Quote:
Originally Posted by UKCardGuy
I know that Whitey Ford wouldn't be everyone's 2nd greatest lefties. But there are loads of stats that back up Whitey being far better than Johnson.
I suppose it depends on the criteria you use. Strikeouts or absolute wins are great stats but they I'd argue that wins % is the better stat here.
At .690 Ford has the best winning percentage of any lefty in history. I'd argue that winning games is THE most important stat.
Ford's stats would have been even better but Casey Stengel used to save Ford for big games. So Ford didn't get as many games in the rotation. So not only did Ford not get as many opportunities, when he did pitch he was pitching against the toughest opposition. That makes his win percentage even more remarkable.
Johnson might have more strikeouts but he still allowed runs. That doesn't do the team a lot of good. Whitey Ford would let batters get on first on second but not to home plate. Ford averaged 2.22 hits per game vs Johnson's 2.76
Ford's career ERA of 2.75 is way better than Johnson's 3.29
In a 16 year major league career, Ford posted an ERA under 3.00 in 11 of those seasons.
Ford's career 2.75 ERA is the 2nd lowest of starting pitchers in the live-ball era.
Ford was consistent throughout his career. Ford had a 1.64 ERA in 1967 (his final season). While Johnson posted a 4.32 ERA in his last 5 seasons.
Johnson's.
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This might be the worst argument in this thread. Then I looked where you are from....London! This isn't cricket pal!!
RJ blows Whitey off the map. Go back to your tea and crumpets!