The mound is a stage of legends, a place where only the greatest have managed to impose their will and defy the odds. Many have shattered unimaginable records and left an everlasting mark on MLB history.

From the dead-ball era to modern baseball, pitchers have been the architects of drama, commanding the game with untouchable fastballs, mesmerizing curves and unshakable composure.

Talking about the best in history means diving into a world of almost mythical feats, like Cy Young and his unreachable 511 wins. But not all of it is ancient history. Which of these titans of the mound truly deserves the throne?

15. Bob Gibson (1959-1975)

Known for his fierce competitiveness and overpowering fastball, Bob Gibson was a key force for the St. Louis Cardinals. His legendary 1968 season, in which he posted a 1.12 ERA, led to a lowering of the pitcher’s mound the following year. A two-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP, his legacy remains one of sheer dominance and intensity.

14. Greg Maddux (1986-2008)

Renowned for his pinpoint control and strategic pitching, Greg Maddux was a master of deception rather than velocity. He won four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995 and finished his career with 355 wins. His ability to outthink hitters and his defensive excellence—winning 18 Gold Gloves—solidified his place among baseball’s greatest pitchers.

13. Roger Clemens (1984-2007)

One of the most dominant and controversial pitchers in MLB history, Roger Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, the most ever. Known for his power pitching and fierce competitiveness, he recorded 4,672 strikeouts and 354 career wins. His longevity and dominance over two decades made him a legend of the game.

12. Clayton Kershaw (2008-Present)

Since his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw has been a consistent force on the mound. With three Cy Young Awards and an MVP title, he has maintained a career 2.49 ERA, standing out for his control and ability to strike out batters.

11. Sandy Koufax (1955-1966)

Despite a relatively short career, Sandy Koufax left an indelible mark on baseball. With the Los Angeles Dodgers, he won three Cy Young Awards and threw four no-hitters, including a perfect game. His dominance from 1961 to 1966 is regarded as one of the highest peaks in pitching history.

10. Pedro Martinez (1992-2009)

At his peak, Pedro Martínez was arguably the most dominant pitcher of his generation. With a lethal mix of fastballs and changeups, he won three Cy Young Awards and posted a career 2.93 ERA. His 1999 season with the Boston Red Sox is considered one of the greatest in pitching history.

9. Cy Young (1890-1911)

Denton “Cy” Young is synonymous with pitching excellence, so much so that the annual award for the best pitcher bears his name. With 511 career wins, he is the all-time leader in this category and also tops the list for complete games with 749. His durability and consistency set standards that still endure in modern baseball.

8. Randy Johnson (1988-2009)

Known as “The Big Unit”, Randy Johnson was an intimidating presence on the mound, standing tall with a devastating fastball. Over his career, he racked up 4,875 strikeouts, ranking second in MLB history. He won five Cy Young Awards and was a key piece in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series championship.

7. Walter Johnson (1907-1927)

Nicknamed “The Big Train”, Walter Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. With a powerful fastball, he amassed 417 wins and 3,509 strikeouts during his career with the Washington Senators. His humility and sportsmanship, along with his dominance on the field, have immortalized him as a legend of the sport.

6. Rube Waddell (1897-1910)

A prodigious and eccentric talent, Rube Waddell was known as much for his unpredictable behavior as for his ability to strike out batters. He led the league in strikeouts for six consecutive seasons and finished his career with 2,316 strikeouts. His colorful personality and dominance on the mound made him one of the most fascinating figures of his era.

5. Christy Mathewson (1900-1916)

Known as “Big Six,” Christy Mathewson epitomized the dominant and gentlemanly pitcher. During his time with the New York Giants, he amassed 373 wins and a 2.13 ERA. His performance in the 1905 World Series, where he threw three consecutive shutouts, remains one of the most impressive feats in baseball history.

4. John Ward (1878-1894)

More than just an outstanding pitcher, John Ward was a true baseball pioneer. In addition to pitching the second perfect game in Major League history in 1880, Ward was a vocal advocate for players’ rights, co-founding the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players, the first professional players’ association. His versatility on the field and leadership off it make him an iconic figure in the sport’s history.

3. Mordecai Brown (1903-1916)

Despite a hand injury that left him with only three functional fingers, Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown turned this adversity into an advantage, developing a pitch with a unique break that baffled hitters. As a key player for the Chicago Cubs, he contributed to World Series championships in 1907 and 1908 and recorded a career 2.06 ERA, showcasing his ability to dominate opponents.

