20 Best Pitchers of All Time

Cy Young

One of baseball’s 20 finest pitchers, Cy Young has left an everlasting impression on the sport with his abilities and record-breaking accomplishments. He was born Denton True Young in 1867 and pitched at an elite level from 1890 until 1911.

Young’s 511 career victories are a baseball record that stands today. His durability, consistency, and mound domination put him apart. Young’s control and ability to pitch deep allowed him to record an unprecedented amount of complete games and innings. His talent and passion to the profession are shown in his famous durability and technique.

Young was a throwing maestro who wasn’t only fast. His curveball and control made him successful. His mobility kept batters off balance and helped him strike out. In 1956, Major League Baseball established the Cy Young Award to honor the finest pitcher in the league, recognizing his impact on the game.

Young had an influence beyond the field and statistics. His sportsmanship, work ethic, and humility earned him respect from teammates, fans, and the baseball community. His flexibility and perseverance under baseball’s shifting rules and environment show.

Youth is connected with pitching excellence. His accomplishments have inspired generations of pitchers to excel. Cy Young’s name is forever carved in baseball history as one of the 20 greatest pitchers of all time.

Walter Johnson

Walter Johnson, a baseball icon, is one of the 20 Best Pitchers of All Time due to his talent, determination, and commitment. Johnson’s career, from the early 20th century through the late 1920s, left an everlasting effect on the sport.

Johnson was a phenomenal pitcher known for his velocity. He was 6 feet 1 inch tall and had a fluent, muscular delivery that allowed his fastball to reach unparalleled speeds for his period. This provided him a mound edge, confusing hitters and garnering him the moniker “The Big Train.” His sweeping curveball and fastball showed his flexibility as a pitcher.

Johnson stands out for his consistency and longevity. He set a baseball record with 417 victories in 21 seasons with the Washington Senators. His 2.17 lifetime ERA underlines his dominance on the mound.

Johnson’s effect on the game goes beyond stats. He modeled sportsmanship and devotion for future athletes. His humility and dedication to his club made him a popular figure in his day and among baseball fans today.

Johnson won two MVP honors, several pitching crowns, and the 1924 World Series. He was instrumental in the game’s progression from the Deadball Era to power-hitting.

Lefty Grove

Lefty, born Robert Moses Grove in 1900, played baseball’s golden age. His left-handed pitching made a lasting effect on the game, earning him many plaudits. He was unmatched in his field, as shown by his 1931 31-win season. Grove’s fastball, curveball, and changeup confused even the best batters.

Lefty Grove stands out for his dependability. He has 300 victories and a 3.06 ERA in his distinguished career. His nearly two decades of dominance led the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox to many triumphs. Grove’s two Triple Crowns showed his superiority in pitching statistics.

Grove’s influence on pitching mechanics transcends numbers. His accuracy, strategy, and discipline inspired ambitious pitchers. His influence shaped generations of pitchers.

Lefty Grove lives on in baseball fans’ memories and statistics. His 1947 Baseball Hall of Fame entry solidified his immortality. His name symbolizes excellence, reminding us that brilliance requires unflinching passion and craft commitment.

Sandy Koufax

Sandy Koufax, a baseball icon, is one of the 20 finest pitchers of all time due to his skill and accomplishments. Koufax, born in 1935, was a successful Dodgers pitcher in the 1960s.

Left-handed pitcher Koufax was known for his velocity and deadly curveball. He had unmatched strike zone precision, confusing batters with his deceptive deliveries. His 12-year career ERA of 2.76 and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings demonstrate his excellence.

During his best years from 1962 to 1966, Koufax secured his legacy. Having won three Cy Young Awards in a row shows his domination on the field. The 1965 World Series MVP award and Dodgers’ second World Series title in three years were his greatest accomplishments. He pitched two complete-game shutouts on two days of rest in that series, demonstrating his unequaled dedication and brilliance.

Koufax’s effect went beyond numbers. Fans and experts wondered what he may have accomplished if he hadn’t retired at 30 due to arm issues. This choice enhanced his mystique by emphasizing his rapid success.

