Leaderboard Score - Least Strikeouts

This post is a continuation of a series listing the best players of all-time in every major statistical category.  If you'd like to read about the method used or see what other stats are available, you can can find it all here.

Here is a list of the players with the greatest ability to avoid strikeouts.  As a Tigers fan, I was interested to see where Placido Polanco ranked and was happy to see him at #11.

As you can see from the graph, I'm missing data for strikeouts from 1897 to 1909.  I hope this doesn't ruin anyone's day.

1. Nellie Fox (CHI White Sox). Leaderboard Score: 197
5' 10", 160 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 12-Time All-Star (Started 7). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1957, 1959 - 1960), MVP (1959).
Peak Years: 1950-1963
Rankings: 2 (17), 1 (11), 2 (14), 2 (18), 1 (12), 1 (15), 1 (14), 1 (13), 1 (11), 1 (13), 1 (13), 1 (12), 1 (12), 1 (17)

2. Tony Gwynn (SD Padres). Leaderboard Score: 175
"Mr. Padre,Captain Video". 5' 11", 185 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 15-Time All-Star (Started 10). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1986 - 1987, 1989 - 1991).
Peak Years: 1984-1998
Rankings: 1 (23), 5 (33), 2 (35), 3 (35), 4 (40), 1 (30), 1 (23), 1 (19), 1 (16), 2 (19), 1 (19), 1 (15), -, 2 (28), 1 (18)

3. Joe Sewell (CLE Indians, NY Yankees). Leaderboard Score: 138
5' 6", 155 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. HOF Player.
Peak Years: 1922-1933
Rankings: 11 (20), 4 (12), 5 (13), 1 (4), 1 (6), 1 (7), 1 (9), 1 (4), 1 (3), 1 (8), 1 (3), 1 (4)

4. Ozzie Smith (SD Padres, STL Cardinals). Leaderboard Score: 130
"The Wizard of Oz". 5' 11", 150 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 15-Time All-Star (Started 11). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1980 - 1992).
Peak Years: 1978-1994
Rankings: 8 (43), 7 (37), 12 (49), 22 (37), 4 (32), 7 (36), -, 3 (27), 1 (27), 4 (36), 6 (43), 2 (37), 2 (33), 2 (36), 3 (34), 1 (18), 3 (26)

5. Lloyd Waner (PIT Pirates, PHI Phillies). Leaderboard Score: 118
"Little Poison". 5' 9", 150 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star. HOF Player.
Peak Years: 1927-1942
Rankings: 22 (23), 4 (13), 14 (20), -, 6 (16), 1 (11), 1 (8), 2 (12), 2 (10), 1 (5), 2 (12), 2 (11), 2 (13), -, -, 1 (6)

6. Bill Buckner (LA Dodgers, CHI Cubs, BOS Red Sox). Leaderboard Score: 112
"Billy Buck". 6' 0", 185 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1973-1986
Rankings: 6 (34), 3 (24), -, 3 (26), -, -, 2 (28), 1 (18), 2 (16), 1 (26), 5 (30), 5 (39), 3 (36), 1 (25)

7. Jack Glasscock (CLE Blues, CIN Outlaw Reds, STL Maroons, IND Hoosiers, NY Giants, STL Browns, PIT Pirates). Leaderboard Score: 107
"Pebbly Jack". 5' 8", 160 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 1881-1894
Rankings: 7 (8), 5 (9), 20 (23), 3 (16), 2 (10), 1 (13), 2 (8), 6 (17), 3 (10), 2 (8), 2 (11), 5 (19), 3 (7), 2 (4)

8. Mark Grace (CHI Cubs, ARI Diamondbacks). Leaderboard Score: 107
"Amazing". 6' 2", 190 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 3-Time All-Star (Started 1). Gold Glove (1992 - 1993, 1995 - 1996).
Peak Years: 1988-2001
Rankings: 6 (43), 4 (42), 11 (54), 7 (53), 4 (36), 3 (32), 10 (41), 5 (46), 4 (41), 3 (45), 8 (56), 3 (44), 1 (28), 4 (36)

9. Felix Millan (ATL Braves, NY Mets). Leaderboard Score: 104
"the Cat". 5' 11", 172 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 3-Time All-Star (Started 1). Gold Glove (1969, 1972).
Peak Years: 1968-1976
Rankings: 2 (26), 6 (35), 3 (23), 1 (22), 3 (28), 2 (22), 1 (14), 1 (28), 2 (19)

10. Jason Kendall (PIT Pirates, OAK Athletics, CHI Cubs, MIL Brewers). Leaderboard Score: 104
6' 0", 190 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 3-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 1997-2009
Rankings: 6 (53), 5 (51), -, 28 (79), 8 (48), 1 (29), 3 (40), 7 (41), 2 (39), 3 (54), 3 (42), 3 (45), 5 (58)

11. Placido Polanco (STL Cardinals, PHI Phillies, DET Tigers). Leaderboard Score: 102
"Polly". 5' 10", 190 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star (Started 1). Gold Glove (2007, 2009).
Peak Years: 2001-2010
Rankings: 5 (43), 5 (41), 2 (38), 4 (39), 1 (25), -, 1 (30), 2 (43), 3 (46), 2 (47)

13. Luis Aparicio (CHI White Sox, BAL Orioles, BOS Red Sox). Leaderboard Score: 101
"Little Louie". 5' 9", 160 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 10-Time All-Star (Started 6). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1958 - 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970).
Peak Years: 1960-1973
Rankings: 7 (39), 4 (33), 5 (36), 4 (35), 7 (51), 11 (56), 4 (42), 2 (44), 2 (43), 1 (29), 2 (34), 3 (43), -, 1 (33)

14. Bobby Richardson (NY Yankees). Leaderboard Score: 100
5' 9", 170 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 7-Time All-Star (Started 1). Gold Glove (1961 - 1965).
Peak Years: 1959-1966
Rankings: 2 (20), 2 (19), 3 (23), 2 (24), 2 (22), 1 (36), 2 (39), 1 (28)

15. Gregg Jefferies (NY Mets, KC Royals, STL Cardinals, PHI Phillies, ANA Angels). Leaderboard Score: 99
5' 11", 175 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 1989-1998
Rankings: 6 (46), 3 (40), 3 (38), 2 (29), 3 (32), 3 (26), 2 (26), -, 1 (27), 1 (32)

16. Vic Power (PHI Athletics, KC Athletics, CLE Indians, MIN Twins). Leaderboard Score: 99
6' 0", 186 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 4-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (1958 - 1964).
Peak Years: 1954-1963
Rankings: 4 (19), 4 (27), 2 (16), 2 (21), 2 (14), 3 (22), 3 (20), 2 (16), 4 (35), 3 (24)

21. Juan Pierre (COL Rockies, FL Marlins, CHI Cubs, LA Dodgers, CHI White Sox). Leaderboard Score: 91
5' 11", 185 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left.
Peak Years: 2001-2010
Rankings: 1 (29), 7 (52), 1 (35), 2 (35), 3 (45), 2 (38), 1 (37), -, -, 3 (47)

25. Eric Young (COL Rockies, LA Dodgers, CHI Cubs, MIL Brewers, SF Giants). Leaderboard Score: 84
"E.Y.". 5' 9", 180 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1993-2003
Rankings: 7 (41), -, -, 2 (31), 7 (54), 2 (32), 1 (26), 3 (39), 7 (45), 4 (38), 5 (44)

32. Tommy Helms (CIN Reds, HOU Astros). Leaderboard Score: 75
5' 10", 165 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star (Started 1). Gold Glove (1970 - 1971).
Peak Years: 1966-1973
Rankings: 1 (31), 4 (41), 4 (27), 5 (33), 4 (33), 7 (33), 2 (27), 1 (21)

39. Cesar Tovar (MIN Twins, TEX Rangers). Leaderboard Score: 65
"Pepito". 5' 9", 155 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 1966-1974
Rankings: 7 (50), 4 (51), 1 (41), 4 (37), 8 (47), 2 (39), 4 (39), -, 1 (33)

73. Omar Vizquel (SEA Mariners, CLE Indians, SF Giants). Leaderboard Score: 46
"Little O". 5' 9", 175 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 3-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (1993 - 2001, 2005 - 2006).
Peak Years: 1992-2007
Rankings: 5 (38), 32 (71), -, 19 (59), 6 (42), 4 (58), 12 (64), 7 (50), 16 (72), 21 (72), 11 (64), -, 6 (62), 7 (58), 10 (51), 6 (48)

98. Orlando Cabrera (MON Expos, BOS Red Sox, LA Angels, CIN Reds). Leaderboard Score: 34
"O.C.,O-Dog". 5' 10", 195 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. Gold Glove (2001, 2007).
Peak Years: 2001-2010
Rankings: 12 (54), 8 (53), 19 (64), 3 (54), 4 (50), 8 (58), 11 (64), 16 (71), 16 (71), 4 (53)

138. Bob Bailor (TOR Blue Jays). Leaderboard Score: 24
5' 11", 170 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 1977-1978
Rankings: 2 (26), 1 (21)

143. Jose Vidro (MON Expos, WAS Nationals, SEA Mariners). Leaderboard Score: 23
5' 11", 175 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 3-Time All-Star (Started 2).
Peak Years: 1999-2007
Rankings: 5 (51), 14 (69), 10 (49), 18 (70), 6 (50), -, -, 8 (48), 8 (57)

185. Miguel Cairo (TB Devil Rays). Leaderboard Score: 18
6' 1", 225 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 1998-1999
Rankings: 4 (44), 4 (46)

Leaderboard Score - Triples

This post is a continuation of a series listing the best players of all-time in every major statistical category.  If you'd like to read about the method used or see what other stats are available, you can can find it all here.



Following is a list of the greatest triples hitters of all-time.

