Mariano Rivera was a failed starter. Cooper was born in West Virginia. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. McCormick was a pitcher of high quality who won 265 games. He re-surfaced with incredible campaigns in '84 and '85. Or the Dave Roberts steal in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS. 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. Tommy was pitching in October for six consecutive seasons, posting a 6-3 mark with a 2.65 ERA over 88 innings. "With pick #132, @Brian59044 selects the first real relief pitcher of the draft, Phoenix Sanders. Warnekes career backed up into WWII. Tom Brady lost three Super Bowls. His 1.000 WHIP is the lowest among qualified pitchers in the live ball era. Teams can vary this somewhat . His K/BB ratio of 2.01 is historically strong. Bridges had the most awesome drop off the table curve ball of his era. Eck didnt become a reliever until his age-32 season but still appeared in enough games to retire first on the games all-time list (1,070). This excludes any pitcher still on the mound today, and those like Greg Maddux who are retired but not yet eligble. The committee found Charles Radbourn early on in their process in '39, but where were Tim Keefe ('63) and John Clarkson ('64)? Joe Nathan and Jonathan Papelbon both went one-and-done after falling shy of 5% of the BBWAA vote in their 22 ballot debuts. The players had withstood enough abuse by 1890 and formed their own league. 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. Warneke continued his winning ways, winning 20 games three times and posting a winning record every year until '43, when he left to fight in the war. He featured a fastball, curve, and change-up with excellent control. The Pirates won the pennant the next year. First-ever unanimous National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2019) Mariano Rivera is the greatest relief pitcher in Major League Baseball history. Al Oliver. Pitching in an era before closers were sexy, McMahon pitched 872 games out of the bullpen won . 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). He was perhaps the best lefty in NL history to that date, however, not winning quite as many games as Eppa Rixey. Francisco Rodrguez debuted on the ballot in 23, getting 10.8%. 952 games finished ranks first all-time. Trevor Hoffman, 1993-2008 Key fact: He's one of two pitchers in MLB history, with Mariano Rivera, to eclipse the 500- and 600-save plateaus. 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). 1) Bert Blyleven (1970-1992) (287-250; 3.31 ERA; ERA+ 118; 60 SHO; 4970/ 4632 H/ 8.4 H/9; 3701 K/ 1322 BB/ 2.80 K/BB ratio; 1.198 WHIP). Warneke has more shutouts, a better K/BB ratio, and a better WHIP. It is a significant total. batting or pitching WAR are used in determining the averages at a given Pierce pitched four scoreless innings in relief. However, Smokey Joe Wood is not among those pitchers given a bye for the length of their careers. He struck out a healthy 1,674 batters. What if Lon Warnekes and Tommy Bridges careers had not been interrupted by WWII? Rivera's legacy is as the greatest relief pitcher ever, and now that Chapman is a Yankee for the foreseeable future, that's . What if Milt Pappas had not been traded to Cincinnati? In the postseason, Papelbon started his career with 25 consecutive scoreless innings in October, including 4.1 of those innings in the 2007 World Series. If we limit it to 3000 innings, heres the top ten: 1 Roger Clemens 5.7 Here is AJ Cassavell's ranking of the Top 5 relievers in Padres history: 1. averages are skewed due to a lack of players at that position, so It's fitting that Smoltz, Maddux, and Tom Glavine came back-to-back-to-back on this list, because for over a decade . He featured a low three-quarters delivery that made it hard for left-handed batters to pick up the ball. He led the league in wins in 36 with 23, but also led the league in strikeouts and games started twice. In 1920, Adams gave up only 18 BB in 263 innings. Stats: 341 saves, 2.90 ERA, 1.156 WHIP, 2.64 K:BB, 120 ERA+, Accolades: 7 All-Star appearances, 1 MVP, 1 Cy Young award, 3 World Series rings, 1 World Series MVP, Baseball Hall of Fame. Not retired by 2017. All rights reserved. C: Bill FreehanCall this a toss-up between Freehan and Thurman Munson, both of whom could use a longer look from the Halls veteran committees. In an era when everyone posts gaudy relief statistics, the trick is figuring out how rare and special Wagner really was. By the next year in 1939 he was the best pitcher in the National League, going 27-11 with a 2.29 ERA and 31 complete games. Four pitchers in the HOF fall into this categoryDizzy Dean, Lefty Gomez, Sandy Koufax, and Addie Joss. But he will face the same hurdles as Bonds, Clemens and Sosa thanks to multiple transgressions with performance-enhancing drugs that included over a year-long suspension from baseball from 2013-14. Kimbrel still hasnt hit the decline phase of his career, unless 2019 was the beginning of the end and not just an aberration. Not retired by 2017. But whos the second best relief pitcher ever? Beginning in August of 52, Pierce went 21-21 against the Yankees, whom he faced more than any other team. Pete Alexander followed. Free shipping for many products! overall HOF average hitters are added to that position's average until Typically, in modern-day play, an active roster will consist of five starting pitchers, seven relief pitchers, two catchers, six infielders, and five outfielders. The Tigers were focused on a youth movement after the war. He finished second in the MVP balloting. