Boston's Chapman sets all-time record for strikeouts by reliever - ESPN

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Aroldis Chapman became the major leagues' career leader in strikeouts as a reliever Friday night, toppling a record that had stood for more than half a century.

The Boston Red Sox's 38-year-old left-hander didn't do it with one of the triple-digit fastballs that have made him one of the most imposing pitchers of his generation and one of the most accomplished relievers in baseball history.

Instead, his high pitch to the Angels' Denzer Guzman was clocked at 98.6 mph — and Guzman still couldn't get around in time.

«I feel very happy, very proud of what I've been able to accomplish,» Chapman said through an interpreter. «I just feel very satisfied right now.»

The strikeout was the 1,364th in Chapman's 17-year career. It broke the record long held by Hoyt Wilhelm, the Hall of Famer whose 21-year career ended in 1972, just five days shy of his 50th birthday.

Chapman paused and soaked in the moment briefly after fanning Guzman, aware of the significance of the strikeout while also knowing he still had to get two more outs. He promptly gave up two hits, but escaped the jam with a double-play grounder to secure Boston's 5-2 win over Los Angeles and his 383rd career save.

The Red Sox celebrated Chapman's achievement in their Angel Stadium clubhouse, showing a video retrospective of Chapman's career to his younger teammates — everything from his debut with Cincinnati in 2010 to his two World Series championships with the Cubs and Rangers.

«It's cool. We've been waiting for that one,» Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said. «What a career he's had. The cool thing is watching the video, and you're seeing him at a young age throwing 102, and he's still doing it. It's just incredible.»

In his 889th major league