Two of this year’s HOF picks figure in this quiz, as does an active pitcher who, perhaps surprisingly, is still looking for a place to play next season.
What seasonal pitching accomplishment has been recorded by only these live ball era pitchers?
| Rk | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Roger Clemens |
| 2 | Lefty Grove |
| 3 | Randy Johnson |
| 4 | Sandy Koufax |
| 5 | Curt Schilling |
| 6 | Max Scherzer |
| 7 | Pedro Martinez |
| 8 | Don Newcombe |
| 9 | Sal Maglie |
| 10 | Spud Chandler |
| 11 | Red Ruffing |
Congratulations to Richard Chester, Joseph and mosc who teamed up to identify that only these pitchers have consecutive 200 IP seasons since 1920 with a .750 winning percentage and a 125 ERA+. Red Ruffing may be the most surprising name on the list given that he also had consecutive seasons with 30 decisions and a winning percentage under .300 (the only pitcher with two such campaigns, consecutive or otherwise). More after the jump.
Here are those seasons.
| Rk | Name | Yrs | Seasons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roger Clemens | 2 | 1997-98 | Ind. Seasons |
| 2 | Lefty Grove | 4 | 1928-31 | Ind. Seasons |
| 3 | Randy Johnson | 2 | 2001-02 | Ind. Seasons |
| 4 | Sandy Koufax | 4 | 1963-66 | Ind. Seasons |
| 5 | Curt Schilling | 2 | 2001-02 | Ind. Seasons |
| 6 | Max Scherzer | 2 | 2013-14 | Ind. Seasons |
| 7 | Pedro Martinez | 2 | 1999-2000 | Ind. Seasons |
| 8 | Don Newcombe | 2 | 1955-56 | Ind. Seasons |
| 9 | Sal Maglie | 2 | 1950-51 | Ind. Seasons |
| 10 | Spud Chandler | 2 | 1942-43 | Ind. Seasons |
| 11 | Red Ruffing | 2 | 1938-39 | Ind. Seasons |
Is this black ink related? Something to do with low walks in an historically good season maybe?
Nothing to do with walks.
ERA+, K to Walk ratio involved?
ERA+ is involved, but not SO/BB ratio.
So Don Newcomb never had a super high ERA+ qualifying season, best he managed was 131 in 1956. 130+ qualifying is a pretty low threshold but it’s low enough for Scherzer’s 2013 only. Comparing those two, the only thing that sticks out is the black ink for wins and win percentage. Verlander’s 2011 though had more wins, better win percentage, and higher ERA+ so I don’t seem to have anything…
You’re closer than you think.
20 wins, .750 win percentage, 130 ERA+, and something silly like <2 balks or <7 wild pitches?
The .750 winning percentage is right on, and the 130 ERA+ is close.
Wins are not part of it, and there’s nothing “silly” for the rest.
Look closely at the seasons for these players and see if you can’t spot the difference from other players who have turned in the same campaigns.
At least .750 win percentage in consecutive years?
They all had 2 consecutive seasons of .750+ W-L% and 125+ ERA+ but so did Jimmy Key.
Correct.
So, there’s one more qualifier.
They all had 2 consecutive seasons of .750+ W-L% and 125+ ERA+ plus K>200?
No, that’s not it. Santana did that.
The 200 is right, but not the Ks.
Without looking I’ll guess more than 200 IP.
Seasonal pitching accomplishment is multiple seasons, gah. I think I would have gotten it if I knew it was multiple seasons. Someday I’ll get one of these Doug.