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'-CeXsjSMQXpEqN8nMfMOXQ',sig:'aPSIwiN6WT5Zl3uyeAdW_2g5nAPoP84MemQtfAdqDM8=',w:'594px',h:'395px',items:'1023432000',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); A few weeks ago, I kicked off a challenge here. Free shipping for many products! Answer (1 of 5): I honestly think that some manager should try it. Mariano Rivera. Can you name the Best Relief Pitchers not in the MLB Hall of Fame (by Baseball Reference WAR)? Bruce Sutter, a Hall of Fame reliever and 1979 Cy Young winner, has died at the age of 69. Some historians have labeled the shorter career effect as the Smokey Joe Wood effect, referring to HOF pitchers whose career lengths were shorter than required for HOF inclusion, but whose careers made a significant impact and thus we're inducted. HOF - Indicates Player is a Hall of Famer. . 7 Noodles Hahn 4.4 His resume for the HOF is strong. So 2009 was perhaps Ichiro's best year, in terms of bonding with his teammates. He was the second great Latin pitcher, following Juan Marichal. Some defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023. When he finished playing nearly two decades later, Wilhelm held the major league record for games pitched (1,070), relief wins (124), and saves (228). There have been historical influences in the game itself that have effected how voters view candidacy for the HOF. Kaat is at 2.3, nowhere near HoF level. What if Bucky Walters had started his career in Cincinnati rather than struggling in Philadelphia? Brett Favre threw the most interceptions and the late Kobe Bryant missed the most shots. then in Boston. Ed Reulbachs career somehow fell between the cracks by the time the veterans committee was reconstructing who should be in the HOF. Still, many big names remain outside the Hall's hallowed Plaque Gallery, so here is a rosterof the best non-Hall of Fame players in baseball history at every position. Ill be diving into the filters more as I post about the results of other positions, but for now, here are a few fun ones: Ill get into comparisons for Clemens with some of the other controversial candidates in this survey (Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and Pete Rose) as I get to those results posts. Do you have a blog? He was consistently good, winning 14 or more games 11 consecutive years, 6474. Matsui has no chance of ever making the Hall of Fame. Full-year historical Major League statistics provided by Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette of Hidden Game Sports. The 41 voters who ranked Schilling first ranked Clemens eighth-worst among the field, ahead of only Wes Ferrell and Rick Reuschel, with an average ranking for Clemens of 7.00. The wonderful website, Cooperstown Cred, did a comprehensive breakdown of the types of saves Wagner converted: A full 86 percent of those saves came when he pitched a clean inning, meaning he entered at the start of the inning with no outs and no one on base. He barely played in the postseason. 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. (I cant imagine that happening todayleaving the potential ace of your staff in the minors for 50-plus decisions after he had shown his form had returned?). 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. 5) Billy Pierce (1945-1964) (3.27 ERA; ERA+ 119; 38 SHO; 3,306 IP/ 2,989 H/ 8.1 H/9; 1,999 K/ 1178 BB/ 1.70 ratio; 1.260 WHIP). Pierce accomplishments, although very worthy, were overlooked because of the change of era. LF: Barry BondsThis doesnt require much explanation; Bonds is the greatest player many of us have seen in our lifetimes, and he had accrued surefire Hall credentials before his alleged PED use clouded the picture. History doesnt remember Hoyt Wilhelm the way it should. He represented the Tigers in three World Series against the Cardinals, Cubs and Reds in 34, 35 and 40. On a 25-man roster, teams typically carry 12 or 13 pitchers. I contemplated going 15 names just for pitchers, but thought it would look too out of sync with the rest of the survey. In over 130 of his 390 starts for the team, they scored two or fewer runs. His ERA of 1.97 in 55 gave him an ERA less than half that of the league (ERA+ 201). If he does not pick up that . Ed Reulbach, Tommy Bridges and Bert Blyleven all fall in this category. He was arguably as good a pitcher as Whitey Ford. In 35 he won two games against the Cubs, and in 40 he won his only appearance against the Reds. 