Padres Player Takes 96 MPH Fastball to Face, Stays in Game

When a baseball traveling nearly 100 miles per hour hits you square in the face, most people would take the rest of the night off. Jake Cronenworth isn't most people.

The San Diego Padres infielder was struck in the chin by a 96 mph fastball during the fifth inning Saturday night against the Los Angeles Angels. The pitch from left-hander Yusei Kikuchi barely grazed his shoulder before making direct contact with his chin.

Trainers rushed to check on Cronenworth as the game paused. After a brief evaluation, he waved them off and stayed in the lineup, ready to continue playing.

"He's a hockey player, and he didn't lose any teeth," manager Craig Stammen said after the game. "So he had to stay in the game. That was the rule. He took one off the chin, literally, and toughed it out."

Cronenworth later admitted it was the first time he'd been hit in the face since his hockey days. "First reaction was just: Try to make sure my jaw's OK," he said.

The grit paid off. San Diego rallied late in the game, scoring three runs in the eighth inning to secure a 4-1 victory. Cronenworth crossed home plate during that rally, celebrating with teammates who witnessed his resilience firsthand.

Why This Inspires

Cronenworth's decision to stay in the game shows the power of determination when things get tough. His teammates watched him shake off what could have been a serious injury and kept fighting alongside him. That kind of leadership doesn't show up in the box score, but it changes games.

The moment also highlights the physical and mental toughness required at baseball's highest level. Players face split-second decisions about their health and their commitment to the team. Cronenworth chose both, proving you can be smart about your safety while still showing up for others.

His hockey background prepared him for moments like these, where taking a hit is part of the job. That cross-sport experience gave him perspective when most players would have headed to the clubhouse.

Cronenworth already holds the Padres' all-time record for being hit by pitches, a painful distinction that speaks to his willingness to crowd the plate and help his team any way possible. Saturday night added one more mark to that total, but this time he turned it into inspiration that fueled a comeback win.