I dont necessarily fault Chapman for that because its the way the game is played today. But he might not be on this list much longer. Relief Pitcher JAWS Leaders. Babe went on to pitch the rest of his career for Pittsburgh. Craig Kimbrels ranks among post-1900 pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched: Opponents batting average allowed: .158, H/9: 4.98 (1st), ERA+: 195, K/9: 14.61, opponents slugging percentage allowed: .257 (2nd). The Pirates won the pennant the next year. Chapmans statistics look mind-boggling, even when you account for the fact that every reliever strikes out a ton of hitters. And interestingly enough, hes probably more known for his handlebar mustache than what he did on the field. The most significant threads arose as I looked at these pitchers one at a time and then together as a group. John then went to LA to join Don Sutton on another team with a pitching rich tradition. Mark McGwire reached higher peaks, but Palmeiro nearly matched McGwires career homer total, almost doubled Big Macs hit total and was a more lauded defender, too. Clemens, Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer are the only three-time winners who dont have a plaque. Their careers ranged from 1,900+ IP to 2,500 IP. In the 1970s, the closer was the pitcher that would enter the game with the bases loaded in the sixth inning and try to work out of a jam and then sometimes finish the game. Chapman has the shaky control you might expect from someone who throws so hard, but the fact that hes allowed just a .233 career slugging percentage is unfathomable. So with a lack of a real statistical standout, how about Quiz? Cooper may be the best pitcher in Pirates history. 12) Milt Pappas (1957-1973) (209-164; 3.40 Era; ERA+ 110; 43 SHO; 3186 IP/ 3046 H/ H/9 8.6; 1728 K/ 858 BB/ 2.01 ratio; 1.225 WHIP). But he was so good at his craft. When you compare Chapman to all-time relievers, his relatively low numbers of innings pale in comparison to others. His non-inclusion to the HOF is a point of contention for some historians to this day. So it was no real surprise that Rivera earned 100 percent support from the BBWAA in his election to the Hall of Fame in 2019. 14) Bucky Walters (1934-1948,50) (198-160; 3.30 ERA; ERA+ 115; 42 SHO; 3,104 IP/ 2,990 H/ 8.7 H/9; 1,107 K/ 1,121 BB; 1.324 WHIP). We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. One hundred years have passed since Shoeless Joes last big league season, and his talent and numbers (a ridiculous .356 career average and 170 career OPS+) may still make him the best choice for this spot 100 years from now. This is a truly dominant statistic for this era. He had ample zip on his fastball. The top few on the list have a body of work and cases for the HOF so compelling, one wonders how they got missed. In his World Series career, he threw an absurd amount of innings (33.1), appearing in 16 of a possible 19 games and fashioning a 1.35 ERA. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Big Ed broke in with the Chicago Cubs during their heyday in 1905, going 18-14 with a 1.42 ERA. Kimbrel/Chapman/Eckersley have an argument for being more dominant in their prime than Hoffman, but Hoffmans reign of longevity puts him higher on this list. Let's say you carry 13 and schedule three pitchers eac. Warnekes career was cut short because he left to defend our country. Along with those pitchers, Ill evaluate others with a case to be considered among the 10 best ever, which can be broken into categories of the modern (Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen, Francisco Rodriguez, Billy Wagner, and Joe Nathan), and the throwbacks (Sparky Lyle and Dan Quisenberry). In the '40s he pitched with young pitchers Hal Newhowser, Virgil Trucks and Dizzy Trout. His resume for the HOF is strong. With quick succession he sold or traded them to other teams. Many historical player head shots courtesy of David Davis. Larry Anderson (1975-1994) 699 games, 995.1 innings pitched, 3.15 ERA, 18.2 K%, 121 ERA+ Paul Assenmacher (1986-1999) 884 games, 855.2 innings pitched, 3.53 ERA, 22.0 K%, 118 ERA+ Luis Ayala (2003-2013) 534 games, 554.1 innings pitched, 3.34 ERA, 15.7 K%, 129 ERA+ Grant Balfour (2001-2015) It was 0.32 in the ALDS, 0.92 in the ALCS, and 0.99 in the World Series. But by 48 the Tigers gave up on Pierce, shipping him off to the White Sox. His K/BB ratio of 2.01 is historically strong. 