Once Tim Wakefield, a Boston Red Sox starting pitcher, inched his way towards winning his 200th career game, I began to talk with friends and feverishly search the baseball archives. Then, as Wakefield tried and failed on several occasions to reach the 200-win milestone, I became even more curious about the degree of difficulty associated with winning 200 games in the Major Leagues… and if indeed winning 200 games (or more) during one’s baseball career is a huge milestone, how many previous pitchers had accomplished such a feat. I knew about Nolan Ryan,Don Sutton, Phil Niekro and Cy Young, but what about the others? I anxiously searched the library for conclusive evidence and stats.
During my quest for clarity, I questioned the need for such media coverage. Was it simply because Wakefield wore a Boston Red Sox uniform? To quell my curiosity, I visited the non air-conditioned Mt. Washington branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh public library system. And I visited often throughout the warm and muggy month of August. I learned many things.
Great Pitchers
As with most fans of Major League Baseball, I was keenly aware that over the years there had been a guy or two win a coupla’ games here and there, but as I see it, a decent pitcher worth his weight in overpriced beer and brats should easily win 200 games during his career — provided he can consistently win 15 or more games for 15 years or so. Easy right?
At the top of the win list, with 511 wins, is Ty Cobb. As for consistency, Cobb won 20 or more games during a season a record 15 times. Amazingly, that record is still untouched. Other great pitchers include, but not limited to, Nolan Ryan (324 wins), Walter “The Train” Johnson (417 wins) and Pud Galvin (361 wins).
Great Hitters
Great batsman in Major League Baseball must be consistent to enjoy any real success. Without persistence, skill and determination, a position player will not fair well when they are standing alone in the batter’s box — speed and coordination against velocity and accuracy. Pitching wins more battles than not.
One great hitter that is certainly a candidate for Major League Baseball’s greatest hitters, is Barry Bonds. Despite the controversy surrounding the Home Run King, Bond’s connected with the ball and did so with sheer brute force, sending the little white ball over the wall. Plain and simple. Steroids may make a guy stronger, but I don’t see how it could possibly increase hand-eye coordination.
Apples and Oranges
Unlike Major League Baseball’s greatest hitters, pitchers are highly unlikely to play nightly or with great frequency. Years ago, it wasn’t uncommon for a pitcher to pitch without the 3 to 5 days rest utilized in today’s game. Pitchers(Oranges) in the Majors, both past and present, are a breed all their own. Position players (Apples) are physically able, and well prepared, to actively play with extreme regularity. Often a doubleheader will have nearly all of the same players in each game. Pitching in “The Show” requires stamina, strength and rest — so much rest that pitchers work on rotation nowadays. Position players do not necessarily need extended periods of rest.
Baseball’s winningest pitchers have endured many disappointments along the way to 200 wins and such an accomplishment is equally filled with tremendous highlights as well. While both ends of the 60 feet 6 inches of space between home plate and the rubber on the mound are physically demanding for pitcher and batsman alike; however, pitching involves a bit more physical effort. A pitcher definitely exerts more effort and with greater frequency. Every pitch is thrown with some level of velocity. Hitters can stand there and do nothing if he chooses. Apples and Oranges.
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Sources:
Associated Content by Yahoo!: “Baseball’s winningest pitchers”
Yahoo!Sports.com: “A fan’s thoughts on hitting and baseball’s greatest hitters”
Yahoo!Sports.com: “Boston Red Sox on Yahoo! Sports – News…”