1. Sam Crawford (CIN Reds, DET Tigers). Leaderboard Score: 142
"Wahoo Sam". 6' 0", 190 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. HOF Player.
Peak Years: 1900-1916
Rankings: 6 (15), 3 (16), 1 (22), 1 (25), 6 (16), 11 (10), 3 (16), 2 (17), 2 (16), 2 (14), 1 (19), 6 (14), 3 (21), 1 (23), 1 (26), 1 (19), 7 (13)

2. Brett Butler (ATL Braves, CLE Indians, SF Giants, LA Dodgers, NY Mets). Leaderboard Score: 120
5' 10", 160 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1983-1995
Rankings: 1 (13), 4 (9), 2 (14), 1 (14), 4 (8), 3 (9), 18 (4), 2 (9), 17 (5), 3 (11), 2 (10), 1 (9), 1 (9)

3. Willie Wilson (KC Royals). Leaderboard Score: 107
6' 3", 190 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (1980).
Peak Years: 1979-1988
Rankings: 3 (13), 1 (15), 2 (7), 1 (15), 5 (8), 4 (9), 1 (21), 4 (7), 1 (15), 1 (11)

4. Lance Johnson (CHI White Sox, NY Mets). Leaderboard Score: 94
"One Dog". 5' 10", 160 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 1-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 1990-1996
Rankings: 3 (9), 1 (13), 1 (12), 1 (14), 1 (14), 2 (12), 1 (21)

5. Ty Cobb (DET Tigers). Leaderboard Score: 91
"The Georgia Peach". 6' 1", 175 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. HOF Player. Triple Crown (1909), MVP (1911).
Peak Years: 1906-1923
Rankings: 32 (5), 3 (14), 1 (20), 10 (10), 10 (13), 1 (24), 2 (23), 4 (16), 11 (11), 9 (13), 16 (10), 1 (24), 1 (14), 5 (13), 24 (8), 4 (16), 2 (16), 25 (7)

6. Stan Musial (STL Cardinals). Leaderboard Score: 91
"Stan the Man". 6' 0", 175 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 20-Time All-Star (Started 14). HOF Player. MVP (1943, 1946, 1948).
Peak Years: 1942-1955
Rankings: 3 (10), 1 (20), 4 (14), -, 1 (20), 2 (13), 1 (18), 1 (13), 10 (7), 1 (12), 13 (6), 5 (9), 4 (9), 18 (5)

7. Paul Waner (PIT Pirates). Leaderboard Score: 87
"Big Poison". 5' 8", 153 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 4-Time All-Star (Started 1). HOF Player. MVP (1927).
Peak Years: 1926-1936
Rankings: 1 (22), 1 (18), 2 (19), 2 (15), 2 (18), 12 (10), 7 (10), 2 (16), 2 (16), 4 (12), 13 (9)

8. Roger Connor (TRO Trojans, NY Gothams, STL Browns). Leaderboard Score: 86
6' 3", 220 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. HOF Player.
Peak Years: 1881-1895
Rankings: 14 (6), 1 (18), 3 (15), 40 (4), 2 (15), 1 (20), 2 (22), 2 (17), 2 (17), 8 (15), 6 (13), 24 (11), 42 (8), 4 (25), 36 (9)

9. Jimmy Rollins (PHI Phillies). Leaderboard Score: 80
"J-Roll". 5' 8", 170 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 3-Time All-Star (Started 1). MVP (2007), Gold Glove (2007 - 2009).
Peak Years: 2001-2009
Rankings: 1 (12), 1 (10), 8 (6), 1 (12), 3 (11), 7 (9), 1 (20), 4 (9), 15 (5)

10. Honus Wagner (PIT Pirates). Leaderboard Score: 80
"The Flying Dutchman". 5' 11", 200 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. HOF Player.
Peak Years: 1899-1916
Rankings: 12 (13), 1 (22), 18 (11), 3 (16), 1 (19), 2 (14), 7 (14), 11 (9), 3 (14), 1 (19), 13 (10), 21 (8), 6 (16), 2 (20), 55 (4), 12 (9), 2 (17), 19 (9)

12. Steve Finley (HOU Astros, SD Padres, ARI Diamondbacks). Leaderboard Score: 79
6' 2", 175 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 2-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (1995 - 1996, 1999 - 2000, 2004).
Peak Years: 1990-2004
Rankings: 22 (4), 3 (10), 1 (13), 1 (13), 9 (5), 2 (8), 3 (9), 11 (5), 12 (6), 3 (10), 22 (5), 17 (4), 24 (4), 1 (10), 57 (1)

14. Lou Brock (CHI Cubs, STL Cardinals). Leaderboard Score: 77
5' 11", 170 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 6-Time All-Star (Started 2). HOF Player.
Peak Years: 1963-1974
Rankings: 3 (11), 3 (11), 10 (8), 2 (12), 2 (12), 1 (14), 3 (10), 23 (5), 8 (7), 3 (8), 5 (8), 11 (7)

15. Carl Crawford (TB Devil Rays). Leaderboard Score: 76
"The Perfect Storm". 6' 2", 215 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 4-Time All-Star (Started 1). Gold Glove (2010).
Peak Years: 2003-2010
Rankings: 4 (9), 1 (19), 1 (15), 1 (16), 3 (9), -, 5 (8), 1 (13)

18. Kenny Lofton (CLE Indians, ATL Braves, CHI White Sox, SF Giants, PIT Pirates, CHI Cubs, LA Dodgers). Leaderboard Score: 71
6' 0", 180 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 6-Time All-Star (Started 4). Gold Glove (1993 - 1996).
Peak Years: 1992-2007
Rankings: 5 (8), 5 (8), 3 (9), 1 (13), 23 (4), 9 (6), 9 (6), 13 (6), 12 (5), 21 (4), 2 (9), 3 (8), -, -, 4 (12), 14 (6)

21. Vince Coleman (STL Cardinals, KC Royals, SEA Mariners). Leaderboard Score: 69
"Vincent Van Go". 6' 0", 170 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 1985-1995
Rankings: 4 (10), 4 (8), 5 (10), 2 (10), 3 (9), 2 (9), -, -, -, 2 (12), 8 (6)

23. Rod Carew (MIN Twins). Leaderboard Score: 67
6' 0", 170 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 18-Time All-Star (Started 15). HOF Player. MVP (1977).
Peak Years: 1967-1979
Rankings: 3 (7), -, 16 (4), -, 2 (10), 5 (6), 1 (11), 14 (5), 22 (4), 2 (12), 1 (16), 2 (10), -

25. Johnny Damon (KC Royals, BOS Red Sox, NY Yankees, DET Tigers). Leaderboard Score: 63
"Caveman". 6' 2", 205 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 2-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 1996-2010
Rankings: 15 (5), 3 (8), 2 (10), 2 (9), 3 (10), 21 (4), 1 (11), 13 (6), 8 (6), 7 (6), 14 (5), 38 (2), 10 (5), 23 (3), 7 (5)

26. Juan Pierre (COL Rockies, FL Marlins, CHI Cubs, LA Dodgers). Leaderboard Score: 62
5' 11", 185 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left.
Peak Years: 2001-2008
Rankings: 2 (11), 13 (5), 5 (7), 1 (12), 2 (13), 2 (13), 6 (8), -

28. Tony Fernandez (TOR Blue Jays, NY Mets, CIN Reds). Leaderboard Score: 60
6' 2", 165 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 5-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (1986 - 1989).
Peak Years: 1985-1995
Rankings: 4 (10), 2 (9), 4 (8), 23 (4), 4 (9), 1 (17), 17 (5), 21 (4), 3 (11), 5 (6), -

46. Cristian Guzman (MIN Twins, WAS Nationals). Leaderboard Score: 46
6' 0", 210 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 2000-2009
Rankings: 1 (20), 1 (14), 6 (6), 1 (14), 15 (4), -, -, -, 14 (5), 6 (7)

54. Jim Fregosi (LA Angels, CAL Angels). Leaderboard Score: 44
6' 1", 190 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 6-Time All-Star (Started 2). Gold Glove (1967).
Peak Years: 1963-1970
Rankings: 2 (12), 3 (9), 5 (7), 8 (7), 9 (6), 1 (13), 4 (6), 12 (5)

56. Ray Durham (CHI White Sox, OAK Athletics, SF Giants). Leaderboard Score: 44
5' 8", 170 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1995-2007
Rankings: 8 (6), 15 (5), 14 (5), 3 (8), 5 (8), 5 (9), 5 (10), 6 (6), -, 6 (8), 60 (0), 11 (7), 37 (2)

86. Luis Aparicio (CHI White Sox, BAL Orioles). Leaderboard Score: 36
"Little Louie". 5' 9", 160 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 10-Time All-Star (Started 6). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1958 - 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970).
Peak Years: 1956-1970
Rankings: 11 (6), 5 (6), 2 (9), 12 (5), 3 (7), 28 (4), 20 (5), 5 (8), 22 (3), 3 (10), 4 (8), 15 (5), 20 (4), 7 (5), 27 (3)

87. Mickey Rivers (CAL Angels, NY Yankees, TEX Rangers). Leaderboard Score: 35
"Mick the Quick". 5' 10", 165 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1974-1980
Rankings: 1 (11), 1 (13), 5 (8), 28 (5), 5 (8), 9 (8), 18 (6)

164. Fernando Vina (MIL Brewers, MIL Brewers, STL Cardinals). Leaderboard Score: 23
5' 9", 170 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (2001 - 2002).
Peak Years: 1996-2002
Rankings: 2 (10), -, 4 (7), -, 11 (6), 4 (8), 13 (5)

209. Maury Wills (Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos). Leaderboard Score: 19
5' 11", 170 lbs. Bats B. 5-Time All-Star (Started 2).
Peak Years: 1960-1970
Rankings: 32 (2), 5 (10), 1 (10), 36 (3), 19 (5), 12 (7), 40 (2), 7 (9), 8 (6), 7 (8), 36 (3)

Leaderboard Score - Worst Batting Averages

This post is a continuation of a series listing the best players of all-time in every major statistical category.  If you'd like to read about the method used or see what other stats are available, you can can find it all here.


Following is a list of the worst players in terms of batting averages all-time.  You can also find a more traditional list of the best batters here. To qualify for this list, a player must have enough playing time to qualify for the batting title.  I had never heard of Bill Bergen before, but having the worst batting average in his league six different times is really quite impressive.

1. Bill Bergen (CIN Reds, BRK Superbas). Leaderboard Score: 70
6' 0", 184 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 1901-1909
Rankings: 1 (.179), 1 (.180), -, 1 (.182), -, 1 (.159), -, 1 (.175), 1 (.139)

2. Leo Durocher (NY Yankees, CIN Reds, STL Cardinals, BRK Dodgers). Leaderboard Score: 64
"Leo The Lip". 5' 10", 160 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 3-Time All-Star (Started 2). HOF Manager.
Peak Years: 1928-1939
Rankings: 13 (.270), 3 (.246), 2 (.243), 2 (.227), 2 (.217), 13 (.253), 12 (.260), 14 (.265), 31 (.286), 2 (.203), 2 (.219), 20 (.277)

3. Rob Deer (MIL Brewers, DET Tigers, BOS Red Sox). Leaderboard Score: 63
6' 3", 210 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 1986-1993
Rankings: 7 (.232), 4 (.238), 22 (.252), 1 (.210), 1 (.209), 1 (.179), -, 1 (.210)

4. Rabbit Warstler (BOS Red Sox, PHI Athletics, BOS Bees). Leaderboard Score: 58
5' 7", 150 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 1932-1939
Rankings: 1 (.211), -, 2 (.236), 2 (.250), 1 (.228), 4 (.223), 5 (.231), 7 (.243)

5. Ed Brinkman (WAS Senators, DET Tigers). Leaderboard Score: 55
6' 0", 170 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (1972).
Peak Years: 1963-1974
Rankings: 3 (.228), -, -, 1 (.229), -, -, 27 (.266), 24 (.262), 3 (.228), 1 (.203), 7 (.237), 2 (.221)

6. Monte Cross (PIT Pirates, STL Browns, PHI Phillies, PHI Athletics). Leaderboard Score: 53
5' 8", 148 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 1895-1906
Rankings: 9 (.257), 6 (.244), 30 (.286), 27 (.257), 11 (.257), 1 (.202), 3 (.197), 3 (.231), 20 (.247), 2 (.189), -, 2 (.200)

7. Tim Wallach (MON Expos, LA Dodgers). Leaderboard Score: 51
6' 3", 220 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 5-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (1985, 1988, 1990).
Peak Years: 1983-1994
Rankings: 28 (.269), 6 (.246), 22 (.260), 4 (.233), 45 (.298), 17 (.257), 38 (.277), 45 (.296), 1 (.225), 1 (.223), 1 (.222), 39 (.280)

