Including Post-Season Performance (Or Not), What Is The Greatest Pitching Season In MLB History?

JackWESQ

I thought I throw this out there. What is the greatest season for a pitcher in MLB history? This season could or could not (your choice) include post-season performance.

I'm a huge Greg Maddux fan. So I'll throw out his 1995 season where he went 19-2, 181 SO, 1.63 ERA, 262 ERA+, 0.811 WHIP in regular season and 3-1, 19 SO, 2.84 ERA in the post-season w/ World Series win.

/s/ JackWESQ

Connecticoin

Carlton's 27-10 season when the Phils won a pathetic 58 games, or

Gibson's 1968 (1.12 ERA) season

Pedro's 23-4 season or his 1.74 ERA season.

perkdog

Dwight Gooden's 1985 season was one of the best.

ymarea

There are so many possibilities. Among them are seasons by Koufax, Walter Johnson, McLain's '68 31-win season, '72 Carlton (mentioned above), and many others.

How about Ron Guidry, 1978? His .893 win pct (25-3) still stands as the all-time best among those winning 20 or more games in a season. He had a regular season ERA of 1.78 with 16 CG's and 9 shutouts, 248 strikeouts, and allowed only 187 hits in 273.2 innings. He was 2-0 in 2 post-season starts, with 1 CG (8 IP in the other), and an ERA just a smidge over 1.00. He also struck out 17 Angels in a 9-inning game, which was a lefty single-game record at the time.

Walter Johnson in 1913 was 36-7 with 346 IP, 1.09 ERA, 29 CG, and 11 shutouts. It's difficult, though, to compare pre- and post-WWII stats, as the games were so different in their respective eras.

ymarea

Just to throw a bone to a relief pitcher:

Eric Gagne's 2003 season is definitely among the best ever, steroids not withstanding. He was 55-55 in save opportunities, struck out an amazing 137 in just 82.1 IP, while walking only 20. He surrendered a paltry 37 hits and 2 HR in those 82+ innings, and had an ERA of 1.20. He had a 2-3 record, though one must realize that the more effective a closer is, the fewer decisions he is likely to have.

BuffaloBisonsHockey

My choice is 1968 Bob Gibson.

Wins...22
Loss...9
Games Started 34
Complete games 28
Shutouts 13
Innings pitched 304
Strike outs 268
Walks 62

and the most impressive...

ERA.....1.12

frankhardy

They changed the height of the mound the very next season because of Gibson's 1968 season.

baseballfan

i would vote for gibson's 68 season
then
walter johnson's season,

i think your right its diffucult to compare eras and seasons with that type of length between seasons

edmundfitzgerald

I would also include Mariano Rivera in this discussion. You could count on one hand the amount
of blown saves he had one season. I don't know his numbers offhand, but they were very good.

otwcards

If we're talking closers, then we have to include Dennis Eckersley. He had some absolutely outrageous seasons out of the pen and never seemed to walk anyone.

jaxxr

In 1968 Gibson, threw 305 innings, posted a great 1.12 ERA, the league averaged 2.90 in ERA, Gibby bettered the ave. by 1.78, during his 22-9 season.

Walter J. back in 1913, threw 346 innings, had a remarkable 1.14 ERA, the league averaged 2.96, the Big Train topped the ave. by 1.82, a bit better than Gibson's, while compiling a fine 36-7 rtecord.

The very most dominant season was had by Pedro M. in 2000, though he did not win 20, and threw only 208 innings, so probably not quite the feat when compared to Gibson or Walter. He had an ERA of 1.74, while the league averaged 5.07.

Great fun, and very interesting to rate ERA, strikeouts, WHIP, and other contributory stats for hurlers, though the object of the game is to WIN, the most possible times you can. When the game is "in-hand" a pitcher may let up a bit, might give up a hit or two, a run or two, but bears down when it really counts.
Many factors come into play with respect to W-L percentage, not ALL due to pitcher excellence, however,....
Guidry's tremendous season of 25-3 remains a truly tremendous feat, and should be considered among, if not the, most impressive performance by a starting pitcher for a full season.

Mickey71

Honestly, everyone who was named in this whole thread is worthy. I believe if it was purely math it would be Pedro based on the league ERA at the time. I think many people forget just how dominant he was. I think he was a turd but he was a great pitcher. I think being weird cost him at least 2 Cy Young awards.
Mickey71

stown

Mike Scott in 1986

He pitched a no-hitter to clinch the division.

Treetop

<< <i>My choice is 1968 Bob Gibson.

Wins...22
Loss...9
Games Started 34
Complete games 28
Shutouts 13
Innings pitched 304
Strike outs 268
Walks 62

and the most impressive...

ERA.....1.12 >>



How the Hell did he lose 9 games with those numbers!! What was his run support per game average?