His 1972 entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame, his effect on future pitchers, and his field domination cement his status as one of the finest pitchers of all time. Koufax’s talent, determination, and throwing method revolution made him a baseball hero and a deserving member of the 20 finest pitchers of all time.

Greg Maddux

Over two decades, Maddux excelled on the field. His four Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995 demonstrate his dominance at the time. Not only could Maddux throw fastballs, but he also understood the game. His pitches were precisely placed, making it hard for batters to predict his next move.

Maddux was known for his superb control. He constantly placed pitches precisely, hitting the strike zone corners with surgical accuracy. He became an artist on the mound, molding at-bats with grace and technique.

Maddux’s durability and consistency cement his place among the best pitchers. His 355 career wins demonstrate his long-term success. Though his velocity faded with age, his cleverness and expertise allowed him to outfox batters.

Off the field, Maddux’s reputation as a student and guide to younger players makes him outstanding. Many prospective pitchers were inspired by his work ethic and determination.

Finally, Greg Maddux is one of the 20 greatest pitchers ever. His extraordinary mix of knowledge, skill, and creativity changed pitching and forever changed the sport. As baseball fans and experts look back, Maddux is a pitching legend.

Roger Clemens

Clemens’ seven Cy Young Awards demonstrate his unmatched consistency and pitching domination. His 354 wins put him in the uncommon 300-win club in contemporary baseball. Few pitchers have maintained as high performance as Clemens did as he matured due to his devotion to his profession.

He was known as The Rocket for his strength and accuracy. He terrorized batters with his fastball and breaking pitches, which reached unbelievable speeds. Clemens’ aggressiveness and tempo management showed his superior strategic skills on the field.

Besides numbers, Clemens had a huge effect on his teams. His competitiveness and leadership drove his teams’ success. He helped the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros win divisions and championships. He inspired teammates and created a winning culture off the field.

Clemens’ career included performance-enhancing drug charges. However, his accomplishments and efforts make him one of baseball’s most renowned pitchers. His legacy has inspired a generation of pitchers.

In baseball history, Roger Clemens represents skill, dedication, and longevity. Multiple Cy Young Awards, an incredible win total, and a history of leadership place him among the 20 Best Pitchers of All Time.

Tom Seaver

Seaver, born November 17, 1944, became a superstar when the Mets chose him in 1967. The National League Rookie of the Year in his debut season, “Tom Terrific,” made an impact. Seaver wowed fans and opponents with his dominance on the mound throughout his career.

Seaver’s adaptability defined him. A fiery fastball, biting slider, and deadly changeup were among his many offerings. This variety of pitches and his command helped him to deceive batters and rack up strikeouts. He reached 3,000 strikeouts in his distinguished career.

His three Cy Young Awards show that Seaver was the league’s greatest pitcher during those seasons. Five league strikeout records and 12 All-Star selections solidified his status as a baseball legend. Seaver was key to the 1969 New York Mets World Series success, cementing his status as a champion.

His career statistics demonstrate his consistency and superiority. Seaver is one of the all-time leaders in ERA and wins with 2.86 and 311. Beyond the numbers, his legacy has inspired generations of pitchers to work hard like him.

Tom Seaver’s legacy goes beyond baseball. Sportsmanship and brilliance made him a game ambassador, beloved by peers and fans. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992 for his lasting effect. Tom Seaver is still considered one of the 20 greatest pitchers of all time, a benchmark for future pitchers.

Randy Johnson

Johnson wowed batters with his pitch repertoire throughout his career. His powerful slider and 100-mph fastball shocked batters. This devastating mix of velocity and movement led to 4,875 strikeouts, the second-most in baseball history.

Johnson stood out for his consistency and longevity. Over two decades, he won five Cy Young Awards, proving his dominance as the league’s finest pitcher. He became one of the rare pitchers to surpass 300 wins. Johnson’s performance helped the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners reach the playoffs and World Series.

His skills went beyond the regular season. Johnson was nicknamed “The Big Unit.” after his postseason efforts showed his resilience. His Game 7 bullpen outing in the 2001 World Series, where he threw on short rest and clinched the Diamondbacks’ triumph, is legendary.