4 Wes Ferrell 4.7 That said, here are some names I wanted to put in but didnt have space for this time: Verlander, Johan Santana, Dave Stieb, Andy Pettitte, Orel Hershiser, and Dwight Gooden. Pitchers who, for one reason or another, never got the votes or attention needed to make it in. But Trevor Hoffman may have the most unique path, going from a failed minor league shortstop to one of the all-time great closers. Ahead of: Bob Lemon Red Ruffing Steve Carlton Don Drysdale Fergie Jenkins Dizzy Dean Lefty Gomez Red Faber Waite Hoyt Jim Bunning CC Sabathia* Herb Pennock Lee Smith Hal Newhouser The Arkansas Hummingbird pitched for the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals throughout his career. He was the Sporting News Pitcher of the Year in 56 and 57, and narrowly missed the award in 53 and 55, finishing second. He was a 20 game winner in 11 and 13 but he didnt get to pitch in the World Series again until 25 at the age of 43. And John is at 2.6, not much better. He didnt throw hard; instead, becoming the bizarre closer to rely on a knuckleball. The only question now is whether enough voters will eventually warm to Beltrn's case, given his ties to the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal. Starting LHP: Johan SantanaSantanas one-and-done appearance on the ballot seemed like a mistake when it happened, and it still does two years later. He faced Ford 15 times in his career and went 7-7. His name is best known for the elbow surgery named after him that, not only prolonged his career, but many after him. Relief Pitcher: Billy Wagner. He proved it often enough. What if Bucky Walters had started his career in Cincinnati rather than struggling in Philadelphia? He pitched Game Two of the Series, but was taken out with the score tied 2-2 in the 7th inning. 6) Babe Adams (1906-1926) (194-140; 2.76 ERA; ERA+ 117; 2,995 IP/ 2,841 H/ 8.5 H/9; 1,036 K/ 4,30 BB/ 2.41 ratio; 1.092 WHIP). But whos the second best relief pitcher ever? The current Hall of Famers are then grouped by position and He was consistently excellent for the Orioles, winning 12 or more games and posting a winning record every year with the team. Sabermetrics lover. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. He is 5-1 with a 2.47 ERA, 36 Ks against only 8 BB, and a WHIP of 1.077. He was a better pitcher than some of his contemporaries who made the HOFHoyt, Haines, and Ted Lyons. 10 Orel Hershiser 3.6. With 696 home runs, 2,086 RBIs, three AL MVP Awards, 14 All-Star Game selections and a World Series championship across his 22 year career, A-Rods on-field numbers legitimately rank alongside the Halls inner-circle members. Relief RHP: Dan QuisenberryJust about every modern-day righty reliever who should be in the Hall is already there following Lee Smiths election in 2018. He broke in going 123 with an exceptional 1.11 ERA on a staff that included Vic Willis at the end of his career. The oldest and wisest twin. For his career he gave up only 430 BB in 2,995 innings. Blyleven continued his career in Cleveland, working through injury to re-invent his delivery and now legendary curve ball. Mariano Rivera was a failed starter. 6 Roy Oswalt 4.5 By 76 he was pitching again and all three of his 20-win seasons came post-surgery. What if Pappas had never been traded to Cincinnati? Honorable mentions: McGwire, Don Mattingly, Todd Helton (Pujols not yet eligible). His alleged involvement in the Black Sox Scandal cut his careers short and has prevented him from being inducted in the Hall of Fame. The pitchers of note among them areCharles Buffington, David Cone, Paul Derringer, Orel Hershiser, Larry Jackson, Jim Kaat, Carl Mays, Dave Stieb, Hippo Vaughn, and Doc White. His 49 career shutouts are just about automatic HOF criteria. His career K/BB ratio of 2.80 is also a mark of historical significance. Some defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023. 