8. Dave Kingman (SF Giants, NY Mets, OAK Athletics). Leaderboard Score: 51
"Kong,Sky King". 6' 6", 210 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 3-Time All-Star (Started 2).
Peak Years: 1972-1986
Rankings: 4 (.225), -, -, 3 (.231), 9 (.238), -, -, 45 (.288), -, 4 (.221), 1 (.204), -, 22 (.268), 8 (.238), 1 (.210)

9. Tom Tresh (NY Yankees, DET Tigers). Leaderboard Score: 49
6' 1", 180 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (1965).
Peak Years: 1965-1969
Rankings: 36 (.279), 3 (.233), 2 (.219), 1 (.195), 1 (.211)

10. George McBride (PIT Pirates, STL Cardinals, WAS Senators). Leaderboard Score: 49
5' 11", 170 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 1905-1916
Rankings: 2 (.217), -, -, 16 (.232), 15 (.234), 12 (.230), 5 (.235), 3 (.226), 3 (.214), 2 (.203), 4 (.204), 11 (.227)

13. Ed Sprague (TOR Blue Jays, OAK Athletics, PIT Pirates). Leaderboard Score: 47
6' 2", 215 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1993-1999
Rankings: 19 (.260), 6 (.240), 7 (.244), 5 (.247), 2 (.228), 1 (.222), 12 (.267)

15. Roger Metzger (HOU Astros). Leaderboard Score: 46
6' 0", 165 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. Gold Glove (1973).
Peak Years: 1971-1976
Rankings: 4 (.235), 2 (.222), 8 (.250), 11 (.253), 1 (.227), 2 (.210)

16. Mike Cameron (CIN Reds, SEA Mariners, NY Mets, SD Padres, MIL Brewers). Leaderboard Score: 44
"Cammy". 6' 2", 205 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (2001, 2003, 2006).
Peak Years: 1999-2009
Rankings: 6 (.256), 25 (.267), 25 (.267), 4 (.239), 14 (.253), 1 (.231), -, 21 (.268), 6 (.242), 6 (.243), 6 (.250)

18. Mark Belanger (BAL Orioles). Leaderboard Score: 43
6' 1", 170 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (1969, 1971, 1973 - 1978).
Peak Years: 1968-1976
Rankings: 4 (.208), 45 (.287), 1 (.218), 27 (.266), -, 4 (.226), 4 (.225), 4 (.226), 38 (.270)

22. Gorman Thomas (MIL Brewers, CLE Indians, SEA Mariners). Leaderboard Score: 42
6' 2", 210 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1978-1985
Rankings: 8 (.246), 6 (.244), 3 (.239), 25 (.259), 10 (.245), 1 (.209), -, 1 (.215)

23. Freddie Patek (PIT Pirates, KC Royals). Leaderboard Score: 41
"The Flea". 5' 5", 148 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 3-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 1969-1977
Rankings: 7 (.239), -, 29 (.267), 3 (.212), 5 (.234), 5 (.225), 5 (.228), 7 (.241), 22 (.262)

25. Mickey Tettleton (BAL Orioles, DET Tigers, TEX Rangers). Leaderboard Score: 38
"Fruit Loops". 6' 2", 200 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1990-1996
Rankings: 3 (.223), 28 (.263), 5 (.238), 6 (.245), 11 (.248), 5 (.238), 4 (.246)

28. Carlos Pena (DET Tigers, TB Rays). Leaderboard Score: 37
6' 2", 225 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 1-Time All-Star. Gold Glove (2008).
Peak Years: 2003-2010
Rankings: 9 (.248), 4 (.241), -, -, 39 (.282), 10 (.247), 1 (.227), 1 (.196)

31. Dale Murphy (ATL Braves, PHI Phillies). Leaderboard Score: 36
"The Murph". 6' 4", 210 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 7-Time All-Star (Started 5). MVP (1982 - 1983), Gold Glove (1982 - 1986).
Peak Years: 1978-1991
Rankings: 2 (.226), -, 32 (.281), 12 (.247), 39 (.281), 59 (.302), 35 (.290), 54 (.300), 19 (.265), 43 (.295), 1 (.226), 4 (.228), 9 (.245), 6 (.252)

35. Ron Cey (LA Dodgers, CHI Cubs). Leaderboard Score: 33
"Penguin". 5' 10", 185 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 6-Time All-Star (Started 3).
Peak Years: 1973-1985
Rankings: 5 (.245), 17 (.262), 37 (.283), 32 (.277), 5 (.241), 28 (.270), 36 (.281), 8 (.254), 45 (.288), 11 (.254), 32 (.275), 1 (.240), 4 (.232)

39. Royce Clayton (SF Giants, STL Cardinals, TEX Rangers, MIL Brewers). Leaderboard Score: 33
6' 0", 175 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1993-2004
Rankings: 39 (.282), 4 (.236), 3 (.244), 29 (.277), 19 (.266), 9 (.251), 42 (.288), 6 (.242), -, -, 4 (.228), 39 (.279)

41. Adam Dunn (CIN Reds, ARI Diamondbacks). Leaderboard Score: 33
"Big Donkey". 6' 6", 285 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 2002-2009
Rankings: 11 (.249), -, 21 (.266), 2 (.247), 2 (.234), 19 (.264), 3 (.236), 29 (.267)

56. Luis Aparicio (CHI White Sox, BAL Orioles, BOS Red Sox). Leaderboard Score: 28
"Little Louie". 5' 9", 160 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 10-Time All-Star (Started 6). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1958 - 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970).
Peak Years: 1961-1972
Rankings: 23 (.272), 3 (.241), 10 (.250), 26 (.266), 3 (.225), 32 (.276), 4 (.233), 28 (.264), 39 (.280), 56 (.313), 4 (.232), -

95. Tom Brunansky (MIN Twins, STL Cardinals, BOS Red Sox). Leaderboard Score: 23
6' 4", 205 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1982-1992
Rankings: 37 (.272), 3 (.227), 12 (.254), 10 (.242), 25 (.256), 23 (.259), 3 (.240), 13 (.239), 20 (.255), 5 (.229), 33 (.266)

98. Juan Uribe (COL Rockies, CHI White Sox, SF Giants). Leaderboard Score: 23
6' 0", 230 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right.
Peak Years: 2002-2010
Rankings: 4 (.240), -, 42 (.283), 10 (.252), -, 2 (.234), -, -, 7 (.248)

138. Bobby Knoop (LA Angels, CAL Angels). Leaderboard Score: 19
6' 1", 170 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star (Started 1). Gold Glove (1966 - 1968).
Peak Years: 1964-1967
Rankings: 1 (.216), 27 (.269), 2 (.232), 15 (.245)

194. Terry Pendleton (STL Cardinals, FL Marlins, ATL Braves). Leaderboard Score: 15
5' 9", 178 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star (Started 1). Gold Glove (1987, 1989, 1992), MVP (1991).
Peak Years: 1985-1996
Rankings: 9 (.240), 5 (.239), 34 (.286), -, 30 (.264), -, 53 (.319), 43 (.311), 30 (.272), -, 42 (.290), 3 (.238)

251. Vinny Castilla (ATL Braves, WAS Nationals). Leaderboard Score: 13
6' 1", 175 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 2001-2005
Rankings: 17 (.260), 2 (.232), 35 (.277), 30 (.271), 8 (.253)

Ichiro Suzuki and the Leaderboard Score

As the season passes the halfway point and the calendar creeps ever closer to fall, many baseball fans begin to turn their attention to another favorite pastime: leaderboard watching.  AL fans getting a jump on the race for this year’s batting leader will notice a glaring omission from the list in Ichiro Suzuki.  Since coming over from Japan in 2001 Ichiro has won two batting titles, batted under .310 only once and has finished over .350 a mind-blowing four times.  Year after year, the names atop the batting leaderboard change, mostly containing players in the midst of career years; Ichiro’s name is seemingly the only constant, finishing out of the top 10 only once in his career (12th).  Currently batting just .260, Ichiro is having a career-worst season but the fact that he possesses an elite ability to hit for average is undeniable.  This begs the question: how does Ichiro compare to other historic players in this ability to hit for average?

There are many statistics intended to reduce a player's total value to a single number.  Wins Above Replacement (WAR) does a great job of measuring a player’s total value and there are many choices for measuring a player’s batting or pitching production.  These stats do a great job of allowing the comparison between players of different eras and different playing styles but this general comparison tends to let the specifics of a player’s game get lost in history.  Discovering that Kenny Lofton and Mark McGwire had similar career values (65.3 WAR and 63.1 WAR, respectively) is extremely insightful but misses all of the ways they’re different.

One way to examine the shape of a player’s game is to look at their raw statistics in a single statistical category, but this method is obviously flawed in that it completely ignores the differences between eras.  Even comparing career stats of players in the same era is flawed because counting stats (hits, home runs, etc.) will be skewed toward players with longer careers and rate stats (batting average, etc.) will be skewed toward players with shorter careers whose average missed the opportunity to decline alongside their waning skill.  After his age-30 season (2000), Ken Griffey Jr. had collected 438 home runs and hit at a .296/.380/568 clip.  In 10 additional seasons of an all-too-familiar arc, he increased his home run total to 630 but lowered his rate stats to .284/.370/.538.  His final ten years of average-to-bad performance somewhat overshadow his early-career brilliance.

This article introduces a method which seeks to fill this statistical void by comparing players from different eras not against each other but against their peers.  Rather than looking at a player’s entire career and allowing non-peak seasons to bias player comparisons, only a player’s elite seasons will be taken into account.  Every player who has picked up a glove or swung a bat since 1871 will be given a Leaderboard Score in every major statistical category and compared against each other to determine the greatest players of all-time at every measureable skill.

The basics of this method are:

-        A leaderboard of every major stat is created for every season of every league since 1871.

-        The top players on this leaderboard are given a score according to the order they finished. #1 gets 10 points, #2 gets a little less, #3 less still, etc.  Only the very best players in each league receive a score.

-        A small bonus is added to reward consecutive seasons of greatness.

-        The scores from each season a player plays in are added together in each statistical category to come up with a Leaderboard Score for that player in each category.

-        Players are ranked by their Leaderboard Score to find the #10 all-time players in each category.

For those not interested in the nitty-gritty how of this method, feel free to skip the following section to see the results.

The Method

The basic idea of this method is to look at the leaderboard for each statistical category to determine which players are “elite” in that season of play.  The biggest benefit of this method is that since players are only compared against those in the same season, it fairly compares all players against all eras.  The biggest weakness is that without any ballpark effects factored in, a pitcher in a pitchers’ park has an unfair advantage over one in a hitters’ park.  Additionally, by awarding the same score to a player that barely ranks #1 in a given season versus one who is a clear-cut #1 (think Babe Ruth in home runs) seems unfair.  Even so - while imperfect - this method should serve as a good starting point in accomplishing the goal of picking those players who dominated a given statistical category for a long time.