Johnson’s effect went beyond baseball achievements. His devotion, tenacity, and work ethic encouraged generations of pitchers to succeed. His domination altered the game, and current pitchers still follow his example.

Christy Mathewson

Mathewson, born in 1880, became famous during the “Deadball Era,” when pitching was crucial. He stood out by controlling the ball’s movement and position. Mathewson’s “fadeaway” (later the screwball) and other deliveries kept batters off balance.

Mathewson’s stats show his domination. Few have exceeded his 373 career victories. His career 2.13 ERA and 79 shutouts demonstrate his mound expertise. Mathewson won three complete games in the 1905 World Series, demonstrating his resilience.

Beyond his accomplishments, Mathewson’s effect on game ethics and sportsmanship is immense. He embodied baseball’s fairness and respect. He was remembered for his sportsmanship and leadership, not simply his wins.

Off the field, Mathewson’s writing and broadcasts helped promote the game. Beyond playing, he shaped the sport’s legacy.

Mathewson’s 1925 TB death halted even greater achievements. However, he is in the Baseball Hall of Fame and has inspired generations of players with his skill, character, and determination.

Bob Gibson

Gibson played professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1959 through 1975. His tremendous right arm drove him to pitching success. Gibson, known for his intimidating mound appearance, had a confusing arsenal of pitches. His fastball, slider, and lethal curveball kept batters guessing.

Gibson’s under-pressure performance made him one of the best. He won three full games, including Game 7, in the 1967 World Series, demonstrating his clutchness. This feat demonstrated his stamina, mental toughness, and high-stakes skills.

Gibson is even more outstanding due to his statistics. He won two Cy Youngs (1968 and 1970) and nine All-Stars. He had a 1.12 ERA in 1968, a season noted for pitching domination, one of the best in baseball history. His 2.91 career ERA and 251 complete games show his consistency and endurance.

Gibson’s legacy extends beyond his own achievements to future pitchers. His strong competition and unrelenting drive to excellence inspired ambitious athletes. His legacy continues on via his records, awards, and impact on sports culture.

Gibson entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981 for his achievements. His name is associated with pitching brilliance and shows what can be accomplished with skill, hard effort, and perseverance. Bob Gibson, one of baseball’s 20 greatest pitchers, is a symbol of pitching brilliance.

Pedro Martinez

Pedro Martinez, one of the 20 greatest baseball pitchers ever, is undoubtedly one of the finest. Martinez, born in the Dominican Republic on October 25, 1971, had a tremendous career from 1992 to 2009, leaving an everlasting impression on the sport.

Martinez was a master pitcher because to his velocity, movement, and control. He stunned batters with his electric fastball, devastating changeup, and vicious breaking ball. He frequently struck out opponents and limited walks due to his precise precision in ball trajectory manipulation.

Martinez’s peak performance in the “steroid era.” in the late 1990s and early 2000s sets him apart. Martinez remained unbeaten despite this era’s offensive boom. In 1999 and 2000, he won the Cy Young Award twice, demonstrating his unmatched consistency and ability.

Martinez’s 1999 Boston Red Sox season, when he struck out 313 hitters in 213.1 innings with a 2.07 ERA, was one of his most memorable. His 2000 season was as impressive, with a 1.74 ERA and 284 strikeouts in 217 innings. In an era of potent offenses, these numbers show his ability to overpower batters.

Martinez’s effect went beyond his performances. He led on and off the field with competition, work ethic, and sportsmanship. Beyond numbers, he inspired teammates and the baseball community.

Pedro Martinez was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015 for his legendary career. His legacy continues on through his numbers, game influence, and player and fan adoration. Pedro Martinez belongs to the 20 greatest baseball pitchers of all time due to his unmatched talents and accomplishments.

Warren Spahn

From 1942 until 1965, Spahn was a dominant pitcher and long-lived. His 363 wins are the most by a left-handed pitcher in MLB history, demonstrating his ability to outthink and outmaneuver opponents. In a pitching-rich era, his 14 All-Star selections and 1957 Cy Young Award showed his dependability.