2. Addie Joss (1902-1910)

Nicknamed “The Human Hairpin” for his slender build, Addie Joss was a master of precision and control on the mound. During his career with the Cleveland Naps, he threw two no-hitters, including a perfect game in 1908. His career was tragically cut short due to his premature death from meningitis in 1911, but his impact on the game was so significant that he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978.

1. Ed Walsh (1904-1917)

Known for his devastating spitball, Ed Walsh was a dominant force on the mound during the dead-ball era. Throughout his career with the Chicago White Sox, he amassed an impressive record of 195 wins and a 1.82 ERA, the lowest in MLB history. His durability and endurance allowed him to lead the league in innings pitched multiple seasons, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

The World Series is the pinnacle of glory, the dream of every player who seeks to immortalize their name in the history of the sport. However, some of the greatest players never managed to lift the coveted championship ring.

Names like Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, Ted Williams and Ken Griffey Jr. have left an indelible mark on the diamond, but the World Series crown eluded them. This phenomenon highlights the unpredictable nature of baseball.

Next, we will explore the stories of these Major League Baseball players who, despite not winning the championship, are considered legends for their excellence on the field…

Top 10 MLB players who never won a championship

Ted Williams

Ted Williams is widely celebrated as one of the greatest hitters to ever play the game. His career with the Boston Red Sox, spanning from 1939 to 1960, was a testament to his legendary prowess at the plate.

In a career that featured 19 All-Star selections, two MVP awards and a remarkable .344 career batting average, his offensive achievements were extraordinary. But despite his individual success, he never won a World Series, leaving him with one of the most poignant “what-ifs” in baseball history.

His career was interrupted by his military service during World War II and the Korean War, which cost him several seasons in the prime of his career. Still, he returned to the field and earned a spot in baseball’s history as “The Last .400 Man”, having ended the 1941 season with an unprecedented .406 batting average.

Williams’ legacy is one of missed opportunities for a championship, but his place in baseball immortality remains secure, defined by his unwavering skill and commitment to the game.

Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds’ name is synonymous with power, precision, and controversy. Over a career that spanned from 1986 to 2007 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants, he set the record for the most home runs in a single season (73) and the most in MLB history (762).

But despite his remarkable achievements, he never captured a World Series title, which is a perplexing twist for a player of his caliber. He was selected to 14 All-Star Games and won 7 MVP awards, cementing his place as one of the most dominant forces in the sport.

However, his career is marred by allegations of performance-enhancing drug use, which has sparked ongoing debates over his Hall of Fame eligibility. While Bonds’ legacy as a power hitter is undeniable, his failure to win a championship – especially given his individual accolades – leaves a bittersweet taste, highlighting the difficulty even the most talented players face when it comes to winning the ultimate prize in baseball.

Ken Griffey Jr.

Ken Griffey Jr., known as “The Kid”, was one of the most electrifying players to ever step on a baseball diamond. His blend of power, speed and defensive brilliance made him one of the most complete players of his era.

His career, which included stints with the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox, saw him hit 630 home runs and earn 13 Gold Glove awards, all while establishing himself as a fixture in the All-Star Game for 13 seasons. But despite these monumental personal accomplishments, a World Series title eluded him.

His closest brush with a championship came in 1995 when the Mariners made it to the American League Championship Series, only to fall short. His graceful swing, combined with his extraordinary defensive skills, made him a fan favorite and many still regard him as the best player of his generation.

Yet, as his career came to a close without a championship ring, Griffey’s legacy was left with a bittersweet note — the absence of a title never fully reflecting the extent of his greatness on the field.

Randy Johnson

Randy “The Big Unit” Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history. Standing at 6’10” and possessing a fastball that could top 100 miles per hour, he was a terror for hitters during his illustrious career with teams such as the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros and New York Yankees.

His 303 career victories and 4,875 strikeouts, coupled with 5 Cy Young Awards and 10 All-Star selections, underscore his place as one of the most accomplished pitchers of his era. Yet, for all his individual brilliance, Johnson never won a World Series title.

His closest chance came in 2001, when the Diamondbacks reached the World Series and clinched a victory over the New York Yankees, but he was not on the mound for the clinching game.

Despite this, Johnson’s place in baseball history remains secured, and he will forever be remembered as a pitcher who could dominate any lineup, even if the World Series eluded him.