After a good amount of thought and tinkering, the following specifics were settled on:

-        A leaderboard of the best players in every major statistic in each league between 1871 and 2010 is generated.  Since the number of teams has grown over the years and it’s easier to be a top player in an 8-team league than a 16-team league, looking at the top 10 of each league is insufficient.  To solve this problem, the number of players on the leaderboard is tied to the number of teams in each league.  The number of “elite” players in each league is defined as being the top [# Teams in League]*.75 players.  In the current alignment of 14 AL and 16 NL teams, the AL leaderboard has 11 players and the NL leaderboard has 12.  In the 1921 alignment of 8 AL & 8 NL, the leaderboards contain the top 6 in each league.

-        The top player in each league is always awarded 10 points - regardless of league size - while the rest of the rankings are scaled to award points on a 0-10 range.  In an 8-team league, the scoring goes: 2nd Place: 8.3; 3rd Place: 6.7; 4th Place: 5; 5th Place: 3.3; 6th Place: 1.7.  In a 16-team league, the scoring goes: 2nd Place: 9.17; 3rd Place: 8.3; ...; 12th place: 0.83.  This method attempts to keep the scale of scores the same across eras while taking into account that it's easier to appear on the leaderboard of a smaller league.

-        To filter out small sample sizes and ensure proper treatment of rate stats, eligibility requirements are implemented in order for a season to qualify for the leaderboard:

o   Batting Stats: Same as traditional requirements to qualify for batting title:

• 1957-Current: 3.1 plate appearances per team game
• 1945-1956: 2.6 at bats per team game.
• 1938-1955, NL: At least 100 games
• 1938-1955, AL: At least 400 at bats
• 1920-1937: At least 100 games
• 1871-1919: Played in at least 60% of team games
• Pitching Stats: 1 inning pitched per team game.
• Baserunning Stats:
• SB, SB %, CS: At least 1 steal attempt per 10 team games.
• Fielding:
• In field for 4.5 innings per team game. (In other words: at least half of the possible defensive innings).

Once a score is calculated for every eligible statistical category in every season a player has played, a small bonus is awarded for back-to-back seasons of greatness.  This bonus is calculated as half of the smaller of back-to-back seasons.  So if a player in the modern-day NL were to place #8 (4.17 pts) in 2008, #3 (8.33 pts) in 2009 and #1 (10 pts) in 2010 in a certain category, their bonus would be: [4.17/2] = 2.09 for 2008/2009 and [8.33/2] = 4.17 for 2009/2010.

The base score and bonus are added together and rounded to an integer to come up with a player's Leaderboard Score for every statistical category.  All players’ Leaderboard Scores are then compared to come up with the most dominant players of all-time in every major statistical category.  A score is also computed to come up with the worst in every category, so not only can we see who was the most dominant base stealer in terms of SB% (Joe Morgan, ranking 1st four times, 2nd two times, 3rd three times) but also who was the worst (Minnie Minoso, ranking 2nd-worst four times and 3rd-worst three times).  The best part of this "least dominant" list is that Minoso had to attempt at least 15 steals per year to even quality to be on the list; it takes a prolonged career of repeated failure to really make a mark on the least dominant list.

In addition to determining which players are the most dominant in each category, by comparing the Leaderboard Score of the leaders across statistical categories we can get an idea of how repeatable eliteness is for each particular skill.  As an example, one of the most dominant scores across all statistics is Rickey Henderson in stolen bases, scoring 239 points by ranking 1st an impressive 12 times.  One of the least dominant leaders among pitchers is in home runs allowed where Greg Maddux scores 106 points by ranking 1st three times and 2nd one time.  While the raw numbers 106 and 239 don't mean anything by themselves, by comparing the leaders between categories we can see that Rickey Henderson dominated the category of stolen bases far and away more than Greg Maddux dominated the category of home runs allowed.  Even though Maddux was the most dominant player of all-time at preventing home runs, he was not nearly as dominant as Henderson was at stealing bases.  This tells us something about Henderson’s feat as well as giving insight into how difficult it is to repeatedly allow a small number of home runs.  The worst pitcher at giving up home runs was Ferguson Jenkins who ranked dead last an (un)impressive seven times and score 137 points.  It is, apparently, easier to repeatedly serve up home runs than to prevent them.

Note: After writing this entry, I learned of a somewhat similar study that uses a much more advanced method which can be found here.  I have a few thoughts on the differences between methods that I’ll comment on in my next post.

The Results: Batting Average

Eventually this idea will be developed a bit more and some of the more interesting occurrences on the leaderboard will be found and listed.  For the time being, the 10 all-time most dominant players in the category of batting average are listed below.  In addition to the top 10, the list is expanded so that at least one player of the last 50 years from every current team is listed so that no one is disappointed when scanning the list looking for their favorite team.  Otherwise we’d never know that Ichiro – while the greatest Mariner of all time - doesn’t even come close to cracking the top 10 at #25.  Nor would we discover that the best (Devil) Rays batter is Jason Bartlett, coming in at a not-so-dominant #600 by ranking 7th exactly once.  The top player shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone: Ty Cobb’s 11 batting championships give him the win in a landslide.  Cobb out-scored 2nd-place Stan Musial by 35 points: the equivalent of more than three batting championships.

I hope you enjoy the list.  If you have any other specific categories that interest you, let me know.  Otherwise I’ll post them as I find time.

1. Ty Cobb (DET Tigers, PHI Athletics). Leaderboard Score: 215
"The Georgia Peach". 6' 1", 175 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. HOF Player. Triple Crown (1909), MVP (1911).
Peak Years: 1906-1927
Rankings: 6 (.316), 1 (.350), 1 (.324), 1 (.377), 2 (.383), 1 (.420), 1 (.409), 1 (.390), 1 (.368), 1 (.369), 2 (.371), 1 (.383), 1 (.382), 1 (.384), 10 (.334), 2 (.389), 2 (.401), 8 (.340), 11 (.338), 4 (.378), -, 5 (.357)

2. Stan Musial (STL Cardinals). Leaderboard Score: 180
"Stan the Man". 6' 0", 175 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 20-Time All-Star (Started 14). HOF Player. MVP (1943, 1946, 1948).
Peak Years: 1942-1962
Rankings: 3 (.315), 1 (.357), 2 (.347), -, 1 (.365), 5 (.312), 1 (.376), 2 (.338), 1 (.346), 1 (.355), 1 (.336), 3 (.337), 4 (.330), 3 (.319), 4 (.310), 1 (.351), 3 (.337), -, -, -, 3 (.330)

3. Tony Gwynn (SD Padres). Leaderboard Score: 154
"Mr. Padre,Captain Video". 5' 11", 185 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 15-Time All-Star (Started 10). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1986 - 1987, 1989 - 1991).
Peak Years: 1984-1998
Rankings: 1 (.351), 4 (.317), 3 (.329), 1 (.370), 1 (.313), 1 (.336), 7 (.309), 3 (.317), 5 (.317), 2 (.358), 1 (.394), 1 (.368), -, 1 (.372), 9 (.321)

4. Rogers Hornsby (STL Cardinals, NY Giants, BOS Braves, CHI Cubs). Leaderboard Score: 146
"Rajah". 5' 11", 175 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. HOF Player. Triple Crown (1922, 1925), MVP (1925, 1929).
Peak Years: 1916-1930
Rankings: 4 (.313), 2 (.327), 16 (.281), 2 (.318), 1 (.370), 1 (.397), 1 (.401), 1 (.384), 1 (.424), 1 (.403), 17 (.317), 2 (.361), 1 (.387), 3 (.380), -

5. Rod Carew (MIN Twins, CAL Angels). Leaderboard Score: 145
6' 0", 170 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 18-Time All-Star (Started 15). HOF Player. MVP (1977).
Peak Years: 1967-1984
Rankings: 6 (.292), -, 1 (.332), -, 5 (.307), 1 (.318), 1 (.350), 1 (.364), 1 (.359), 3 (.331), 1 (.388), 1 (.333), -, 5 (.331), 11 (.305), 3 (.319), 2 (.339), -

6. Honus Wagner (PIT Pirates). Leaderboard Score: 143
"The Flying Dutchman". 5' 11", 200 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. HOF Player.
Peak Years: 1899-1913
Rankings: 12 (.336), 1 (.381), 4 (.353), 4 (.330), 1 (.355), 1 (.349), 2 (.363), 1 (.339), 1 (.350), 1 (.354), 1 (.339), 5 (.320), 1 (.334), 6 (.324), 10 (.300)

7. Wade Boggs (BOS Red Sox, NY Yankees). Leaderboard Score: 127
6' 2", 190 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 12-Time All-Star (Started 11). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1994 - 1995).
Peak Years: 1983-1996
Rankings: 1 (.361), 3 (.325), 1 (.368), 1 (.357), 1 (.363), 1 (.366), 3 (.330), 6 (.302), 2 (.332), 49 (.259), 16 (.302), 5 (.342), 5 (.324), 17 (.311)

8. Ted Williams (BOS Red Sox). Leaderboard Score: 118
"The Kid,Teddy Ballgame,Splendid Splinter,Thumper". 6' 3", 205 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 17-Time All-Star (Started 12). HOF Player. Triple Crown (1942, 1947), MVP (1946, 1949).
Peak Years: 1939-1958
Rankings: 6 (.327), 3 (.344), 1 (.406), 1 (.356), -, -, -, 2 (.342), 1 (.343), 1 (.369), 2 (.343), -, 4 (.318), -, -, -, -, -, 1 (.388), 1 (.328)

9. Tris Speaker (BOS Red Sox, CLE Indians). Leaderboard Score: 113
"The Grey Eagle". 5' 11", 193 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. HOF Player. MVP (1912).
Peak Years: 1909-1926
Rankings: 6 (.309), 3 (.340), 9 (.334), 3 (.383), 3 (.363), 3 (.338), 4 (.322), 1 (.386), 3 (.352), 4 (.318), 22 (.296), 2 (.388), 5 (.362), 3 (.378), 3 (.380), 8 (.344), 2 (.389), 21 (.304)

10. Cap Anson (PHI Athletics, CHI White Stockings). Leaderboard Score: 109
"Pop". 6' 0", 227 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. HOF Player.
Peak Years: 1871-1895
Rankings: 18 (.325), 3 (.415), 2 (.398), 9 (.336), 7 (.325), 3 (.356), 5 (.337), 5 (.341), 8 (.317), 2 (.337), 1 (.399), 2 (.362), 11 (.308), 5 (.335), 7 (.310), 2 (.371), 2 (.347), 1 (.344), 10 (.311), 7 (.312), 9 (.291), 33 (.272), 21 (.314), 7 (.388), 25 (.335)

14. Roberto Clemente (PIT Pirates). Leaderboard Score: 100
"Arriba". 5' 11", 175 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 12-Time All-Star (Started 5). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1961 - 1972), MVP (1966).
Peak Years: 1955-1971
Rankings: 36 (.255), 3 (.311), -, 14 (.289), -, 4 (.314), 1 (.351), 8 (.312), 2 (.320), 1 (.339), 1 (.329), 5 (.317), 1 (.357), 10 (.291), 2 (.345), -, 4 (.341)

18. Hank Aaron (MIL Braves, ATL Braves). Leaderboard Score: 92
"Hammer,Hammerin' Hank,Bad Henry". 6' 0", 180 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 21-Time All-Star (Started 15). HOF Player. MVP (1957), Gold Glove (1958 - 1960).
Peak Years: 1954-1972
Rankings: 28 (.280), 5 (.314), 1 (.328), 4 (.322), 4 (.326), 1 (.355), 13 (.292), 5 (.327), 5 (.323), 3 (.319), 3 (.328), 2 (.318), 25 (.279), 8 (.307), 16 (.287), 12 (.300), 18 (.298), 5 (.327), 31 (.265)

