Quote:
Originally Posted by slotdirt
God rest his soul, but dang, was Catfish Hunter just not that good. Worst modern starting pitcher in the HOF, easily.
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This is debatable. He was not only good but for a 5 year period (1971-1975) extremely good. During that time his record:
111-49
2.65 era
190 starts/96 CG
1.027 whip
He won a single Cy Young but finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th during that time as well.
He won 20 games 5 times in a row (I know wins aren't a great measure but 5 in a row in rare in baseball history)
He is remembered in an unkind light because his last three years he was not very good because of injuries no doubt brought on by the insane number of innings he threw the last year in Oakland and first 2 in NY. He doesn't rank among the very best pitchers in history but he certainly deserved to be inducted.
As for the worst pitcher in modern history, that may be a little harsh
he was a better pitcher or at least as good as:
Phil Niekro
Don Drysdale
Waite Hoyt
Fergie Jenkins
Gaylord Perry
Robin Roberts
Red Ruffing
Don Sutton
Early Wynn