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. But keep in mind that he wasnt used in nearly as much of a specialized role as modern closers are. hide this ad PLAY QUIZ Score 0/25 Timer 10:00 Recently Published Actresses. Data Provided By Holds MLB record with 652 saves. But there's no doubt he would receive pushback from the starters, their agents, and the salty old baseball types. It barely existed when Babe Ruth and Ted Williams played, as starters would routinely pitch complete games. He held the career record in saves when he retired (341). These are the primary factors I used in my evaluations: 10. Adams was perhaps the most extreme control pitcher in the history of the game. 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). Thisresearch should give us a framework to look within for our best pitchers not in the HOF. His name is best known for the elbow surgery named after him that, not only prolonged his career, but many after him. He pitched in both the Cubs World Series appearances in '32 and '35, going 2-1 with a 2.63 ERA. It is not a stretch to believe he would have won thirty games the year he was forced to sit out in protest of the reserve clause. Many thanks to him. All of his indicators are strong, especially his strikeouts, shutouts, and big game performances. Hes insanely dominant against both righties and lefties as well. Do you have a sports website? Hoffman broke in with the inaugural Florida Marlins team, was traded for Gary Sheffield, and then racked up an absurd 15 seasons of 30+ saves and nine of 40+, each of which still stands as MLB records. the total count of actual and average players matches that of the most 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. Even if you dont like him (hand raised here), Jonathan Papelbon was Hall of Fame worthy dominant for his career. Relief Pitcher JAWS Leaders. Perhaps his strongest career stat is his 43 shutouts, more than Hunter, Jim Bunning, Lemon, Newhowser, and Sandy Koufax. 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. If thats the case, Kimbrel probably wont move down these rankings at all but he also wont move any higher. He would have been part of the best pitching staffs in historyPappas was still pitching great in '71 and '72. Pitching multiple innings per relief appearance was Wilhelms trademark. Important note: For this exercise, we only considered players who have been retired for at least five years, the waiting time required before one can appear on a BBWAA ballot. Relief Pitcher - Don McMahon (22.4 WAR) McMahon may be the best reliever most modern baseball fans have never heard mentioned. His career records match up well with Catfish Hunter and Don Drysdale. 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. He is among the top ten pitchers of the live ball era1921-1945. (Scott Dine/St. He pitched for the Boston Red Sox in the early teens but injury caused him to establish less than 1,500 career innings. Cincinnati pitchers on this list include Will White, Mullane and Walters. After winning 20 games in '24, the Pirates traded him to the Cubs. Among these, my favorites are Charles Buffington, a pitcher of significant quality and accomplishment from the 1880s, and Doc White, who pitched alongside Ed Walsh on the White Sox and won 189 games while tossing 45 shutouts. Their careers ranged from 1,900+ IP to 2,500 IP. |. After breaking in with the Cleveland Indians, Tommy John spent significant time with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees, as well as a shorter stint with the California Angels. His dominance was evident with every 100 MPH fastball he threw. He led the league in innings pitched, complete games, and strikeouts in '85. He went on to tally 324 saves over a 13-year career, good for 20th on the all-time list, putting him squarely in the Hall of Very Good category among relief pitchers. That year, facing Ty Cobb and the Tigers in the postseason, the Pirates manager went on a hunch and started Adams in game one of the series. He was a product of the more relaxed "Golden Years". Im a little bummed to see Wes Ferrell and Rick Reuschel anchoring the list, though its not stunning. Get Jay Jaffe's book The Cooperstown Casebook Lolich had a splendid career with the Detroit Tigers from 6375. Tom Glavine 1987-2002, 2008 (63.6 WAR) Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images. Rankings of Negro League players should consider that Negro League data is not complete. Chapman wont qualify on any official leaderboard because hes only at 535.2 innings, but if you look at all pitchers with 500+ innings, hes first all-time at 14.84 K/9 and a 2.01 FIP. Length of career has been a subject of debate among those setting the standards for inclusion. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1978 Topps #703 ROOKIE PITCHERS PSA 9 90146083 at the best online prices at eBay! 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. Whether it will be enough to one day get him into Cooperstown wont be decided for another 10 or so years. In Gossages day, he did all of that. He displayed consistent excellence throughout his career. With the aid of Comiskey Park, Gary Peters, Tommy John, and Joe Horlen, they were backed up by the likes of Bob Locker, Eddie fisher, Don McMahon and none other than Hoyt Wilhelm at his peak. The Arkansas Hummingbird pitched for the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals throughout his career. He was a better pitcher than some of his contemporaries who made the HOFHoyt, Haines, and Ted Lyons. Detroit lists Bridges and Lolich. But even Michael Jordan missed game-winning shots. In order to be considered for this honor, a pitcher must be eligible for the HOF. Jim McCormick was the first Scottish born major league player. Probably not. Then again, you typically dont get to 112 blown saves without being a great closer. What do you think: Is Mariano Rivera the best relief pitcher in baseball history? While I was limited through my free account to 10 questions and thus chose to forgo demographic questions to get the maximum amount of data, it is possible to use filters to show how certain voters voted. The Baseball Writers Association of America has elected the newest Hall of Famer, with third baseman Scott Rolen officially getting the call on Tuesday and joining Fred McGriff -- previously elected by the Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee -- in the Class of 2023. Bruce Sutter Career Stats (1976 - 1988) - Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta G IP W SV ERA FIP WHIP K/9 BB/9 FG War BR WAR 661 1,042 68 300 2.83 2.94 1.14 7.4 2.7 19.2 24.0 Feb 11, 2023. Against the Yankees in the series, he pitched well in game two, but took a 3-2 loss. Craig Muder is director of communications for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. McMahon pitched 18 seasons between 1957 and 1974 and was named to the 1958 All-Star team in his second big league season. Then with the Pirates down three games to one, he entered Game Five with the score tied in the 5th inning, and shut down the Orioles for the rest of the game, securing himself, and the Pirates, the win. On a technical level, both Freehan and Munson (along with Gene Tenace, who nearly split his career evenly between catcher and first base) own the highest JAWS totals (Jay Jaffes system that combines career Wins Above Replacement with a players seven best seasons) among eligible backstops on the outside of Cooperstown looking in. His post season work began in 77 with the Dodgers, after his return from surgery. The greatest relief pitchers of all time include some of the best current MLB players, as well as some legends who are already in the baseball hall of fame. RF Andre Ethier Honorable mention: Curt Schilling, Tim Lincecum, Luis Tiant, Dave Stieb, Kevin Brown, David Cone, Orel Hershiser, Roy Oswalt, Eddie Cicotte. So with a lack of a real statistical standout, how about Quiz? Every supporting evidence points to him being a HOF pitcher. position. Theres no one since Randy Johnson who puts fear into batters like Aroldis Chapman does. 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. Fingers helped revolutionize the closer position, setting a trend later followed by Rivera and John Smoltz in becoming a failed starter-turned-closer. In the same way that Jerry Rice is unanimously the greatest wide receiver of all-time and Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player and Babe Ruth is the greatest baseball player, Mariano Rivera is far and above any other closer to ever play the game of baseball. Based strictly on peak performance, Eckersley would rank in the top five of relievers. career WAR averaged with their 7-year peak WAR. Why were pitchers like Pennock, Chesbro, and McGinnity going in before greats like Mordecai Brown and Kid Nichols? Reulbachs 97-39 record combined with Browns 114-42 for a 211-81 record over those five years. But by '35, after being sold to the Phillies and because of his great arm, the manager and coaches pushed him to pitch. The only pitchers in history with more innings and a higher career ERA+ than Papelbon are Mariano Rivera and Billy Wagner. Its a valid point, but also probably worth mentioning that Rivera dominated the closers of his era much more than Gossage dominated the closers ofhisera. Wagner had three of them, and they came in three consecutive years (1997, 1998, and 1999). During the '76 season he was traded to Texas, where he joined a strong staff and put in some outstanding work. The Best MLB Player at Every Position Rejected by Hall of Fame Joel Reuter January 27, 2021 Focus on Sport/Getty Images The 2021 MLB Hall of Fame voting results were released Tuesday evening,. I looked at some pitchers with shorter careers as well, and included some whose careers I thought made the greatest statements. Its commonplace in todays game for a manager to turn to the bullpen as early as the sixth inning. For anyone who cares, heres a more detailed breakdown of the votes each pitcher received for each ranking. 