Joan Duran Makes History with Phillies

In just under a week, Joan Duran has already made a significant impact in the Phillies’ record book.

Since arriving in Philadelphia, he’s pitched twice, and during that time, he set a new benchmark by delivering the fastest pitch in Citizens Bank Park history. This record-breaking fastball reached a staggering 103.3 mph, and he threw it to Tigers All-Star Riley Green in the ninth inning of a 2-0 victory over Detroit on Sunday night.

Although the pitch was fouled off, Duran managed to strike out Green with his next delivery. This marked the fastest end-game strikeout by a Phillies pitcher since the pitch tracking era began in 2008, according to data provided by MLB’s Sarah Langs.

Interestingly, in the same at-bat, he also unleashed a fastball clocked at 102.7 mph.

Following the game, Phillies Manager Rob Thomson humorously acknowledged the record-setting pitch, telling the Philadelphia Inquirer, “It’s pretty good.”

Duran joined the Phillies just last Wednesday, traded from Minnesota in exchange for Mick Abel and Eduardo Tate. He’s considered one of the top closers in baseball, boasting a 1.93 ERA with 54 strikeouts over 51 1/3 innings this season.

During his time in Minnesota, he became well-known for his electric bullpen entrance, which featured Falco’s “Rock Me Amadeus” blended with Pitbull and Daddy Yankee’s “Hot.” The crowd almost seemed to light up the stadium with cell phone flashlights to welcome him onto the field.

This entrance caught on quickly with Phillies fans, who embraced it wholeheartedly.

Duran, hailing from the Dominican Republic, made his major league debut in 2022 and has maintained a 3.00 ERA across three of his four MLB seasons.

However, it’s worth noting that he doesn’t hold the record for the fastest pitch thrown in the majors this year. That title belongs to Mason Miller of the Padres, who delivered a 104.1 mph fastball earlier this season.