break 30-Home Run Barrier
The San francisco Giants are hoping that new shortstop Willy Adames, signed for $182 million, can achieve a 30-home run season. though, Oracle Park’s challenging dimensions for home runs present a meaningful hurdle. Brandon Belt’s 29 home runs in 2021 is the team’s highest single-season total in recent years.
Cardinals Longing for a 40-Steal Season
The St. Louis Cardinals, known for their speed in the past, haven’t had a player steal 40 bases in a season since Delino DeShields swiped 55 in 1997. The team had numerous 40-steal seasons between 1970 and 1995, but the shift to playing on grass has seemingly slowed down their running game.
Here are two PAA (Purpose, Audience, and Author) related questions based on the provided text:
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Red Sox Turn Up the Heat: New Pitchers Break 100 MPH Barrier, Ending Long Drought
BOSTON (AP) — the Boston Red Sox have finally broken their 336-game drought without a pitcher reaching 100 mph, thanks to newcomers Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman.The team is so excited that they are handing out special T-shirts to pitchers who can hit the mark!
Power Arms Arrive at Fenway
Before this season, the last time a Red Sox pitcher reached that velocity was kaleb Ort on Sept. 23,2022.Now, with the acquisition of Crochet as their ace and the signing of Chapman as closer, the Red Sox have officially caught up with the rest of the league in terms of premier pitching firepower.
Cora Emphasizes swing-and-Miss Stuff
Manager Alex Cora emphasized the importance of avoiding contact late in games. ”Let’s be honest, we’re trying to avoid contact late in games,” cora saeid. ”Swing-and-miss is vital.” He also expressed his excitement about the beginning of games when Crochet pitches.
chapman Brings Veteran Heat
Chapman, a 37-year-old veteran known for his blazing fastball since his debut in 2010, reached 98.5 mph in his Red Sox debut on Opening Day. He has thrown over 200 pitches at speeds of 100 mph or higher during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and even has “105.1” tattooed on his left wrist to commemorate his fastest pitch.
Crochet’s Natural Velocity
Crochet, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 245 pounds reached the mark 49 times in his Chicago White Sox career, mostly as a reliever for parts of three seasons.Last year, his frist as a starter, he averaged 97 mph with his fastball and touched 100 four times, racking up 209 strikeouts in 146 innings. The 25-year-old Crochet says his ability to throw hard comes naturally. “I don’t really have to conjure anything up,” he said.
Around the League: Othre Notable Streaks
While the Red Sox celebrate ending their 100 mph drought,other teams are dealing with their own unique streaks.
Baltimore Orioles: 200-Strikeout Season Elusive
the Baltimore Orioles haven’t had a pitcher record a 200-strikeout season since Erik Bedard in 2007. General Manager Mike Elias has expressed optimism about the ”pitchability” of his starting rotation, but strikeout numbers remain a missing ingredient.
New York Yankees: Long Wait for walk-Off Home Run
the new York Yankees are in the midst of a walk-off home run drought after a dramatic 2022 season which saw seven such blasts. Giancarlo Stanton hit their last one Sept. 20, 2022.
MLB’s Longest Droughts: From Yankees’ Walk-Off Woes to Guardians’ Batting Title Wait
Droughts Across the Diamond: which MLB Teams Are Waiting the Longest?
While every Major league Baseball team strives for consistent success, some find themselves stuck in prolonged droughts, chasing elusive milestones.From the New York Yankees’ puzzling inability to hit a walk-off home run to the Cleveland Guardians’ decades-long wait for a batting champion,several franchises are enduring lengthy streaks without achieving certain feats.
Yankees’ Unexpected Walk-off Homer Dry Spell
despite their reputation as the “Bronx Bombers,” the New York Yankees have an unexpected drought: a walk-off home run. The team has hit 499 home runs as Giancarlo Stanton’s last walk-off blast but none have actually ended a game, an anomaly for a team known for its power hitting.
Tampa Bay Rays’ Complete-Game Shutout Silence
the Tampa bay Rays, known for their innovative strategies, haven’t had a pitcher throw a complete-game, nine-inning shutout since Matt Andriese’s two-hitter against the Oakland A’s on may 14, 2016. That’s a streak of 1,322 games for the team that popularized the ”opener.”
Toronto Blue Jays’ Manager of the Year Skid
The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t had a manager win Manager of the Year since Bobby Cox in 1985, despite multiple playoff appearances under managers like Cito Gaston, John Gibbons, Charlie Montoyo, and current manager john Schneider.
Chicago White Sox’s Contract Ceiling
The Chicago White Sox have never signed a player to a contract exceeding $75 million. Their current record is held by Andrew Benintendi. Every other team except for the Oakland A’s has given out a contract worth more than $75 million.
Cleveland Guardians’ Batting Title Blackout
The Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians) are experiencing a 71-year drought without a batting champion. Bobby Avila was the last to win the title in 1954 with a .341 average, benefiting from a technicality as Ted williams didn’t meet the required at-bats due to leading the league in walks.
Detroit Tigers’ Long-Distance Power Outage
the Detroit Tigers haven’t hit a home run of 460 feet or more as Jeimer candelario’s blast on July 15, 2019. The Tigers’ power has waned in recent years,ranking low in home runs compared to other MLB teams.
