Oneil Cruz didn’t just hit a home run on Sunday — he made history. The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder crushed a 92.2 mph fastball from Milwaukee’s Logan Henderson over the stands and out of PNC Park at a jaw-dropping 122.9 miles per hour. That’s not just a personal best — it’s the hardest-hit ball ever recorded by MLB’s Statcast system since its launch in 2015.
The laser shot traveled 432 feet and even bounced into the Allegheny River, leaving teammates, fans, and the opposing dugout stunned. Cruz already held the previous record (122.4 mph single in 2022), but this blast officially etched his name atop MLB’s power charts, surpassing a 121.7 mph homer by Giancarlo Stanton in 2018.
“It feels good,” Cruz said after the game. “I was looking for a good pitch to hit and I connected really well. It feels even better just to know that it’s the hardest-hit ball in Statcast history.”
Lone Bright Spot in a Rough Season
Cruz’s record-setting moment was a highlight in an otherwise disappointing game — and season — for the Pirates, who dropped the game 6-5 and fell to 19-35 on the year. Despite the loss, Cruz continues to shine. He’s batting .236 with 11 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and an OPS north of .850, making him one of Pittsburgh’s few bright spots this year.
He’s also making strides in a new position, transitioning from shortstop to center field, and contributing with his glove as well as his bat. According to Pirates interim manager Don Kelly, Cruz is the kind of player who can uplift an entire lineup: “When he’s on, he’s on. It’s impressive to watch. What he’s doing is contagious.”
As the Pirates look to turn their season around, Cruz’s jaw-dropping power might be the spark they need — or at the very least, a reason to keep watching.
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