19. Todd Helton (COL Rockies). Leaderboard Score: 90
"The Toddfather". 6' 2", 215 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 5-Time All-Star (Started 3). Gold Glove (2001 - 2002, 2004).
Peak Years: 1998-2009
Rankings: 12 (.315), 9 (.320), 1 (.372), 2 (.336), 4 (.329), 2 (.358), 2 (.347), 4 (.320), 13 (.302), 9 (.320), -, 4 (.325)

20. Pete Rose (CIN Reds, PHI Phillies). Leaderboard Score: 89
"Charlie Hustle". 5' 11", 192 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 17-Time All-Star (Started 8). Gold Glove (1969 - 1970), MVP (1973).
Peak Years: 1964-1982
Rankings: 29 (.269), 5 (.312), 8 (.313), 11 (.301), 1 (.335), 1 (.348), 8 (.316), 13 (.304), 8 (.307), 1 (.338), 26 (.284), 8 (.317), 4 (.323), 6 (.311), 8 (.302), 2 (.331), 22 (.282), 1 (.325), 40 (.271)

25. Ichiro Suzuki (SEA Mariners). Leaderboard Score: 78
5' 11", 170 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 10-Time All-Star (Started 9). MVP (2001), Gold Glove (2001 - 2010).
Peak Years: 2001-2010
Rankings: 1 (.350), 4 (.321), 7 (.312), 1 (.372), 12 (.303), 6 (.322), 2 (.351), 7 (.310), 2 (.352), 7 (.315)

26. Paul Molitor (MIL Brewers, TOR Blue Jays, MIN Twins). Leaderboard Score: 78
"The Ignitor". 6' 0", 185 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 7-Time All-Star (Started 2). HOF Player.
Peak Years: 1978-1997
Rankings: 44 (.273), 6 (.322), 12 (.304), -, 10 (.302), 40 (.270), -, 9 (.297), -, 2 (.353), 5 (.312), 6 (.315), -, 5 (.325), 4 (.320), 2 (.332), 6 (.341), 50 (.270), 3 (.341), 14 (.305)

29. George Brett (KC Royals). Leaderboard Score: 73
"Mullet". 6' 0", 185 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 13-Time All-Star (Started 9). HOF Player. MVP (1980), Gold Glove (1985).
Peak Years: 1975-1991
Rankings: 6 (.308), 1 (.333), 9 (.312), 12 (.294), 2 (.329), 1 (.390), 6 (.314), 14 (.301), 8 (.310), -, 2 (.335), 18 (.290), 24 (.290), 12 (.306), 24 (.282), 1 (.329), 54 (.255)

32. Al Kaline (DET Tigers). Leaderboard Score: 68
6' 1", 175 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 15-Time All-Star (Started 7). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1957 - 1959, 1961 - 1967).
Peak Years: 1954-1972
Rankings: 21 (.276), 1 (.340), 7 (.314), 9 (.295), 4 (.313), 2 (.327), 17 (.278), 2 (.324), -, 2 (.312), 7 (.293), -, 3 (.288), 3 (.308), -, 30 (.272), 21 (.278), 8 (.294), -

33. Willie Mays (NY Giants, SF Giants). Leaderboard Score: 68
"Say Hey Kid". 5' 10", 170 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 20-Time All-Star (Started 14). HOF Player. MVP (1954, 1965), Gold Glove (1957 - 1968).
Peak Years: 1953-1966
Rankings: -, 1 (.345), 2 (.319), 12 (.296), 2 (.333), 2 (.347), 5 (.313), 3 (.319), 8 (.308), 11 (.304), 6 (.314), 16 (.296), 3 (.317), 16 (.288)

39. Bill Madlock (CHI Cubs, SF Giants, PIT Pirates). Leaderboard Score: 63
"Mad Dog". 5' 11", 180 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 3-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1974-1984
Rankings: 5 (.313), 1 (.354), 1 (.339), 13 (.302), 4 (.309), 14 (.298), 29 (.277), -, 2 (.319), 1 (.323), -

49. Manny Ramirez (CLE Indians, BOS Red Sox, LA Dodgers). Leaderboard Score: 58
"Man-Ram,Manny Being Manny,Mannywood". 6' 0", 200 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 12-Time All-Star (Started 6).
Peak Years: 1996-2008
Rankings: 22 (.309), 5 (.328), 28 (.294), 5 (.333), 3 (.351), 14 (.306), 1 (.349), 2 (.325), 13 (.308), 23 (.292), 8 (.321), 23 (.296), 3 (.332)

50. Frank Robinson (CIN Redlegs, BAL Orioles). Leaderboard Score: 58
"The Judge". 6' 1", 183 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 12-Time All-Star (Started 6). HOF Player. Gold Glove (1958), MVP (1961, 1966), Triple Crown (1966).
Peak Years: 1956-1971
Rankings: 16 (.290), 3 (.322), 22 (.269), 6 (.311), 8 (.297), 6 (.323), 2 (.342), 29 (.259), 10 (.306), 14 (.296), 1 (.316), 2 (.311), 13 (.268), 4 (.308), 5 (.306), 16 (.281)

51. Vladimir Guerrero (MON Expos, ANA Angels, LA Angels). Leaderboard Score: 57
"Vlad the Impaler". 6' 3", 235 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 9-Time All-Star (Started 7). MVP (2004).
Peak Years: 1998-2008
Rankings: 7 (.324), 11 (.316), 3 (.345), 19 (.307), 3 (.336), -, 3 (.337), 4 (.317), 5 (.329), 8 (.324), 15 (.303)

53. Al Oliver (PIT Pirates, TEX Rangers, MON Expos). Leaderboard Score: 55
"Scoop". 6' 0", 195 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 7-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 1971-1983
Rankings: 21 (.282), 6 (.312), 17 (.292), 2 (.321), 31 (.280), -, 9 (.308), 2 (.324), 5 (.323), 8 (.319), 8 (.309), 1 (.331), 9 (.300)

55. Frank Thomas (CHI White Sox). Leaderboard Score: 55
"Big Hurt". 6' 5", 240 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 5-Time All-Star (Started 2). MVP (1993 - 1994).
Peak Years: 1991-2001
Rankings: 9 (.318), 3 (.323), 6 (.317), 3 (.353), 17 (.308), 2 (.349), 1 (.347), 65 (.265), 21 (.305), 9 (.328), -

59. Matty Alou (PIT Pirates, STL Cardinals, OAK Athletics). Leaderboard Score: 53
5' 9", 160 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Left. 2-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 1966-1973
Rankings: 1 (.342), 3 (.338), 2 (.332), 4 (.331), 19 (.297), 8 (.315), 5 (.307), 15 (.295)

60. Mike Piazza (LA Dodgers, FL Marlins, NY Mets). Leaderboard Score: 52
6' 3", 200 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 12-Time All-Star (Started 10).
Peak Years: 1993-2001
Rankings: 7 (.318), 12 (.319), 2 (.346), 2 (.336), 3 (.362), 4 (.328), 23 (.303), 10 (.324), 26 (.300)

110. Moises Alou (MON Expos, HOU Astros). Leaderboard Score: 30
6' 3", 185 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 6-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1993-2002
Rankings: 33 (.286), 3 (.339), -, 34 (.281), 24 (.292), 16 (.312), -, 2 (.355), 3 (.331), 40 (.275)

178. Jeff Cirillo (MIL Brewers, COL Rockies). Leaderboard Score: 19
6' 2", 190 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 1997-2001
Rankings: 33 (.288), 8 (.321), 5 (.326), 8 (.326), 15 (.313)

287. Luis Gonzalez (ARI Diamondbacks). Leaderboard Score: 12
"Gonzo". 6' 2", 180 lbs. Bats Left. Throws Right. 5-Time All-Star (Started 1).
Peak Years: 1998-2002
Rankings: 63 (.267), 2 (.336), 20 (.311), 10 (.325), 23 (.288)

437. Cristian Guzman (WAS Nationals). Leaderboard Score: 7
6' 0", 210 lbs. Switch Hitter. Throws Right. 2-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 2007-2009
Rankings: -, 5 (.316), 31 (.284)

600. Jason Bartlett (TB Rays). Leaderboard Score: 4
6' 0", 190 lbs. Bats Right. Throws Right. 1-Time All-Star.
Peak Years: 2008-2010
Rankings: -, 7 (.320), 51 (.254)

Career Pitching Rivalries

In my previous series of posts - using a method devised by Bill James as a starting point - I developed a method to determine the greatest single-game pitching duels of all-time.  In this post, I build upon this method to come up with the greatest pitching rivalries of all-time: those pairs of pitchers that had the most memorable matchups throughout their careers.

Since I understand my natural inclination toward wordiness, I'll lead off with the lists (which are pretty interesting: 1990-2010 or All-Time) and then give the explanation of my method below for those of you still interested.  I have decided that from now on when I have a Top 10 list, in addition to the top 10 I will also list at least one entry per team.  I know when I see a top-whatever list I usually end up browsing down to see if my favorite team (Tigers) is listed.  This way, no one will ever be disappointed.  Except, of course, for Rays fans who will find their highest ranked rivalry of all-time coming in at #1,532.  You can also see the complete decade-by-decade top-50 lists in spreadsheet form here.

Top 10 Pitching Rivalries, 1990-2010

1. Curt Schilling (Diamondbacks, Phillies) vs. Greg Maddux (Braves)
5/15/1993 to 8/17/2003. 9 games. Rivalry Score = 93.7
Schilling (5-4): 5-3, 64.1 IP, 2.66 ERA, 49 H, 10 BB, 65 SO, 0.917 WHIP, .208/.240/.292
Maddux (4-5): 4-3, 66.2 IP, 1.49 ERA, 49 H, 11 BB, 48 SO, 0.900 WHIP, .206/.243/.277
Best Game: Braves @ Phillies (4/10/1998). Phillies 1-0

2. Pedro Martinez (Red Sox) vs. Bartolo Colon (Angels, Indians)
7/15/1998 to 10/6/2004. 7 games. Rivalry Score = 88.8
Martinez (6-1): 5-0, 52.0 IP, 1.56 ERA, 34 H, 8 BB, 61 SO, 0.808 WHIP, .187/.227/.214
Colon (1-6): 0-3, 49.2 IP, 2.90 ERA, 47 H, 19 BB, 51 SO, 1.329 WHIP, .250/.322/.372
Best Game: Indians @ Red Sox (7/15/1998). Red Sox 1-0

3. Randy Johnson (Diamondbacks) vs. Tom Glavine (Braves, Mets)
4/10/1999 to 5/12/2004. 8 games. Rivalry Score = 87.0
Johnson (4-4): 3-4, 56.0 IP, 4.34 ERA, 51 H, 14 BB, 85 SO, 1.161 WHIP, .236/.283/.481
Glavine (4-4): 4-3, 52.2 IP, 2.91 ERA, 48 H, 16 BB, 30 SO, 1.215 WHIP, .244/.303/.381
Best Game: Braves @ Diamondbacks (9/15/2000). Diamondbacks 2-1