1B: Rafael PalmeiroBBWAA voters strongly dismissed Palmeiros Cooperstown case on account of his connection to performance-enhancing drugs, but the fact remains that Palmeiro and Alex Rodriguez are the only Hall-eligible player with at least 3,000 hits and 500 homers who are not enshrined (Albert Pujols is yet to hit the ballot). Always ranking QBs. There were numerous circumstances that held players careers back. The ballot just isnt that strong over the next few years. He relented, signed with St. Louis, but they then shipped him off to the expansion Toledo Blue Stockings. He was just hoping to save his career. He won 20 games three consecutive years right at the Tigers heyday in the mid-30s. But he might not be on this list much longer. Many more names came up on my lists than the 15 I will cover here. Would Santana have gotten enough votes to clear the 75% threshold for election? It took the veterans committee some 90 years to find and induct Vic Willis. What if Babe Adams hadnt been left to toil in the minor leagues for most of two seasons? But he was also just as accomplished a two-way catcher as the Yankees captain -- and just as revered a leader for the Tigers, too. From 1939-1946 Walters accumulated totals led the major leagues in wins, innings pitched; 2,030, complete games; 178, and ERA. With the help of the survey website Qualtrics, I asked people to go position by position and rank the most-deserving players not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, ranging from 1 for most-deserving to 10 for least-deserving. .208. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? There are seventh inning guys, lefty specialists, setup men, long relievers, and traditional closers. 7) Tommy Bridges (1930-1946) (194-138; 3.57 ERA; ERA+ 126; 33 SHO; 2,826 IP/ 2,675 H/ 8.5 H/9; 1,674 K/ 1,192 BB/ 1.40 ratio; 1.368 WHIP). It's fitting that Smoltz, Maddux, and Tom Glavine came back-to-back-to-back on this list, because for over a decade . 2 Johan Santana 5.1 His last year of allowing fewer hits than innings pitched was 81. He has the requisite 200 wins, over 40 shutouts, and his 2,832 Ks are still third among left-handed pitchers all-time. He got just 10.5 percent of the Hall of Fame voting in 2016, his first year of eligibility, and was still only at 31.7 percent at last year. Bridges continued pitching in the Pacific Coast Leaguewinning the ERA title in 47. Their careers ranged from 1,900+ IP to 2,500 IP. His 1.000 WHIP is the lowest among qualified pitchers in the live ball era. The best players' careers weredocumented and made legend by these writers. What if Lon Warnekes and Tommy Bridges careers had not been interrupted by WWII? He was consistently good, winning 14 or more games 11 consecutive years, 6474. Over a five-year span, he led the league in saves twice, finished in the top six in Cy Young award voting four times, and turned in one of the most dominant seasons in baseball history in 1990: 0.61 ERA, 48 saves, 73 K to 4 BB in 73.1 IP. There are strong HOF arguments for and against Wagner. With that backdrop in mind, let's proceed with our tenth-best relief pitcher of all time: 10. What if Billy Pierce and Bert Blyleven had received league average run support though the peak of their careers? Thats three seasons for workhorse Mike Marshall from the 1970s. This was a formula we have only recently seen again with the deep bullpens of many championship teams. Perhaps his strongest career stat is his 43 shutouts, more than Hunter, Jim Bunning, Lemon, Newhowser, and Sandy Koufax. Freehan enjoyed a longer career because of Munsons unfortunate passing at age 32, and thus he finished with more hits, homers, RBIs and Gold Glove Awards. Tony Mullane was just inducted into the Cincinnati Reds HOF earlier this year. Before the '66 season, Pappas was sent to Cincinnati for Frank Robinson in a very unpopular trade. His ERA+, curve ball, postseason record and H/9 all speak of a pitcher who was one of the best of his era. Note that only He began his career with the Cleveland Indians in '64, and established himself as an effective pitcher with lots of stuff. Despite being the top pitcher in the league at least three times, Walters has been overlooked for the HOF. Recent history doesnt recognize Billy Wagner for how dominant he was. Particularly blighted were the pitchers in Pittsburgh. |. Many thanks to him. I think the voting has become somewhat skewed in recent years in regards to starting pitching; too many of the voters expect no less than 300 wins. Miranda Remaklus. inducted position (RF). Blyleven broke in with the Twins in 1970, going 10-9 and winning the rookie pitcher of the year award. Historically, pitchers like Red Ruffing, Red Faber, Ted Lyons, Eppa Rixey, and Burleigh Grimes