A’s closer Mason Miller makes MLB All-Star Game history

Jul 17, 2024, 7:21 AM

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 16: Mason Miller #19 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the National ...

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Mason Miller has already put the baseball world on notice this season, but the rookie flamethrower brought more attention to his talent during Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game.

The Oakland Athletics’ closer took the mound at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas during the fifth inning as the American League and National League were gridlocked in a 3-3 tie. Miller tossed a clean inning, throwing 12 pitches for eight strikes that led to two strikeouts–nothing out of the ordinary for Miller.

What caught the attention of spectators–and players–was Miller’s 103.6 mph fastball to Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, setting a new MLB All-Star Game record for the fastest pitch in midsummer classic history.

Aroldis Chapman had previously held the record with a 103.4 mph fastball the left-hander threw to Mike Moustakas in the ninth inning of the 2015 All-Star Game.

Miller’s fastballs during his appearance registered: 103.6, 103, 102.4, 102.3, 101.9, 101.8, 101 and 100.6 mph.

Mason Miller hits 104(!) mph on the gun the pitch after striking out Shohei Ohtani with a wipeout slider 🤯 pic.twitter.com/EeKlUmCJFg

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 17, 2024

More on Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller

Miller struck out Turner and Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani during his clean inning of work, and thanks to Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran’s go-ahead blast in the bottom of the fifth, Miller was in line to secure the win as the AL took home a 5-3 triumph.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Miller is the third rookie pitcher to earn the win in an All-Star Game appearance, joining Spec Shea in 1947 and Dean Stone in 1954 (both for the American League).

“The hitters that we face every day throughout the year, there are a lot of talented guys, but to do it on the stage in front of this crowd against these talented players is something I’ll have forever,” Miller said of his appearance postgame. “I think every single hitter over there’s super talented, so whoever you match up against, it’s gonna be a battle. I ended up getting the top of the order and I was excited to get that matchup.”

Miller, the 97th selection from the 2021 MLB Draft, has been electric over 33 relief appearances this season, pitching to a 2.27 ERA while striking out an incredible 70 batters over 39.2 innings pitched (15.9 strikeouts per nine innings pitched). The righty has been a lock-down closer, securing 15 of his 17 save chances thus far.

The 25-year-old was the first rookie reliever selected to the All-Star Game since David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates got the nod in 2021. Miller also is the first A’s rookie reliever to make the midsummer classic roster since Ryan Cook did so in 2012.