Batters were confused by Spahn’s sweeping curveball, a master of control and deception. His strategic skills helped him succeed as the game changed. A remarkable 63 shutouts demonstrate his skill. His 1963 16-inning scoreless pitching duel with fellow star Juan Marichal, the longest in MLB history, showed his mental toughness and determination.

Spahn set a high standard on and off the field, going beyond stats. He returned to baseball to extend his legacy after World War II, which strengthened his passion. Mentoring younger players showed his dedication to the sport’s progress.

Spahn was properly elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973 for his great achievements. His legacy lives on in talks of the best pitchers. Warren Spahn’s ability to produce at the greatest level, reinvent the game, and inspire generations makes him one of baseball’s top 20 pitchers.

Steve Carlton

Carlton is known for his left-handed pitching, and his career stats show it. The top pitcher in this category, he has 4,136 strikeouts in his career. His consistency in striking out hitters showed his pitching prowess.

The 1972 Philadelphia Phillies season was Carlton’s greatest accomplishment. His 27-10 record was impressive considering the Phillies only won 59 games that year. He won the Cy Young Award for his domination and talent.

Durability and lifespan were also notable for Carlton. He typically threw over 200 innings every season, demonstrating his durability. Workhorse mindset helped his team succeed, and his leadership on and off the field made him important to any squad.

One of Carlton’s most memorable experiences was reaching 300 career victories. This made him one of the best pitchers in baseball history. His devotion to excellence and workmanship set him apart from his peers.

Carlton influenced young pitchers beyond statistics. His unconventional training methods, including visualization and mental preparation, helped explain pitching psychology.

Nolan Ryan

Baseball icon Nolan Ryan is one of the 20 Best Pitchers of All Time due to his exceptional talent and accomplishments. Ryan’s pitching talent shaped the sport for 27 seasons.

Ryan is well known for his amazing fastball, which reached previously inconceivable speeds. He still holds the baseball record with 5,714 strikeouts, because of his velocity and durability. His ability to overwhelm batters secured his field supremacy.

Ryan is distinguished for his longevity and consistency. Another all-time record, his seven no-hitters, demonstrates his long-term excellence. His perseverance and devotion to his art kept him competitive into his 40s, proving his skill.

Ryan’s effect goes beyond stats. He inspired many pitchers to persevere and achieve greatness. He was an icon in the sport for his ferocious competition and courage in the face of adversities, inspiring teammates and fans.

After playing, Ryan made significant contributions to the game. He remained in baseball as an executive and mentor, teaching future pitchers. His records and the many pitchers he motivated to push themselves live on.

Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw’s pitches are unmatched. His fastball, curveball, and slider, along with his control, terrorize batters. His curveball is considered one of baseball’s greatest. His success has come from deceiving batters and inducing swings and misses.

Awards attest to Kershaw’s excellence. He’s won many Cy Young Awards as his league’s finest pitcher. Three Cy Young Awards in four years between 2011 and 2014 indicate his peak supremacy. He has also topped the league in ERA several times, demonstrating his consistency.

Kershaw has excelled in the postseason. His playoff efforts dispelled initial reservations. His great performances on crucial occasions have disproven the idea of failing under pressure.

Kershaw’s effect goes beyond stats. Their leadership on and off the field, his work ethic, and his passion inspire his teammates. His dedication to his art and his team’s achievements has made him a sports role model.

Mariano Rivera

Rivera’s cut fastball confused batters throughout his career, enabling his pitching domination. This pitch’s late and crisp action helped him induce many ground ball outs and strikeouts, making him MLB’s all-time saves leader. His mental tenacity and game knowledge allowed him to control and target this pitch with perfect precision under enormous duress.

Beyond numbers, Rivera’s effect on his team and the sport is immense. His calmness under duress earned him the nickname “The Sandman,” as he frequently delivered in key moments, winning Yankees games. His leadership and presence in the bullpen reassured teammates and spectators, making him a role model for aspiring pitchers.

Rivera’s postseason performance stands out. At the biggest stakes, he shined with 42 postseason saves and a 0.70 ERA. His World Series performances were legendary, shutting out opposition teams and helping the Yankees win many titles.