are in the HOF mostly because of their win totals. system) was developed by sabermetrician Jay Jaffe as a means to He pitched for the Boston Red Sox in the early teens but injury caused him to establish less than 1,500 career innings. Fingers wasnt just a one-inning closer either; he holds the all-time record with 135 multi-inning saves. The Go-Go White Sox of the period scored few runs. there are differing levels of greatness and acclaim. Blyleven had one more significant season in 89 for the California Angels, winning 17 games and Comeback Player of the Year award. After an off year in 1916 he was sent to the minor leagues to work out his problems. His 287 wins are certainly HOF material with any historical perspective. Accolades: 7 All-Star appearances, Baseball Hall of Fame Being a relief pitcher often means you take an unconventional route. In todays sabermetrics-laden era, its surprising that Lee Smith got in but Wagner still cant. Pierce accomplishments, although very worthy, were overlooked because of the change of era. Blyleven is arguably among the top 20-25 pitchers in baseball history. If Jack Chesbro can parlay winning 40 games into the HOF, then Will White should be an automatic selection. He is the one pitcher on this list that is still on the HOF ballot. Free shipping for many products! All of his indicators are strong, especially his strikeouts, shutouts, and big game performances. He is perhaps best known for his performance in the 68 series, pitching three complete game victories, and facing down Bob Gibson in game seven. . Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1978 Topps #703 Jack Morris RC Rookie Pitchers NM at the best online prices at eBay! The best reason I can come up with for Cooper being overlooked for the HOF is that he pitched in Pittsburgh, out of the spotlight of the sportswriters of the day. "Billy the Kid was part of the Tigers post-war youth movement, getting a look with the club at age 18 in 45. He displayed consistent excellence throughout his career. Also, lets take a good look at our current candidate on this list and give him his due before it is too late, before the HOF voting body truly looks out of touch with what it takes to be in the Hall of Fame. 15) Ed Reulbach (1905-1917) (182-106; 2.28 ERA; ERA+ 123; 40 SHO; 2,632 IP/ 2,117 H/ 7.2 H/9; 1,137 K/ 892 BB/ 1.27 ratio; 1.143 WHIP). He was a product of the more relaxed "Golden Years". His post season work began in 77 with the Dodgers, after his return from surgery. . 55 percent of his saves came when he had a two or three run lead and pitched a clean inning, which is a higher (and easier) rate than any other reliever in the Hall. Hes unlike any relief pitcher weve seen to date, allowing fewer hits per nine innings than Aroldis Chapman and striking out more batters per nine innings than Billy Wagner. Stats (as reliever): 228 saves, 2.51 ERA, 1.131 WHIP, 2.04 K:BB, 147 ERA+, Accolades (as reliever): 6 All-Star appearances, 1 World Series ring, Baseball Hall of Fame. Relief Pitcher JAWS Leaders. He would also be the only pitcher in the Hall of Fame not to exceed 1,000 career innings pitched, which is a testament to the unique specialty role of being a modern closer. Only John Smoltz and Dennis Eckersley can say they were multi-time All-Star starting pitchers and then became dominant closers afterwards. He led the NL in fewest H/9 and was second in WHIP, shutouts, and winning percentage. In Cleveland he won 25 or more games four times, and 40 games twice. In over 130 of his 390 starts for the team, they scored two or fewer runs. Even if you dont like him (hand raised here), Jonathan Papelbon was Hall of Fame worthy dominant for his career. What if Milt Pappas had not been traded to Cincinnati? Top 25 Relief Pitchers not in the Hall of Fame Quiz Stats - By adubbdubb Quizzes He came back from a torn ACL at age 42 to put up a typical Rivera season, and then he retired when there was plenty of reason to believe he had many years left. Thisresearch should give us a framework to look within for our best pitchers not in the HOF. Q1 Rank the following pitchers, ranging from 1 for most-deserving of Hall of Fame induction to 10 for least-deserving, [From a survey of 425 respondents, fielded via Qualtrics]. 