MLB Droughts: longest Streaks and Elusive Milestones for Each American League Team
In baseball, history and milestones intertwine, creating narratives of triumph and endurance. Every team chases records, but some streaks and achievements remain stubbornly out of reach. Here’s a look at the longest droughts and elusive milestones for each American League team, showcasing the challenges and aspirations that define their seasons.
Detroit Tigers: 460-foot Home Run
The Detroit Tigers haven’t seen a ball travel 460 feet since Jeimer Candelario’s 467-foot homer off Adam Plutko in cleveland nearly six years ago.
Kansas city royals: Retired Number
The Kansas City Royals last retired a number in 1995, honoring Frank White’s No. 20.While 30 individuals are celebrated in the Royals Hall of Fame, only a select few have received this ultimate recognition, including manager Dick Howser (No. 10) and third baseman George Brett (No. 5).Speculation grows around Sal Perez (No. 13) and Alex Gordon (No. 4), key figures from the 2015 championship team, as potential future honorees.
Minnesota Twins: 200-Hit Season
The Minnesota Twins haven’t had a player reach 200 hits in a season since Paul Molitor in 1996. Jose miranda tied a major-league record last season by getting a hit in 12 consecutive plate appearances, though fell short of the 200 mark with only 114 hits. Only five Twins have joined the 200-hit club which includes Cesar Tovar and Hall of Famers Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, Kirby Puckett, and Molitor.
Oakland Athletics: Inside-the-Park Home Run
As the athletics prepare for their move to Sacramento, their last inside-the-park home run dates back to the 2006 playoffs, when Mark Kotsay achieved the feat at the Metrodome. kotsay, who is now the A’s manager, hit a sinking liner that skipped past a diving Torii hunter, turning into a pivotal play in Oakland’s last best-of-five playoff series win.
Houston Astros: perfect Game
despite being no-hit specialists, the houston Astros have never had a pitcher throw a perfect game. As 1962, they’ve recorded 17 no-hitters, starting with don Nottebart in 1963 and most recently Ronel Blanco last April 1.Though,in each of those games,at least one opponent reached base.
Los Angeles angels: 100-Loss Season
The Los Angeles Angels remain the only major-league franchise to have never recorded a 100-loss season. Their struggles of late have been well documented as they finished just shy of the mark last season with a 63-99 record, they still hold the distinction of never reaching that low.
Seattle Mariners: 3-Homer Game in Seattle
The Seattle Mariners haven’t seen a player hit three home runs in a game at home as Edgar Martinez achieved the feat on May 18, 1999, at the Kingdome.
MLB’s Unwanted Records: A Deep Dive into Team-Specific Droughts
While every Major League Baseball team strives for championships and individual accolades, some franchises are haunted by unwanted droughts – dubious distinctions they’d rather forget. From Cy Young-less seasons to decades-long hitless streaks, these are some of the most notable.
Texas Rangers: The Elusive Cy Young Award
Despite boasting legendary pitchers like Bert Blyleven and Nolan Ryan, who each threw no-hitters for the team, the Texas Rangers have never had a pitcher win the Cy Young Award while playing for them. Numerous pitchers who later won the award elsewhere – including Bartolo Colon,Jacob deGrom,and Max Scherzer,have donned a Rangers uniform,but in 65 seasons,the franchise hasn’t been able to claim this pitching crown.
New York Mets: Missing the MVP Trophy
The New York mets have never had a player win the Most Valuable Player award, despite several close calls. Francisco Lindor was a runner-up, and past players such as Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, and Tom Seaver all finished second.Seaver came the closest, tying in first-place votes but losing overall. New acquisition Juan Soto is still seeking his first MVP award.
Atlanta braves: A No-Hitter Drought
The Atlanta Braves, a franchise synonymous with pitching excellence thanks to Greg maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, haven’t seen a no-hitter as Kent Mercker’s gem on April 8, 1994. Despite the trio’s Cy Young Awards and Hall of Fame careers, none of them ever achieved a no-hitter.
Philadelphia Phillies: Longest Wait for a 6-Hit Game
The Philadelphia Phillies haven’t had a player record a 6-hit game as Connie Ryan accomplished the feat on April 16, 1953. While a 6-hit game is rare, every other team that existed before the 1993 expansion has had a player reach that milestone.
Seattle Mariners: The Elusive 3-Homer Game at Home
Since moving to their current ballpark, the Seattle Mariners have struggled to produce 3-homer games at home. They haven’t had a player accomplish the feat in Seattle as the stadium opened. The team did have a 4-homer game on the road in 2002,courtesy of Mike Cameron.
Miami Marlins: A Lone Triple play
In over 5,000 games, the Miami Marlins have recorded only one triple play. It occurred on July 28, 2002, when Mike Lowell snagged a line drive, tagged a runner, and threw to Derrek Lee to complete the play.
MLB Oddities: Cubs’ Fan Frenzy, Reds’ Playoff drought, and Pirates’ elusive Streak
Baseball, America’s pastime, is filled with captivating stats and quirky droughts. From the Chicago Cubs’ impressive fan support to the Cincinnati Reds’ long-standing home playoff victory drought, each team has its unique narrative.