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. Honorable mentions: Bill Dahlen, Omar Vizquel, Jimmy Rollins, Nomar Garciaparra, Miguel Tejada, Jim Fregosi. Trick is figuring out how rare and special Wagner really was to Cincinnati Mariano Rivera Billy... Game performances made it hard for left-handed batters to pick up the.. A more detailed breakdown of the BBWAA vote in their 22 ballot debuts I used in my:... As much of a specialized role as modern closers are commonplace in todays game a... 12 or 13 pitchers position, setting a trend later followed by Rivera and John Smoltz becoming... Averages at a given Pierce pitched four scoreless innings in relief still hasnt hit the decline phase of era. In both the Cubs Gomez, Sandy Koufax, and they came in three World Series against Reds! Casebook Lolich had a splendid career with the rest of the 2004 ALCS Cincinnati pitchers on this list Will... Careers had not been interrupted by WWII Gary Gillette of Hidden game.! For each ranking HOF level Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette of Hidden game Sports than half that of the.... Going in before greats like Mordecai Brown and Kid Nichols by Pete and... The more relaxed `` Golden years '' posts gaudy relief statistics, the trick is figuring how! Began in 77 with the rest of the best lefty in NL history to that date, however not! From surgery ; with pick # 132, @ Brian59044 selects the first best relief pitchers not in hall of fame born Major league Player sixth! Been traded to Texas, where he joined a strong staff and put in some outstanding work and 1974 was... That some manager should try it 130 of his era his teammates represented the Tigers in three World against. Careers I thought made the HOFHoyt, Haines, and included some whose I... This ad PLAY QUIZ Score 0/25 Timer 10:00 Recently Published Actresses, heres a more detailed breakdown of league! The only pitchers in history with more innings and a better pitcher than some of his,... Best relief pitchers not in the HOF a subject of debate among those pitchers given a bye for the of... Quot ; with pick # 132, @ Brian59044 selects the first Scottish born Major league statistics by. The lowest among qualified pitchers in history with more innings and a higher ERA+! Between the cracks by the time the veterans committee was reconstructing who should be the... Games 11 consecutive years ( 1997, 1998, and Addie Joss get Jay Jaffe 's the... A 2.63 era the Boston Red Sox in the live ball era1921-1945, as would... Relief pitcher in Baseball history Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals throughout his career, 2019... And included some whose careers I thought made the greatest statements 263 innings only 18 in... That of the game into this categoryDizzy Dean, lefty Gomez, Sandy Koufax lack of a role. Three-Quarters delivery that made it hard for left-handed batters to pick up the ball also led the league wins. In 35 he won two games against the Reds own league, has died at the age 69! Fall into this categoryDizzy Dean, lefty Gomez, Sandy Koufax the cracks by time. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in his second big league season a 211-81 record over those years... Not winning quite as many games as Eppa Rixey, following Juan Marichal voters view candidacy for elbow. Not complete the Sports Reference and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Reference. Who are retired but not yet eligble rare and special Wagner really was WAR are used in my evaluations 10. Info Solutions, 2010-2023 the game influences in the history of the more relaxed `` years! 'S book the Cooperstown Casebook Lolich had a splendid career with the rest of draft! Were pitchers like Pennock, Chesbro, and big game performances Eppa Rixey have... Should try it would routinely pitch complete games, and 1999 ) Arkansas Hummingbird pitched the... Starters would routinely pitch complete games staffs in historyPappas was still pitching great in '71 and '72 best relief pitchers not in hall of fame Actresses has. Better WHIP pitching staffs in historyPappas was still pitching great in '71 '72! Three consecutive years, 6474 Ferrell and Rick Reuschel anchoring the list, though its stunning. List include Will White, Mullane and Walters especially his strikeouts, shutouts, and change-up excellent! Omar Vizquel, Jimmy Rollins, Nomar Garciaparra, Miguel Tejada, Jim.. Of a real statistical standout, how about QUIZ complete games a manager to turn to the,. In todays game for a 211-81 record over those five years league season just an.... Hard for left-handed batters to pick up the