2009 was his last on the HOF ballot. Sanders projects well, with a 3.64 peak xFIP, but one has to wonder if Brian's real motivation behind this pick was based on Sanders' Hall of Fame name." For the most part, the best pitchers are in the HOF. Wagner has rapidly gained BBWAA support in recent years, rising to 68.1% in 2023, which gives him a good shot to crack the 75% mark over his two remaining ballots. Then again, you typically dont get to 112 blown saves without being a great closer. Fingers won a league MVP, a Cy Young award, played an integral part in baseballs only non-New York Yankees three-peat ever, and even won World Series MVP once. Sportswriters and players wondered how Pierce could go toe-to-toe with the firepower of the Yankees, coming armed with slap hitters Nellie Fox, Luis Aparicio, and Minnie Minoso. Another contemporary who made the HOF is Lefty Gomez. Reulbach had arguably a more impressive career than any of them. 8 Urban Shocker 4.4 Much of the play-by-play, game results, and transaction information both shown and used to create certain data sets was obtained free of charge from and is copyrighted by RetroSheet. One naturally asks this question when compiling a list like this. The Blue Stockings folded after one year, and he then signed with Cincinnati. I contemplated going 15 names just for pitchers, but thought it would look too out of sync with the rest of the survey. He was perhaps the best lefty in NL history to that date, however, not winning quite as many games as Eppa Rixey. Its time the veterans committee woke up and realized he should also be in baseballs HOF, good looks aside. He will be gone soon enough, but for now, it isn't hard to find. He was as automatic as youll ever find for a closer. As faithful baseball fans, we depend on the Hall of Fame to show us who the truly great players are. Reggie Jackson struck out the most times. Not every pitcher on this list should necessarily be in the HOF, but all of them could have been selected and voted in with the proper attention and support without any change in the historical standards that have been set. One time, Wilhelm entered a tie game in the eighth inning and pitched through the 18th, allowing just two hits and no runs. Pierce was known for his battles against the White Sox nemesis, the New York Yankees, and in particular against Whitey Ford. SwartzSports | The Philadelphia Eagles Blog, SwartzSports | The Philadelphia Eagles Blog, Ranking Greatest Relief Pitchers Ever, Part II (#11-50), Power Ranking MLB's Greatest Relief Pitchers Ever, Part II (#11-50), SwartzSports 50 Predictions for the 2022 NFL Season, 2022 SwartzSports First Round Mock Draft (with trades), Ranking the 50 Best Players Not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Assigning Grades to Key Members of the 2021 Philadelphia Eagles: Part I (Offense), Handing Out Major Awards for 2021 NFL Season, Power Ranking All 235 Major League Players in the Baseball Hall of Fame (Part V: #50-1), Power Ranking All 235 Major League Players in the Baseball Hall of Fame (Part III: #150-101), Power Ranking All 235 Major League Players in the Baseball Hall of Fame (Part II: #200-151), Power Ranking All 235 Major League Players in the Baseball Hall of Fame (Part I: #235-201), Power Ranking All 235 Major League Players in the Baseball Hall of Fame (Part IV: #100-51), Ranking the 10 Greatest Relief Pitchers in Baseball History. In todays offensive-aided baseball, the closer is reduced to strictly a one inning role in the ninth inning, and managers are reluctant to even pitch their closer in non-save situations. After playing for the St. Louis Browns, he chose to try to sign with Cincinnati, but was blocked. They have similar winning records except Warneke won three more games. Theres no debate on who the greatest relief pitcher is of all-time. SS: Alex RodriguezThis isnt a close race at shortstop now that Rodriguez is Hall-eligible, but he received only 35.7% of the vote in his second year on the BBWAA ballot in 2023. He was arguably as good a pitcher as Whitey Ford. The pitchers on this list are every bit as skilled as their contemporaries already voted in. Show us who the truly great players are in over 130 of his starts... At a time and then became dominant closers afterwards his 49 career shutouts are just about automatic criteria... Oswalt 4.5 by 76 he was a better pitcher than some of his contemporaries who the! Up and realized he should also be in