Baseball’s long and glorious past has seen many excellent pitchers, all of whom have made a lasting impression on the game. These players have carved out a spot for themselves in baseball’s history books. Here are some of the greatest pitchers to grace the mound, a lineup that honors the very best in the field.
Walter Johnson
Fondly known as “The Big Train,” Walter Johnson greatly impacted early 20th-century baseball with his nearly unhittable fastball. The hitter’s incredible 417 career wins set a record that, so far, only Cy Young managed to break. Johnson’s dominance was also evident in strikeouts, where he led the league several times.
Cy Young
Cy Young’s name is eternally tied to pitching greatness; the award that recognizes the top pitchers in MLB is named after him. From 1890 to 1911, he accumulated an impressive 511 wins, a record that still stands. With more than 7,300 innings pitched, Young’s legacy is deeply ingrained in the history of baseball.
Sandy Koufax
During the 1960s, Sandy Koufax captivated fans with his incredible pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His ability to adapt on the mound led him to win three Cy Young Awards in just four seasons. Although he retired early at 30 due to arthritis, he remains a legend of the sport.
Greg Maddux
No one transformed the art of pitching more than Maddux did in the 1990s. His ability to deliver pinpoint accuracy and a variety of pitches kept hitters guessing, resulting in four straight Cy Young Awards and over 350 career wins. Celebrated for his expertise, Maddux is a true icon in the world of pitching.
Randy Johnson
Randy Johnson, known as “The Big Unit,” was a terror for batters with his fierce fastball and lethal slider. Throughout his career, he dominated the mound, winning five Cy Young Awards and getting over 4,800 strikeouts. His co-MVP performance in the 2001 World Series is considered one of the best of his successful stints in the game.
Pedro Martinez
Despite his smaller stature, Pedro Martinez was a fan-favorite in the late ’90s with his extraordinary strikeout skills, racking up over 3,100 career strikeouts. A three-time Cy Young Award winner across the American and National leagues, he is an outright baseball pitching legend.
Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson’s legacy with the St. Louis Cardinals remains unforgettable. A big-game player, the star raked numerous accolades, including two Cy Young Awards and two World Series MVPs. With a career ERA of 2.91 spanning 17 seasons, Gibson’s influence on pitching and game strategy is still felt today.
Tom Seaver
Tom Seaver’s career is frequently overlooked and deserves more acknowledgment. He began his career in the “Second Deadball Era” and dominated the mound, and holds the record for the most shutouts (61) among modern pitchers. Some of his honors include three Cy Young awards, ten All-Star selections, and a Hall of Fame induction in 1992.
Nolan Ryan
Known for his exceptional strikeout skills, Nolan Ryan tops the MLB charts with 5,714 strikeouts. His impressive work ethic and stamina allowed him to keep pitching until he was 46, achieving seven no-hitters. With a fastball famous for its velocity and movement, Ryan is an undisputed legend.
Steve Carlton
Quirks aside, “Lefty” was a formidable challenge for opposing hitters. His devastating slider helped him win four Cy Young Awards, achieve 10 All-Star selections, secure five strikeout titles, and gain Hall of Fame induction on his first ballot with 95.8% of the vote. Only Randy Johnson has a better WAR and strikeout record among left-handed pitchers than Carlton.
Warren Spahn
Few left-handed pitchers in MLB history can rival Warren Spahn’s success. With over 300 career wins, his impressive longevity and strategic prowess defined his two-decade career. Spahn’s crafty pitching and resilience earned him the title of the winningest lefty, cementing his place among baseball’s legends.
Lefty Grove
Lefty Grove was a towering presence on the mound during the 1920s and 1930s, with incredible power and finesse. He accumulated an impressive 300 wins while illuminating the strike zone with his sharp breaking pitches. Grove’s dominance earned him two World Series Championships, and he led the American League in ERA an impressive nine times.
Christy Mathewson
Christy Mathewson profoundly influenced baseball during the early 20th century, and his impact still resonates today. Known for his remarkable control and sportsmanship, Mathewson won 373 games while prominently featuring in shutouts. His strategic intellect on the mound often gave him an edge, allowing him to consistently outmaneuver batters.
Clayton Kershaw
Already an all-time great, Kershaw’s remarkable control sets him apart, boasting a 4.4 K/BB ratio and a 1.00 WHIP—both among the best. With eight All-Star appearances, three Cy Youngs, and a 2014 MVP, his career with one team is a rarity, and a few more strong seasons could elevate him further.
Roger Clemens
With a blazing fastball and devastating splitter, Roger Clemens dominated the mound, racking seven Cy Young Awards and 4,672 strikeouts. Leading the league in ERA seven times, he also achieved 20 or more wins in 11 seasons. The lad’s postseason prowess added to his legacy, boasting a 12-8 record and 3.75 ERA across 34 appearances.
15 Most Influential MLB Pitchers of All Time