4. Roger Clemens (Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays) vs. Bret Saberhagen (Red Sox, Royals)
7/31/1987 to 9/12/1999. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 86.0
Clemens (5-1): 4-1, 48.0 IP, 1.13 ERA, 29 H, 13 BB, 53 SO, 0.875 WHIP, .172/.238/.231
Saberhagen (1-5): 0-4, 37.2 IP, 2.63 ERA, 40 H, 9 BB, 21 SO, 1.301 WHIP, .284/.329/.496
Best Game: Royals @ Red Sox (4/18/1991). Red Sox 1-0

5. Mike Mussina (Yankees) vs. Pedro Martinez (Red Sox, Mets)
5/24/2001 to 5/20/2006. 10 games. Rivalry Score = 85.7
Mussina (6-4): 3-3, 73.0 IP, 2.22 ERA, 49 H, 14 BB, 77 SO, 0.863 WHIP, .187/.228/.309
Martinez (4-6): 3-4, 70.0 IP, 3.47 ERA, 59 H, 24 BB, 80 SO, 1.186 WHIP, .223/.305/.336
Best Game: Red Sox @ Yankees (7/7/2003). Yankees 2-1

6. Greg Maddux (Braves, Cubs) vs. Darryl Kile (Rockies, Astros, Cardinals)
7/20/1991 to 5/5/2002. 9 games. Rivalry Score = 84.5
Maddux (6-3): 6-2, 70.0 IP, 1.67 ERA, 52 H, 9 BB, 46 SO, 0.871 WHIP, .211/.244/.280
Kile (3-6): 2-6, 62.1 IP, 2.45 ERA, 51 H, 22 BB, 47 SO, 1.171 WHIP, .218/.282/.338
Best Game: Astros @ Braves (9/30/1997. NLDS Game 1. Tied 0-0). Braves 2-1

7. Roger Clemens (Yankees) vs. Pedro Martinez (Red Sox)
10/16/1999 to 10/16/2003. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 84.2
Clemens (4-2): 1-2, 27.0 IP, 4.67 ERA, 28 H, 10 BB, 28 SO, 1.407 WHIP, .262/.325/.458
Martinez (2-4): 2-1, 43.1 IP, 2.49 ERA, 34 H, 9 BB, 51 SO, 0.992 WHIP, .214/.273/.346
Best Game: Red Sox @ Yankees (5/28/2000). Red Sox 2-0

8. Andy Benes (Diamondbacks, Padres, Cardinals) vs. Greg Maddux (Braves, Cubs)
5/6/1990 to 9/18/1998. 10 games. Rivalry Score = 83.5
Benes (6-4): 4-2, 75.1 IP, 2.27 ERA, 50 H, 16 BB, 49 SO, 0.876 WHIP, .184/.229/.268
Maddux (4-6): 3-4, 73.0 IP, 2.59 ERA, 69 H, 15 BB, 53 SO, 1.151 WHIP, .255/.295/.303
Best Game: Cubs @ Padres (5/22/1992). Padres 2-0

9. Orel Hershiser (Indians, Dodgers) vs. Greg Maddux (Braves, Cubs)
7/10/1987 to 10/26/1995. 7 games. Rivalry Score = 82.7
Hershiser (4-3): 3-3, 54.2 IP, 2.14 ERA, 38 H, 12 BB, 34 SO, 0.915 WHIP, .193/.239/.274
Maddux (3-4): 2-2, 51.2 IP, 2.26 ERA, 41 H, 16 BB, 27 SO, 1.103 WHIP, .223/.289/.337
Best Game: Indians @ Braves (10/21/1995. WS Game 1. Tied 0-0). Braves 3-2

10. Curt Schilling (Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Phillies) vs. Matt Morris (Cardinals)
7/31/1997 to 10/24/2004. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 82.0
Schilling (5-1): 4-1, 48.0 IP, 1.50 ERA, 29 H, 9 BB, 48 SO, 0.792 WHIP, .171/.212/.253
Morris (1-5): 1-3, 36.1 IP, 3.96 ERA, 42 H, 15 BB, 24 SO, 1.569 WHIP, .290/.362/.414
Best Game: Cardinals @ Diamondbacks (10/9/2001. NLDS Game 1. Tied 0-0). Diamondbacks 1-0

11. Dave Stewart (Athletics, Rangers, Blue Jays) vs. Roger Clemens (Red Sox)
8/11/1984 to 8/15/1993. 10 games. Rivalry Score = 81.3
Stewart (9-1): 9-1, 74.0 IP, 2.19 ERA, 56 H, 20 BB, 38 SO, 1.027 WHIP, .214/.275/.313
Clemens (1-9): 1-8, 56.1 IP, 5.27 ERA, 65 H, 26 BB, 51 SO, 1.615 WHIP, .288/.366/.429
Best Game: Athletics @ Red Sox (4/29/1990). Athletics 1-0

13. Scott Erickson (Orioles, Twins) vs. Roger Clemens (Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays)
7/18/1992 to 4/1/2002. 7 games. Rivalry Score = 81.3
Erickson (4-3): 3-3, 54.1 IP, 1.49 ERA, 34 H, 21 BB, 39 SO, 1.012 WHIP, .182/.271/.251
Clemens (3-4): 3-2, 50.1 IP, 2.50 ERA, 38 H, 19 BB, 54 SO, 1.132 WHIP, .205/.283/.297
Best Game: Red Sox @ Twins (7/18/1992). Red Sox 1-0

14. Greg Maddux (Braves, Cubs) vs. Jose Rijo (Reds)
5/21/1990 to 5/12/1995. 7 games. Rivalry Score = 81.0
Maddux (4-3): 2-2, 49.2 IP, 2.72 ERA, 47 H, 12 BB, 39 SO, 1.188 WHIP, .255/.307/.299
Rijo (3-4): 2-2, 50.0 IP, 2.88 ERA, 45 H, 9 BB, 47 SO, 1.080 WHIP, .239/.274/.410
Best Game: Braves @ Reds (8/15/1993). Braves 1-0

15. Randy Johnson (Diamondbacks, Astros, Mariners) vs. Kevin Brown (Orioles, Dodgers, Padres, Rangers)
6/1/1991 to 5/26/2002. 9 games. Rivalry Score = 80.5
Johnson (5-4): 1-2, 61.0 IP, 3.25 ERA, 57 H, 28 BB, 80 SO, 1.393 WHIP, .257/.353/.405
Brown (4-5): 2-2, 52.0 IP, 3.98 ERA, 51 H, 20 BB, 51 SO, 1.365 WHIP, .254/.339/.378
Best Game: Padres @ Astros (9/29/1998. NLDS Game 1. Tied 0-0). Padres 2-1

16. Kevin Brown (Marlins, Dodgers) vs. Greg Maddux (Braves)
8/1/1997 to 5/14/2003. 5 games. Rivalry Score = 79.2
Brown (4-1): 2-0, 35.1 IP, 2.55 ERA, 26 H, 17 BB, 26 SO, 1.217 WHIP, .205/.308/.307
Maddux (1-4): 0-2, 34.0 IP, 2.65 ERA, 27 H, 7 BB, 26 SO, 1.000 WHIP, .213/.254/.362
Best Game: Marlins @ Braves (8/11/1997). Braves 2-1

18. Pedro J. Martinez (Expos, Mets) vs. John Smoltz (Braves)
7/25/1994 to 4/28/2006. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 78.8
Martinez (4-2): 4-2, 44.0 IP, 2.86 ERA, 28 H, 11 BB, 40 SO, 0.886 WHIP, .183/.236/.314
Smoltz (2-4): 2-3, 41.0 IP, 3.07 ERA, 42 H, 11 BB, 38 SO, 1.293 WHIP, .268/.318/.433
Best Game: Braves @ Mets (9/16/2005). Mets 4-0

19. Roger Clemens (Red Sox) vs. Chuck Finley (Angels)
5/20/1988 to 8/27/1996. 7 games. Rivalry Score = 78.7
Clemens (5-2): 5-2, 55.1 IP, 1.30 ERA, 41 H, 13 BB, 50 SO, 0.976 WHIP, .200/.248/.283
Finley (2-5): 1-5, 52.0 IP, 2.94 ERA, 45 H, 27 BB, 34 SO, 1.385 WHIP, .249/.354/.354
Best Game: Angels @ Red Sox (5/26/1989). Angels 5-0

23. Doug Drabek (Orioles, Astros, Pirates) vs. Greg Maddux (Braves, Cubs)
6/26/1987 to 6/7/1998. 10 games. Rivalry Score = 77.5
Drabek (5-5): 4-3, 72.2 IP, 2.35 ERA, 61 H, 17 BB, 37 SO, 1.073 WHIP, .236/.281/.353
Maddux (5-5): 4-5, 67.1 IP, 3.61 ERA, 58 H, 30 BB, 38 SO, 1.307 WHIP, .237/.325/.371
Best Game: Cubs @ Pirates (6/21/1989). Cubs 1-0 in 11 innings

34. Greg Maddux (Braves, Cubs) vs. John Burkett (Red Sox, Marlins, Giants)
5/16/1992 to 6/28/2002. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 75.2
Maddux (4-2): 3-2, 42.0 IP, 1.29 ERA, 27 H, 10 BB, 36 SO, 0.881 WHIP, .182/.233/.230
Burkett (2-4): 2-3, 39.1 IP, 2.52 ERA, 40 H, 11 BB, 25 SO, 1.297 WHIP, .268/.317/.329
Best Game: Cubs @ Giants (5/16/1992). Giants 2-0

35. Roger Clemens (Red Sox) vs. Jack Morris (Tigers, Twins, Blue Jays)
4/22/1986 to 6/11/1992. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 75.0
Clemens (4-2): 4-1, 45.2 IP, 3.15 ERA, 35 H, 14 BB, 54 SO, 1.073 WHIP, .210/.269/.353
Morris (2-4): 2-4, 40.0 IP, 4.95 ERA, 50 H, 19 BB, 23 SO, 1.725 WHIP, .309/.377/.451
Best Game: Red Sox @ Blue Jays (6/11/1992). Blue Jays 4-0

42. Javier Vazquez (White Sox, Expos) vs. Greg Maddux (Braves, Cubs)
5/27/1998 to 7/2/2006. 7 games. Rivalry Score = 73.2
Vazquez (4-3): 1-2, 45.0 IP, 3.60 ERA, 44 H, 8 BB, 40 SO, 1.156 WHIP, .260/.302/.367
Maddux (3-4): 2-1, 49.0 IP, 2.57 ERA, 55 H, 4 BB, 32 SO, 1.204 WHIP, .299/.314/.418
Best Game: Expos @ Braves (5/27/1998). Braves 2-0

63. John Smoltz (Braves) vs. Pedro Astacio (Rockies, Dodgers, Nationals)
9/7/1992 to 8/26/2006. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 71.3
Smoltz (5-1): 5-1, 46.2 IP, 1.54 ERA, 32 H, 11 BB, 47 SO, 0.921 WHIP, .195/.244/.280
Astacio (1-5): 1-5, 35.1 IP, 4.33 ERA, 42 H, 12 BB, 31 SO, 1.528 WHIP, .298/.351/.440
Best Game: Braves @ Dodgers (4/9/1996). Braves 3-1