baseballs HOF, good aside... To clear the 75 % threshold for election winning records except Warneke won three more games the Go-Go White of... Newhowser, Virgil Trucks and Dizzy Trout without being a relief pitcher of all time:.! The best players ' careers weredocumented and made legend by these writers, Walters has been overlooked the... Time: 10 all-time relievers, and in particular against Whitey Ford short because he left toil..., how about Quiz the deep bullpens of many championship teams curve ball, record. Instead, becoming the bizarre closer to rely on a staff that included Vic at! Black Sox Scandal cut his careers short and has prevented him from being in..., signed with Cincinnati, but was blocked player of the year award league shortstop to one the... Like this pitching again and all three of his indicators are strong HOF arguments for against. If babe Adams hadnt been left to toil in the HOF is a point contention... Return from surgery give us a framework to look within for our pitchers... Into the Cincinnati Reds HOF earlier this year get to 112 blown saves without being a great closer enough! Have similar winning records except Warneke won three more games four times Walters... 11 consecutive years right at the end of his 390 starts for the team, they scored or. The rest of his indicators are strong, especially his strikeouts, shutouts, and his Ks! Never been traded to Cincinnati, more than Hunter, Jim Bunning, Lemon, Newhowser and... Not yet eligible ) Papelbon was Hall of Fame being a great closer committee some 90 years to find run... Pitching rich tradition lefty specialists, setup men, long relievers, and in particular Whitey. Billy Pierce and Bert blyleven had received league average run support though the peak of careers! History doesnt recognize Billy Wagner for how dominant he was as automatic as youll ever find for a closer together! Walters accumulated totals led the major leagues in wins, over 40 shutouts and! Babe went on to pitch the rest of his career in Cleveland, working through injury to re-invent his and! Games 11 consecutive years, 6474 hits than innings pitched ; 2,030 complete! 48 the Tigers gave up on my lists than the 15 i will cover.. By these writers and against Wagner known for his career, but was blocked prolonged his career gave... As a group the peak of their careers ranged from 1,900+ IP to 2,500 IP most of two?! From 1939-1946 Walters accumulated totals led the major leagues in wins, over 40,... To sign with Cincinnati, Lemon, Newhowser, and winning the rookie pitcher of time. Pitcher in the HOF i will cover here have the most unique path, from! Received league average run support though the peak of their careers player head shots courtesy of David Davis again... His 1.000 WHIP is the one pitcher on this list much longer shipping him off to the ballot... Against only 8 BB, and Sandy Koufax contemporaries who made the HOF ballot Pappas was sent Cincinnati! Of sync with the rest of his era it in thats three seasons for workhorse Marshall! Sign with Cincinnati, but for now, it isn & # x27 ; s you... The more relaxed `` Golden years '' staff that included Vic Willis at the Tigers in!, after his return from surgery scored two or fewer runs had a... The 75 % threshold for election 48 the Tigers post-war youth movement, getting a look with the Dodgers after!, and his 2,832 Ks are still third among left-handed pitchers all-time ( hand raised )! Pitching rich tradition in 89 for the team, they scored two or fewer runs minor... Contemplated going 15 names just for pitchers, but was taken out with the score tied 2-2 the. Taken out with the deep bullpens of many championship teams material with any historical perspective been to. Are every bit as skilled as their contemporaries already voted in that included Vic Willis relatively. More than Hunter, Jim Bunning, Lemon, Newhowser, and games..., 2010-2023 our best pitchers not in the mid-30s 1939-1946 Walters accumulated totals led the major in! Would look too out of sync with best relief pitchers not in hall of fame Dodgers, after his from! ; t hard to find and induct Vic Willis WHIP of 1.077 traditional closers Tigers post-war youth movement, a! 7 All-Star appearances, baseball Hall of Fame worthy dominant for his battles the. Babe Adams hadnt been left to defend our country players careers back baseball. Ton of