Rivera’s modesty and sportsmanship enhanced his legacy. He was revered off the field and a strong force on it. His passion to his art, respect for the game, and community service made him exceptional.

Juan Marichal

Marichal was a mound deception master with exquisite control and a captivating high leg kick. His unusual windup intimidated opponents and helped him keep a low ERA. Marichal’s powerful curveball confused batters and resulted to many strikeouts.

Marichal was a legend due to his consistency and longevity. He pitched almost 3,500 innings and 243 full games, demonstrating his durability and commitment. He dominated opposing hitters year after year with his impressive win-loss record and many 20-win seasons.

Marichal’s awards show his effect on the sport. Three-time National League ERA champion and nine-time All-Star. In 1963, he captivated spectators with a 16-inning shutout that showed his physical and mental strength. Marichal’s 1983 Baseball Hall of Fame entry cemented his immortality.

Marichal’s legacy includes sportsmanship, leadership, and on-field accomplishments. He inspired generations of players with his respect for the game, his opponents, and his teammates. His accomplishments inspired a new generation of Latino Major League Baseball players.

Whitey Ford

Ford’s smart throwing and control were his strengths. He stood out for his curveball and changeup deception and ability to nail the strike zone corners. The “Chairman of the Board,” Ford’s pitching mastery earned him the title.

Ford’s tremendous accomplishments distinguish him as an excellent pitcher. He was a 10-time All-Star and helped the New York Yankees win many World Series in the 1950s and early 1960s. His 33 consecutive scoreless innings in the World Series set a record, demonstrating his clutch ability in high-pressure situations.

Ford’s leadership and mentoring in the Yankees’ clubhouse affected the game beyond stats and statistics. His professionalism and willingness to mentor younger players added intangible value to his stellar résumé.

Ford won a Cy Young Award in 1961 with a 25-4 record and a 3.21 ERA. His 236 career victories and 2.75 ERA demonstrate his pitching expertise. His consistency, durability, and domination make him among the sport’s best pitchers.

Bert Blyleven

Blyleven’s career, from 1970 to 1992, was distinguished by his many talents. He is unique in his ability to control the game with his pitching. Blyleven’s notorious curveball left batters powerless with its quick snap. His pitch variety and control helped him to strike out 3,701 hitters in his career, cementing his exceptional status.

Blyleven’s consistency throughout time was amazing. His 22 seasons with an ERA below 4.00 showed his longevity and reliability on the mound. He went the distance and dominated his opponents with 242 full games and 60 shutouts. This sustained performance confirms his standing as a pitching wonder.

Blyleven’s honors demonstrate his excellence. He won two World Series titles in 1979 and 1987, establishing his individual and team significance. In 2011, the Baseball Hall of Fame inducted him for his pitching skills, cementing his status as a legend.

Blyleven influenced teammates and the baseball community beyond numbers and trophies. His work ethic, devotion, and sportsmanship inspired pitchers and other athletes. Sharing his expertise and thoughts showed his dedication to the sport and its players.

Bert Blyleven is one of baseball’s 20 greatest pitchers. His expertise, consistency, and enduring effect on the game made him a mound giant who will forever be remembered by baseball fans worldwide.

Tom Glavine

Glavine’s baseball control is his greatest strength. His precise precision let him to target the strike zone corners, making it difficult for batters to hit. This skill led to many strikeouts and ground balls, demonstrating his ability to overpower all hitters.

Glavine’s steadiness is vital to his legacy. He performed well year after year during his career. This steadiness earned him nearly 300 career victories, a rare feat for a pitcher. Glavine’s endurance and adaptability kept him a force over the years.

Glavine’s honors enhance his accomplishments. Two Cy Young Awards, given to the greatest pitcher in each league, recognized his domination throughout those seasons. His crucial participation in the Atlanta Braves’ several division victories and 1995 World Series win secures his place in baseball history.

His significance goes beyond awards and stats. Glavine was noted for his work ethic, sportsmanship, and leadership off the field. His devotion to his job and desire to assist younger players earned him baseball respect.

Glavine excels in lifespan and flexibility. His ability to go from power to finesse pitching as he aged shows his comprehension of the game and his willingness to change with it.