134. Jack Morris (Tigers, Twins) vs. Tom Candiotti (Indians, Brewers, Blue Jays)
9/19/1984 to 10/8/1991. 9 games. Rivalry Score = 66.5
Morris (8-1): 8-1, 69.2 IP, 2.84 ERA, 57 H, 24 BB, 44 SO, 1.163 WHIP, .225/.295/.292
Candiotti (1-8): 1-8, 52.1 IP, 5.16 ERA, 58 H, 23 BB, 34 SO, 1.548 WHIP, .275/.347/.403
Best Game: Indians @ Tigers (8/17/1990). Tigers 3-0

337. Hideo Nomo (Dodgers, Devil Rays) vs. Randy Johnson (Diamondbacks, Yankees)
7/1/2002 to 6/21/2005. 5 games. Rivalry Score = 59.0
Nomo (3-2): 3-0, 34.1 IP, 2.36 ERA, 31 H, 8 BB, 24 SO, 1.136 WHIP, .242/.285/.344
Johnson (2-3): 0-3, 30.0 IP, 6.30 ERA, 38 H, 5 BB, 27 SO, 1.433 WHIP, .302/.343/.563
Best Game: Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (7/1/2002). Dodgers 4-0

Top 10 Pitching Rivalries, 1918-2010

1. Tom Seaver (Reds, Mets) vs. Steve Carlton (Phillies, Cardinals)
4/12/1970 to 4/5/1983. 17 games. Rivalry Score = 97.0
Seaver (13-4): 11-3, 121.2 IP, 2.74 ERA, 100 H, 46 BB, 95 SO, 1.200 WHIP, .224/.296/.336
Carlton (4-13): 3-12, 123.1 IP, 2.77 ERA, 106 H, 40 BB, 93 SO, 1.184 WHIP, .236/.297/.360
Best Game: Phillies @ Mets (9/24/1972). Mets 2-1

2. Curt Schilling (Diamondbacks, Phillies) vs. Greg Maddux (Braves)
5/15/1993 to 8/17/2003. 9 games. Rivalry Score = 93.7
Schilling (5-4): 5-3, 64.1 IP, 2.66 ERA, 49 H, 10 BB, 65 SO, 0.917 WHIP, .208/.240/.292
Maddux (4-5): 4-3, 66.2 IP, 1.49 ERA, 49 H, 11 BB, 48 SO, 0.900 WHIP, .206/.243/.277
Best Game: Braves @ Phillies (4/10/1998). Phillies 1-0

3. Robin Roberts (Phillies) vs. Don Newcombe (Dodgers, Reds)
4/18/1950 to 7/5/1960. 18 games. Rivalry Score = 93.0
Roberts (11-7): 9-7, 147.2 IP, 3.35 ERA, 141 H, 27 BB, 59 SO, 1.138 WHIP, .253/.287/.404
Newcombe (7-11): 5-11, 129.2 IP, 4.10 ERA, 139 H, 27 BB, 53 SO, 1.280 WHIP, .279/.317/.417
Best Game: Phillies @ Dodgers (8/14/1955). Phillies 3-2 in 10 innings

4. Juan Marichal (Giants) vs. Don Drysdale (Dodgers)
5/19/1961 to 8/1/1968. 16 games. Rivalry Score = 92.2
Marichal (11-5): 10-3, 125.2 IP, 1.86 ERA, 90 H, 14 BB, 96 SO, 0.828 WHIP, .195/.220/.302
Drysdale (5-11): 3-10, 112.2 IP, 3.28 ERA, 115 H, 19 BB, 68 SO, 1.189 WHIP, .264/.298/.382
Best Game: Giants @ Dodgers (6/15/1965). Giants 2-1

5. Larry Jansen (Giants) vs. Robin Roberts (Phillies)
9/6/1948 to 4/20/1953. 8 games. Rivalry Score = 90.5
Jansen (5-3): 4-2, 72.1 IP, 1.62 ERA, 53 H, 18 BB, 34 SO, 0.982 WHIP, .199/.250/.248
Roberts (3-5): 2-4, 65.0 IP, 2.63 ERA, 63 H, 16 BB, 38 SO, 1.215 WHIP, .249/.296/.356
Best Game: Giants @ Phillies (8/18/1951). Giants 2-0

6. Robin Roberts (Phillies) vs. Johnny Antonelli (Braves, Braves, Giants, Giants)
4/23/1950 to 8/21/1959. 16 games. Rivalry Score = 90.3
Roberts (10-6): 9-6, 137.0 IP, 2.04 ERA, 109 H, 24 BB, 61 SO, 0.971 WHIP, .214/.250/.335
Antonelli (6-10): 4-9, 100.1 IP, 2.96 ERA, 94 H, 45 BB, 59 SO, 1.385 WHIP, .247/.327/.365
Best Game: Giants @ Phillies (9/26/1954). Giants 3-2 in 11 innings

7. Warren Spahn (Braves, Braves) vs. Robin Roberts (Phillies)
9/11/1948 to 8/28/1961. 13 games. Rivalry Score = 90.0
Spahn (10-3): 10-3, 110.0 IP, 1.88 ERA, 83 H, 29 BB, 50 SO, 1.018 WHIP, .208/.260/.296
Roberts (3-10): 3-8, 93.2 IP, 4.13 ERA, 95 H, 18 BB, 49 SO, 1.206 WHIP, .264/.300/.400
Best Game: Phillies @ Braves (4/29/1954). Phillies 4-0

8. Bob Feller (Indians) vs. Hal Newhouser (Tigers)
8/12/1940 to 9/3/1952. 16 games. Rivalry Score = 89.8
Feller (11-5): 10-3, 126.1 IP, 3.42 ERA, 111 H, 58 BB, 86 SO, 1.338 WHIP, .228/.312/.296
Newhouser (5-11): 3-9, 113.2 IP, 4.43 ERA, 116 H, 46 BB, 70 SO, 1.425 WHIP, .256/.324/.361
Best Game: Tigers @ Indians (9/22/1946). Tigers 3-0

9. Bob Gibson (Cardinals) vs. Gaylord Perry (Giants)
5/1/1966 to 8/4/1971. 8 games. Rivalry Score = 89.5
Gibson (4-4): 4-4, 72.0 IP, 1.75 ERA, 40 H, 14 BB, 72 SO, 0.750 WHIP, .163/.215/.305
Perry (4-4): 4-3, 65.0 IP, 1.80 ERA, 43 H, 14 BB, 45 SO, 0.877 WHIP, .185/.232/.232
Best Game: Cardinals @ Giants (9/17/1968). Giants 1-0

10. Ferguson Jenkins (Cubs) vs. Bob Gibson (Cardinals)
6/3/1967 to 5/31/1972. 9 games. Rivalry Score = 89.3
Jenkins (6-3): 5-3, 75.2 IP, 1.78 ERA, 56 H, 14 BB, 63 SO, 0.925 WHIP, .204/.248/.296
Gibson (3-6): 3-5, 77.2 IP, 2.43 ERA, 63 H, 22 BB, 62 SO, 1.094 WHIP, .223/.277/.325
Best Game: Cubs @ Cardinals (6/21/1968). Cardinals 1-0

11. Steve Rogers (Expos) vs. Steve Carlton (Phillies)
7/26/1973 to 4/23/1985. 19 games. Rivalry Score = 89.0
Rogers (11-8): 9-6, 139.0 IP, 3.24 ERA, 133 H, 47 BB, 64 SO, 1.295 WHIP, .257/.318/.351
Carlton (8-11): 6-9, 145.0 IP, 3.17 ERA, 123 H, 59 BB, 123 SO, 1.255 WHIP, .233/.310/.378
Best Game: Phillies @ Expos (9/30/1979). Phillies 2-0

12. Pedro Martinez (Red Sox) vs. Bartolo Colon (Angels, Indians)
7/15/1998 to 10/6/2004. 7 games. Rivalry Score = 88.8
Martinez (6-1): 5-0, 52.0 IP, 1.56 ERA, 34 H, 8 BB, 61 SO, 0.808 WHIP, .187/.227/.214
Colon (1-6): 0-3, 49.2 IP, 2.90 ERA, 47 H, 19 BB, 51 SO, 1.329 WHIP, .250/.322/.372
Best Game: Indians @ Red Sox (7/15/1998). Red Sox 1-0

15. Billy Pierce (White Sox, Giants) vs. Whitey Ford (Yankees)
9/9/1953 to 10/15/1962. 16 games. Rivalry Score = 87.5
Pierce (9-7): 8-7, 128.1 IP, 2.45 ERA, 97 H, 30 BB, 72 SO, 0.990 WHIP, .206/.255/.319
Ford (7-9): 6-8, 107.1 IP, 3.19 ERA, 110 H, 35 BB, 55 SO, 1.351 WHIP, .263/.325/.354
Best Game: White Sox @ Yankees (7/15/1956). Yankees 2-1

18. Tom Seaver (Red Sox, White Sox, Reds, Mets) vs. Don Sutton (Angels, Astros, Dodgers)
6/10/1968 to 7/27/1986. 13 games. Rivalry Score = 86.2
Seaver (7-6): 7-4, 97.2 IP, 2.03 ERA, 70 H, 32 BB, 66 SO, 1.044 WHIP, .208/.280/.329
Sutton (6-7): 6-7, 95.0 IP, 2.46 ERA, 75 H, 20 BB, 85 SO, 1.000 WHIP, .215/.259/.292
Best Game: Mets @ Dodgers (7/17/1970). Dodgers 1-0 in 10 innings

19. Roger Clemens (Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays) vs. Bret Saberhagen (Red Sox, Royals)
7/31/1987 to 9/12/1999. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 86.0
Clemens (5-1): 4-1, 48.0 IP, 1.13 ERA, 29 H, 13 BB, 53 SO, 0.875 WHIP, .172/.238/.231
Saberhagen (1-5): 0-4, 37.2 IP, 2.63 ERA, 40 H, 9 BB, 21 SO, 1.301 WHIP, .284/.329/.496
Best Game: Royals @ Red Sox (4/18/1991). Red Sox 1-0

22. Juan Marichal (Giants) vs. Jim Bunning (Phillies, Pirates)
6/24/1965 to 5/14/1969. 8 games. Rivalry Score = 85.3
Marichal (5-3): 5-3, 76.0 IP, 1.66 ERA, 56 H, 10 BB, 59 SO, 0.868 WHIP, .206/.233/.294
Bunning (3-5): 3-4, 59.1 IP, 3.03 ERA, 45 H, 15 BB, 37 SO, 1.011 WHIP, .213/.277/.403
Best Game: Phillies @ Giants (5/26/1966). Giants 1-0 in 14 innings

27. Greg Maddux (Braves, Cubs) vs. Darryl Kile (Rockies, Astros, Cardinals)
7/20/1991 to 5/5/2002. 9 games. Rivalry Score = 84.5
Maddux (6-3): 6-2, 70.0 IP, 1.67 ERA, 52 H, 9 BB, 46 SO, 0.871 WHIP, .211/.244/.280
Kile (3-6): 2-6, 62.1 IP, 2.45 ERA, 51 H, 22 BB, 47 SO, 1.171 WHIP, .218/.282/.338
Best Game: Astros @ Braves (9/30/1997. NLDS Game 1. Tied 0-0). Braves 2-1