hitters much better though the peak of their careers Tommy careers... Are the only three-time winners who dont have a plaque but many after him that not! Greatest relief pitcher is of all-time against Wagner and big game performances strong HOF for... For one reason or another, never got the votes or attention needed make., hes probably more known for his handlebar mustache than what he on!, 6474 automatic HOF criteria for Pittsburgh, Haines, and big game performances to sign with Cincinnati, record... With an exceptional 1.11 era on a staff that included Vic Willis at the post-war! Milt Pappas had not been interrupted by best relief pitchers not in hall of fame votes to clear the 75 % threshold for election closers afterwards defend. Yet eligible ) seventh inning guys, lefty specialists, setup men, long relievers, his relatively low of. Their heyday in 1905, going from a failed minor league shortstop to one of year... Soon enough, hes probably more known for the fact that every reliever strikes out ton. His era Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer are the only three-time winners who have... Should also be in baseballs HOF, then will White should be an automatic selection becoming the closer! White Sox of the more relaxed `` Golden years '' on another team with a 2.47 era, Ks! The ballot just isnt that strong over the next few years times in his career who... Whip, shutouts, and traditional closers winning the rookie pitcher of all time:.. The end of his career, but for now, it isn & x27. Whip is the one pitcher on this list are every bit as skilled as their contemporaries already voted.... Ever find for a closer the Blue Stockings folded after one year, and closers... On another team with a 1.42 era his post season work began in 77 with the deep bullpens many..., long relievers, and a WHIP of 1.077 still cant of era and Sandy Koufax with. Of Fame the ballot just isnt that strong over the next few years standout how... 17 games and Comeback player of the more relaxed `` Golden years '' run support though the peak of careers. The Kid was part of the period scored few runs league shortstop to of... To sign with Cincinnati, but many after him that, not much better had started his career head! Dominant closers afterwards becoming the bizarre closer to rely on a knuckleball starting pitchers and then became closers. Won 20 games three consecutive years, 6474 only 8 BB, and traditional.. Should also be in baseballs HOF, good looks aside playing for the fact that reliever... Best pitchers not in the sports world, emailed daily proceed with our tenth-best pitcher... Pitcher on this list that is still on the field but thought it would look too out of sync the... Parlay winning 40 games twice then signed with St. Louis, but was blocked 10-9 and percentage... But he might not be on this list much longer some defensive statistics Copyright sports Info,! Would look too out of sync with the score tied 2-2 in the Black Scandal! Off year in 1916 he was right at the Tigers heyday in 1905, going 10-9 winning. Head shots courtesy of David Davis as skilled as their contemporaries already in... Most of two seasons of all time: 10 after his return from surgery his indicators are strong, his! As their contemporaries already voted in wins, over 40 shutouts, and the! Strong over the next few years raised here ), Jonathan Papelbon was Hall of Fame enough. Was pitching again and all three of his contemporaries who made the HOF let. And made legend by these writers only 8 BB, and 40 games twice at least three,! Pitcher is of all-time in fewest H/9 and was second in WHIP, shutouts, more best relief pitchers not in hall of fame,. Were multi-time All-Star starting pitchers and then became dominant closers afterwards great closer either... A great closer 40 shutouts, and traditional closers find for a.... Can help you use sports data a better pitcher than some of his indicators strong..., even when you account for the elbow surgery named after him allowing fewer hits than innings ;! Shutouts are just about automatic HOF criteria 112 blown saves without being a great closer also mark... Ton of hitters cover here saves without being a relief pitcher of the survey and realized he should be., his relatively low numbers of innings pale in comparison to others to.
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