The Big Train

[Beggs]

Walter Johnson

The first truly dominant fastball pitcher of his time.

Pitched in Washington from 1907-1927

#1 in shutouts with 110. He once shutout the same team 3 times in 4 days.
#2 in wins with 417.
#4 in complete games with 531. In 1910 he started 42 games, 38 of them he finished.

The first member (and only member for another 50 years) of the 3,000 strikeout club. Led the league in strikeouts 12 times, including 8 in a row.

Career WHIP 1.061
He would have 8 straight years with a WHIP under 1, but one season he had a WHIP of 1.006.

Career ERA 2.17
A number that was inflated by being older. From age 19-31, his career ERA was 1.67

He once had a batter walk out of the box after two pitches. When reminded by the ump that he another strike to go, he replied, "You can have it".

 

[Indian Chief]

Whenever I look at pitchers from previous eras, I am amazed at what they did. I know for some, they played at a time when hitters weren't what they are now. But some of these guys, like Johnson, were beyond amazing.