28. Jim Palmer (Orioles) vs. Gaylord Perry (Indians, Rangers)
5/17/1973 to 7/30/1980. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 84.3
Palmer (4-2): 3-1, 55.1 IP, 0.65 ERA, 38 H, 10 BB, 36 SO, 0.867 WHIP, .196/.239/.237
Perry (2-4): 1-3, 52.2 IP, 1.88 ERA, 45 H, 10 BB, 41 SO, 1.044 WHIP, .241/.278/.299
Best Game: Rangers @ Orioles (7/23/1977). Rangers 1-0 in 13 innings

31. Andy Benes (Diamondbacks, Padres, Cardinals) vs. Greg Maddux (Braves, Cubs)
5/6/1990 to 9/18/1998. 10 games. Rivalry Score = 83.5
Benes (6-4): 4-2, 75.1 IP, 2.27 ERA, 50 H, 16 BB, 49 SO, 0.876 WHIP, .184/.229/.268
Maddux (4-6): 3-4, 73.0 IP, 2.59 ERA, 69 H, 15 BB, 53 SO, 1.151 WHIP, .255/.295/.303
Best Game: Cubs @ Padres (5/22/1992). Padres 2-0

38. Hal Newhouser (Tigers) vs. Early Wynn (Indians, Senators)
6/5/1943 to 4/25/1953. 14 games. Rivalry Score = 82.2
Newhouser (7-7): 7-5, 111.2 IP, 2.66 ERA, 97 H, 29 BB, 58 SO, 1.128 WHIP, .227/.276/.302
Wynn (7-7): 6-6, 98.1 IP, 3.94 ERA, 103 H, 39 BB, 43 SO, 1.444 WHIP, .263/.329/.352
Best Game: Tigers @ Senators (6/29/1944). Tigers 4-0

41. Dave Stewart (Athletics, Rangers, Blue Jays) vs. Roger Clemens (Red Sox)
8/11/1984 to 8/15/1993. 10 games. Rivalry Score = 81.3
Stewart (9-1): 9-1, 74.0 IP, 2.19 ERA, 56 H, 20 BB, 38 SO, 1.027 WHIP, .214/.275/.313
Clemens (1-9): 1-8, 56.1 IP, 5.27 ERA, 65 H, 26 BB, 51 SO, 1.615 WHIP, .288/.366/.429
Best Game: Athletics @ Red Sox (4/29/1990). Athletics 1-0

43. Scott Erickson (Orioles, Twins) vs. Roger Clemens (Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays)
7/18/1992 to 4/1/2002. 7 games. Rivalry Score = 81.3
Erickson (4-3): 3-3, 54.1 IP, 1.49 ERA, 34 H, 21 BB, 39 SO, 1.012 WHIP, .182/.271/.251
Clemens (3-4): 3-2, 50.1 IP, 2.50 ERA, 38 H, 19 BB, 54 SO, 1.132 WHIP, .205/.283/.297
Best Game: Red Sox @ Twins (7/18/1992). Red Sox 1-0

46. Lefty Grove (Athletics) vs. Red Faber (White Sox)
5/11/1926 to 9/18/1931. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 81.0
Grove (5-1): 5-1, 53.0 IP, 0.85 ERA, 34 H, 13 BB, 45 SO, 0.887 WHIP, .176/.232/.223
Faber (1-5): 1-5, 44.0 IP, 2.66 ERA, 49 H, 18 BB, 18 SO, 1.523 WHIP, .271/.340/.320
Best Game: White Sox @ Athletics (6/23/1930). Athletics 2-1

50. Randy Johnson (Diamondbacks, Astros, Mariners) vs. Kevin Brown (Orioles, Dodgers, Padres, Rangers)
6/1/1991 to 5/26/2002. 9 games. Rivalry Score = 80.5
Johnson (5-4): 1-2, 61.0 IP, 3.25 ERA, 57 H, 28 BB, 80 SO, 1.393 WHIP, .257/.353/.405
Brown (4-5): 2-2, 52.0 IP, 3.98 ERA, 51 H, 20 BB, 51 SO, 1.365 WHIP, .254/.339/.378
Best Game: Padres @ Astros (9/29/1998. NLDS Game 1. Tied 0-0). Padres 2-1

56. Lefty Grove (Red Sox, Athletics) vs. General Crowder (Tigers, Browns, Senators)
9/20/1927 to 9/19/1935. 11 games. Rivalry Score = 79.8
Grove (8-3): 7-3, 90.0 IP, 3.20 ERA, 93 H, 17 BB, 36 SO, 1.222 WHIP, .256/.289/.336
Crowder (3-8): 3-8, 81.2 IP, 4.63 ERA, 87 H, 29 BB, 43 SO, 1.420 WHIP, .262/.323/.407
Best Game: Athletics @ Senators (4/30/1932). Senators 2-1

65. Kevin Brown (Marlins, Dodgers) vs. Greg Maddux (Braves)
8/1/1997 to 5/14/2003. 5 games. Rivalry Score = 79.2
Brown (4-1): 2-0, 35.1 IP, 2.55 ERA, 26 H, 17 BB, 26 SO, 1.217 WHIP, .205/.308/.307
Maddux (1-4): 0-2, 34.0 IP, 2.65 ERA, 27 H, 7 BB, 26 SO, 1.000 WHIP, .213/.254/.362
Best Game: Marlins @ Braves (8/11/1997). Braves 2-1

81. Jim Palmer (Orioles) vs. Jim Hunter (Athletics, Yankees, Athletics)
5/29/1966 to 8/6/1978. 10 games. Rivalry Score = 78.2
Palmer (5-5): 5-5, 77.0 IP, 3.51 ERA, 63 H, 26 BB, 55 SO, 1.156 WHIP, .230/.297/.365
Hunter (5-5): 5-5, 72.1 IP, 2.74 ERA, 64 H, 23 BB, 33 SO, 1.203 WHIP, .236/.300/.391
Best Game: Yankees @ Orioles (9/7/1975). Yankees 2-0

109. Whitey Ford (Yankees) vs. Dick Donovan (White Sox, Indians, Senators)
6/17/1955 to 9/22/1964. 12 games. Rivalry Score = 76.3
Ford (7-5): 6-5, 93.0 IP, 2.52 ERA, 69 H, 34 BB, 57 SO, 1.108 WHIP, .204/.277/.286
Donovan (5-7): 5-6, 88.0 IP, 3.38 ERA, 74 H, 14 BB, 35 SO, 1.000 WHIP, .225/.258/.377
Best Game: White Sox @ Yankees (6/17/1955). White Sox 2-1

279. Bert Blyleven (Indians, Twins, Rangers) vs. Jim Slaton (Angels, Brewers)
5/3/1972 to 4/25/1986. 8 games. Rivalry Score = 71.5
Blyleven (6-2): 6-2, 68.1 IP, 1.84 ERA, 47 H, 6 BB, 66 SO, 0.776 WHIP, .194/.214/.281
Slaton (2-6): 2-6, 55.0 IP, 3.44 ERA, 43 H, 22 BB, 31 SO, 1.182 WHIP, .221/.297/.323
Best Game: Twins @ Brewers (5/29/1973). Twins 1-0

291. John Smoltz (Braves) vs. Pedro Astacio (Rockies, Dodgers, Nationals)
9/7/1992 to 8/26/2006. 6 games. Rivalry Score = 71.3
Smoltz (5-1): 5-1, 46.2 IP, 1.54 ERA, 32 H, 11 BB, 47 SO, 0.921 WHIP, .195/.244/.280
Astacio (1-5): 1-5, 35.1 IP, 4.33 ERA, 42 H, 12 BB, 31 SO, 1.528 WHIP, .298/.351/.440
Best Game: Braves @ Dodgers (4/9/1996). Braves 3-1

519. Mickey Lolich (Tigers) vs. Marty Pattin (Red Sox, Royals, Brewers, Pilots)
6/9/1969 to 7/11/1975. 7 games. Rivalry Score = 67.5
Lolich (5-2): 5-1, 53.2 IP, 2.35 ERA, 35 H, 16 BB, 57 SO, 0.950 WHIP, .184/.250/.289
Pattin (2-5): 2-5, 49.2 IP, 3.99 ERA, 53 H, 21 BB, 33 SO, 1.490 WHIP, .272/.347/.395
Best Game: Brewers @ Tigers (8/23/1970). Tigers 1-0

689. Dean Chance (Angels, Indians, Angels, Twins) vs. Earl Wilson (Red Sox, Tigers)
4/10/1963 to 4/21/1970. 14 games. Rivalry Score = 65.7
Chance (7-7): 5-6, 97.0 IP, 2.88 ERA, 87 H, 27 BB, 82 SO, 1.175 WHIP, .236/.293/.351
Wilson (7-7): 6-6, 100.0 IP, 3.51 ERA, 79 H, 34 BB, 68 SO, 1.130 WHIP, .219/.286/.371
Best Game: Twins @ Tigers (9/8/1968). Twins 3-1

1,532. Hideo Nomo (Dodgers, Devil Rays) vs. Randy Johnson (Diamondbacks, Yankees)
7/1/2002 to 6/21/2005. 5 games. Rivalry Score = 59.0
Nomo (3-2): 3-0, 34.1 IP, 2.36 ERA, 31 H, 8 BB, 24 SO, 1.136 WHIP, .242/.285/.344
Johnson (2-3): 0-3, 30.0 IP, 6.30 ERA, 38 H, 5 BB, 27 SO, 1.433 WHIP, .302/.343/.563
Best Game: Dodgers @ Diamondbacks (7/1/2002). Dodgers 4-0

Explanation of Method

The first thing I did was to gather all of the pitching duel scores in the games in which two starting pitchers faced each other.  After a little internal debate I decided to include postseason matchups but not to give them any greater weight.  Postseason games will tend to have higher duel scores anyways since they match two quality teams and I think that pitchers on mediocre teams are disadvantaged enough as it is.

Once I gathered all duel scores between pairs of pitchers, I averaged their Top 10 games to come up with a base "rivalry score".  I wanted to reward pitchers with more than 10 quality matchups without falsely rewarding those with a bunch of poor ones so for those with more than 10 matchups, I have applied a 5 point bonus for each game beyond the Top 10 that scored at least 15 percent less than their Top 10 average.  For those pitchers with less than 8 matchups, I applied a penalty of:

• 7 Matchups: 3%
• 6 Matchups: 6%
• 5 Matchups: 12%
• 4 Matchups: 24%
• Etc.

I found this method of reward/penalty to best balance those career rivalries that were at an elite level for several years with those that were at an above average level for a long period.  Modern day pitchers average far fewer career matchups - due mostly to expansion and free agency - so I also wanted to take this into account.  Is this the best way?  I'm not sure.  But you can rest assured I spent plenty of time thinking about it.

Once I came up with a rivalry score for each pair of pitchers and ranked them, I determined each rivalry's winner and loser.  I did this by looking at their teams' records in the games they started. For those rivalries with a tie won/loss record, I used the pitchers' average game score as the tiebreaker.  In the spreadsheet of data, below the main data, I list the pitchers that have the most appearances in the Top 50 of each decade and the Top 200 all-time as well as their won/loss record in this rivalry.  As an example, in the 2000s, Pedro Martinez has the most rivalries in the Top 50 with 9 and has a record of 5-4 in those rivalries.