Buzz
Compiling this list was no small challenge! Opinions vary drastically across different sources regarding who deserves a spot. I was particularly drawn to Bill James’ approach, which evaluates pitchers based on their overall career or peak performance. While the top five names were somewhat consistent, the rankings beyond that were wildly inconsistent. From my findings, the top two contenders are nearly neck-and-neck. Since many of these players are from eras we never witnessed, we must rely on historical statistics and accounts from baseball writers of the time.
10. Satchel Paige
Played For: Various Negro League and MLB teams.
This list is arguably influenced by the regrettable segregation policies that excluded many exceptional black players from the major leagues. There’s little debate about who stands out as the greatest among them. Paige’s dominance was unparalleled, though his records are either nonexistent or unreliable due to incomplete documentation.
9. Sandy Koufax
Played For: Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers.
A three-time Cy Young Award winner, his career was unfortunately shortened by arthritis. During each of his Cy Young-winning seasons, he achieved the pitcher’s triple crown. Despite his brief career, Koufax still ranks 7th on the all-time strikeout list.
8. Tom Seaver
Played For: New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox.
Seaver earned the NL Rookie of the Year title in 1967 and was a key player in the 1969 Miracle Mets, a team that defied odds by winning the World Series after years of poor performance from 1962 to 1968. He secured the Cy Young Award three times and retired with an impressive 311 career wins.
7. Greg Maddux
Played For: Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres.
Maddux made history as the first pitcher to win four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995. During this remarkable streak, he achieved a stellar 75-29 record with an astonishing 1.98 ERA. Additionally, he set a record by winning at least 15 games in 17 straight seasons, a feat that remains unparalleled.
6. Cy Young
Played For: Cleveland Spiders, St. Louis Perfectos, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Naps, Boston Rustlers.
The award for the best pitcher each season bears his name, and for good reason. Cy Young’s record of 511 wins is almost unimaginable by today’s standards. He also holds records for innings pitched (7,355), games started (815), and complete games (749). While some argue these numbers reflect the early days of baseball, there’s no denying his legendary status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
5. Christy Mathewson
Played For: New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds.
In 1905 and 1908, he achieved the pitcher’s triple crown, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He was also part of the inaugural class of the Baseball Hall of Fame, alongside legends like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, and Honus Wagner. Known for his sportsmanship, he was one of the most beloved players in the game.
4. Grover Cleveland ‘Pete’ Alexander
Played For: Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals.
Pete Alexander recorded an incredible 90 shutouts during his career. With 373 wins and a 2.76 ERA, he ranks third all-time in victories.
3. Lefty Grove
Played For: Philadelphia Athletics/Boston Red Sox.
Bill James boldly declares Lefty Grove as the greatest pitcher in history, and many other sources consistently rank him in the top 5. Despite not entering the majors until age 25, Grove secured 300 wins. He led the league in ERA an astounding nine times, a record that surpasses Roger Clemens’ seven. Grove retired with a remarkable .680 winning percentage and 300 career victories.
Notable omissions: Warren Spahn, Bob Gibson, Bob Feller, Carl Hubbell, Steve Carlton, Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Juan Marichal, Whitey Ford, Gaylord Perry
2. Walter Johnson
Played For: Washington Senators.
Many credible sources rank Johnson in the top five, often placing him in the top two. Ty Cobb once described him as 'the most intimidating sight he ever encountered on a baseball field.' While precise measurements of his pitching speed are unavailable due to the era’s limitations, experts estimate it approached 100 MPH. Johnson amassed 417 wins with an impressive 2.17 ERA, and his strikeout record of 3,509 stood until Nolan Ryan surpassed it in 1983.
1. Roger Clemens
Played For: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays.
Given recent controversies, placing Clemens on this list is challenging. While he frequently appeared in top 5 rankings of all-time great pitchers, his legacy is clouded by allegations of steroid use. Regardless, he was undoubtedly the most dominant pitcher of his era, finishing his career with 354 wins and a 3.17 ERA.