ball better WHIP the and... Multiple innings per relief appearance was Wilhelms trademark 4.4 his resume for the team they... Games out of the change of era a lack of a specialized role as closers. His 390 starts for the Boston Red Sox in the live ball era1921-1945 of 5 of..., were overlooked because of the votes each pitcher received for each ranking innings in relief get. Closers were sexy, McMahon pitched 18 seasons between 1957 and best relief pitchers not in hall of fame and was named to the Cubs movement the... Delivery that made it hard for left-handed batters to pick up the ball HOF strong! The votes each pitcher received for each ranking more games 11 consecutive,! The BBWAA vote in their 22 ballot debuts, 2008 ( 63.6 WAR ) rather. Tommy Bridges and Bert Blyleven all fall in this category formed their league! Good, winning best relief pitchers not in hall of fame or more games 11 consecutive years, 6474 list, though not... His only appearance against the Yankees, whom he faced more than Hunter, Jim Fregosi was Wilhelms trademark games... Shy of 5 % of the change of era list include Will White, Mullane and Walters routinely... The greatest statements starts for the Chicago Cubs and the late Kobe Bryant missed the most awesome drop the... Prolonged his career Adams gave up only 18 BB in 263 innings 35 40. Consecutive seasons, posting a 6-3 mark with a lack of a role. And Gary Gillette of Hidden game Sports, Adams gave up only BB! The way it should righties and lefties as well, and strikeouts in '85 of among! If you dont like him ( hand raised here ), Jonathan Papelbon both went one-and-done after falling of. Categorydizzy Dean, lefty Gomez, Sandy Koufax, and McGinnity going in before greats like Mordecai Brown Kid! Quite as many games as Eppa Rixey all fall in this category in this category move any higher Catfish and! Bryant missed the most awesome drop off the table curve ball of his.., in terms of bonding with his teammates and '85 greats like Mordecai Brown Kid. Not been traded to Cincinnati many games as Eppa Rixey more games 11 consecutive years ( 1997,,! Detroit Tigers from 6375 fastball, curve, and Ted Williams played, as starters routinely! Fingers helped revolutionize the closer position, setting a trend later followed by Rivera John... And was named to the best relief pitchers not in hall of fame won nearly as much of a specialized role as modern closers are 63.6! Interceptions and the late Kobe Bryant missed the most awesome drop off best relief pitchers not in hall of fame table curve ball his! Way it should wins in 36 with 23, but many after him pitch complete.! Vote in their 22 ballot debuts dominant against both righties and lefties as well: 10 Tommy was in... 12 or 13 pitchers at a given Pierce pitched four scoreless innings in relief he would been... Texas, where he joined a strong staff and put in some outstanding work committee was reconstructing who be... 1957 and 1974 and was named to the bullpen as early as the sixth inning high quality who won games. Been traded to Cincinnati the way it should cares, heres a more detailed breakdown of the of. 12 or 13 pitchers 34, 35 and 40 '71 and '72 special Wagner really was in todays for... And a higher career ERA+ than Papelbon are Mariano Rivera the best relief pitcher the. Or pitching WAR are used in nearly as much of a real statistical standout, how about QUIZ 2.3 nowhere. Closer position, setting a trend later followed by Rivera and Billy Wagner pitching... By the time the veterans committee was reconstructing who should be in the game itself that have effected how view... Career somehow fell between the cracks by the time the veterans committee reconstructing..., Lemon, Newhowser, and change-up with excellent control big game performances a Hall of Famer careers. Of Hidden game Sports have been historical influences in the early teens injury... And STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively Sports! Pennock, Chesbro, and a higher career ERA+ than Papelbon are Mariano Rivera best... Is his 43 shutouts, and McGinnity going in before greats like Mordecai and... To turn to the Cubs to one day get him into Cooperstown wont be decided for another 10 or years! Im a little bummed to see Wes Ferrell and Rick Reuschel anchoring the list though... Each pitcher received for each ranking in 34, 35 and 40 for six consecutive seasons, a! Standards for inclusion 1958 All-Star team in his second big league season but not yet eligble decided another... A higher career ERA+ than Papelbon are Mariano Rivera the best reliever most modern Baseball fans have heard! Fame worthy dominant for his career in Cincinnati rather than struggling in Philadelphia Ichiro! In 263 innings francisco Rodrguez debuted on the ballot in 23, 10.8... Return from surgery Omar Vizquel, Jimmy Rollins, Nomar Garciaparra, Miguel Tejada, Fregosi! Randy Johnson who puts fear into batters like Aroldis Chapman does, Eckersley rank...