Baseball has long celebrated the artistry of pitching, and throughout the sport’s rich history, a select group of hurlers has left an indelible mark on the game. From overpowering fastballs to devastating breaking balls, the following pitchers are widely regarded as the best ever to take the mound.
In this list, we’ll explore the legends whose records and performances have cemented them as the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
10. Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson is the epitome of pitching toughness and one of the best baseball pitchers of all time. Known for his fierce competitiveness and overpowering fastball, Gibson’s legacy is built on his explosive delivery and intimidating presence in the mound. The two-time World Series champion and twice Cy Young winner posted a remarkable 2.91 ERA over his 17-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Gibson’s 1968 season remains one of the best pitching years in history, when he posted a staggering 1.12 ERA, a modern era record that still stands today. His postseason performances were also legendary, where he recorded a 7-2 World Series record and a 1.89 ERA, earning him a reputation as one of the most feared pitchers in October.
9. Tom Seaver
Tom Seaver, affectionately known as “Tom Terrific,” is often regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the New York Mets. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Seaver was the anchor of the Mets’ pitching staff during their miraculous 1969 World Series championship season.
Seaver’s career ERA of 2.86 and 3,640 strikeouts places him among the top pitchers ever. He was known for his pinpoint control, tremendous durability, and his ability to consistently perform at the highest level. Seaver’s induction into the Hall of Fame with 98.8% of the vote is a testament to his excellence.
8. Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux may not have had the overpowering fastball like some of his peers, but he compensated with unparalleled control and baseball intelligence. Over his 23-year career, Maddux amassed 355 wins and 18 Gold Glove Awards, making him not only one of the best baseball pitchers of his era but also one of the most versatile.
Known for his mastery of the strike zone, Maddux’s career 3.16 ERA is a testament to his ability to make batters miss despite lacking elite velocity. His four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995 highlights his dominance during the 1990s as one of the best baseball pitchers ever.
7. Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax’s career is a perfect example of brilliance in a brief time. The left-handed pitcher played just 12 seasons, yet he achieved legendary status with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Koufax was the epitome of dominance in the 1960s, winning three Cy Young Awards and an MVP in 1963.
His career ERA of 2.76, combined with his five no-hitters (including a perfect game), makes him one of the most remarkable pitchers in history. Koufax’s postseason performances were equally awe-inspiring, with a 0.95 ERA in the World Series and key performances in leading the Dodgers to four World Series titles.
6. Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens is one of the most accomplished pitchers of all time, with seven Cy Young Awards to his name—the most of any pitcher in MLB history. Clemens’s career spanned 24 seasons, and he dominated both with the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as with the New York Yankees.
With 354 career wins and a 3.12 ERA, Clemens was known for his fierce competitiveness, remarkable velocity, and ability to rack up strikeouts with 4,672 in total. Clemens’s career was highlighted by several dominant years, including a 1.87 ERA in 2005, and he was one of the most feared pitchers of the 1980s and 1990s.
5. Christy Mathewson
One of the first true pitching legends in Major League Baseball, Christy Mathewson’s career stretched from 1900 to 1916. Mathewson was known for his composure on the mound and his devastating “fadeaway” pitch, which is now considered the precursor to the modern screwball.
A two-time Triple Crown winner (leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts), Mathewson amassed 373 career wins and a 2.13 ERA. His remarkable postseason performances helped the New York Giants win multiple pennants, and his Hall of Fame induction in 1936 solidified his place as one of baseball’s most revered pitchers.
4. Randy Johnson
Randy Johnson’s imposing presence on the mound was matched only by his devastating fastball and slider. Standing at 6’10”, Johnson’s size made him one of the most intimidating pitchers of all time. Over a 22-year career, Johnson amassed 303 wins, 4,875 strikeouts (second-most in MLB history), and five Cy Young Awards.
His career 3.29 ERA and 10.61 strikeouts per 9 innings are a testament to his dominance as one of the best baseball pitchers. The Big Unit’s crowning achievement came in 2001 when he led the Arizona Diamondbacks to a World Series victory, earning World Series MVP honors.
3. Pedro Martinez
Pedro Martinez was a maestro on the mound, using his impeccable control, devastating changeup, and explosive fastball to dominate hitters during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Martinez, who had a career ERA of 2.93 and 3,154 strikeouts, is widely considered one of the best pitchers of all time.
His 1999 and 2000 seasons, where he posted a combined average ERA of 1.90, remain some of the most dominant pitching performances in modern history. Martinez was key to the Boston Red Sox’s 2004 World Series title, breaking the team’s 86-year championship drought.
2. Cy Young
Cy Young’s name is synonymous with greatness in pitching. With 511 career wins, a mark that still stands as the most in MLB history, Young was the definition of durability and consistency. His career spanned 22 seasons from 1890 to 1911.
Young’s career ERA of 2.63 was exceptional for his era, and his ability to eat up innings helped him to set numerous pitching records. The Cy Young Award, given annually to the best pitcher in the major leagues, was named in his honor, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential players in baseball history.
1. Walter Johnson
At the top of our list is Walter Johnson, widely regarded as the best pitcher of all time. Johnson’s 21-year career with the Washington Senators was filled with legendary accomplishments, including 417 wins and a career ERA of 2.17. Known for his blistering fastball, which was one of the fastest of its time, Johnson was virtually unhittable throughout his career.
He still holds the record for the most career shutouts (110) and his strikeouts total (3,508) stood as the record for many years. His dominance over his contemporaries, combined with his longevity, makes him the undisputed top pitcher in baseball history.
Conclusion
The greatest pitchers in baseball history have not only defined eras but also transcended their time on the mound. From Walter Johnson’s unmatched shutout record to Cy Young’s legendary career wins, these legends have set the standard for future generations.
Whether measured by championships, ERA, or sheer dominance, these top 10 pitchers are the pinnacle of baseball excellence, each leaving an unforgettable imprint on the sport’s rich history.