Frank Thomas

Known as “The Big Hurt” for his intimidating presence at the plate, Frank Thomas is one of the most feared power hitters in MLB history. Over the course of his career with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays, he amassed 521 home runs and 2,468 hits, all while maintaining an on-base percentage of .419, among the highest in the game’s history. His impressive career earned him 5 All-Star selections and 2 MVP awards, but a World Series title was never within his grasp.

Thomas’ White Sox came closest in 2005, when they made it to the American League Championship Series, but the team ultimately fell short. Even without the championship ring, his legacy as one of the most powerful and consistent hitters in the game is undeniable. His approach to hitting and his ability to get on base for years on end solidified his place as one of the most formidable players of his era.

Mike Piazza

Mike Piazza’s name will forever be linked to the history of catching in MLB. Regarded as one of the best offensive catchers ever, his career spanned over two decades, during which he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics.

His 427 home runs, 2,127 hits, and 12 All-Star selections solidified his place among the greats of the game. However, despite his consistent offensive prowess and defensive accolades, including 10 Gold Gloves, he never won a World Series title. His most agonizing near-miss came in 2000 when his Mets faced the New York Yankees in the World Series, only to fall in five games.

Piazza’s legacy is marked by his unique ability to hit for power as a catcher and by his charisma on the field, but his lack of a championship ring remains a tragic footnote to an otherwise stellar career.

Carlos Beltrán

Carlos Beltrán was one of the most complete players of his generation, excelling both offensively and defensively. Over his career, which included stops with the Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers, he amassed 435 home runs and 2,725 hits.

His career also featured 9 All-Star selections and 3 Gold Gloves, with his ability to perform in the postseason earning him the reputation of a clutch performer. Yet, despite his long and successful career, he never secured a World Series title.

His closest approach came in 2017 when the Houston Astros made it to the World Series, but he retired that same year, leaving him just shy of the ultimate prize. His legacy is highlighted by his all-around ability and his significant postseason performances, even though he was denied a championship in a career that deserved one.

Jeff Bagwell

Jeff Bagwell was one of the defining figures of the Houston Astros, renowned for his exceptional hitting and fielding ability. Over his 15-year career with the Astros, he accumulated 449 home runs and 2,314 hits, earning him 4 All-Star selections and an MVP award in 1994.

His offensive consistency, combined with his solid defense at first base, made him one of the best all-around players of his generation. However, despite his success, Bagwell never won a World Series title.

His closest brush with championship glory came in 2005, when the Astros made it to the World Series, only to fall to the Chicago White Sox. Bagwell’s legacy as one of the game’s finest players is secure, even though the elusive World Series championship remained out of reach throughout his career.

Don Mattingly

Don Mattingly, affectionately known as “Donnie Baseball”, was the face of the New York Yankees during the 1980s and early 1990s. His career with the Yankees was marked by his stellar hitting and exceptional fielding, earning him 9 Gold Gloves and 6 All-Star selections.

He was the embodiment of consistency, collecting 2,153 hits and 222 home runs in his career. However, despite his considerable individual success, he never won a World Series. His closest opportunity came in 1981 when the Yankees were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

His legacy as one of the most beloved Yankees of all time is secure, but his failure to secure a championship ring is one of the enduring “what-ifs” of baseball history.

Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan is a name that transcends generations in baseball. Known for his blazing fastball and unrivaled durability, he remains one of the most dominant pitchers the game has ever seen.

Over his 27-year career with the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, he accumulated 324 wins, 5,714 strikeouts, and 7 no-hitters. His 8 All-Star selections and 1 Cy Young award further cement his place among the game’s elite. However, despite his individual brilliance, his career is incomplete without a World Series title.

Despite coming close with both the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, a championship remained elusive for him. Ryan’s legacy is one of sheer power and longevity, as well as an unshakable presence on the mound, but the absence of a World Series ring serves as a stark reminder of how challenging it is to win the ultimate prize in baseball.

Scherzer has been one of the most dominant and efficient pitchers in the world since entering the league, and he’s been flawless since moving to the West Coast. Now, the Dodgers are tied with the Giants at the top of the NL West.

Mad Max’s presence has given the Dodgersanother ace to boost their already impressive rotation — like they needed another star on their roster. And notably, he’s on the verge of making history and taking down one of Randy Johnson’s craziest records.

Dodgers News: Max Scherzer Is On The Verge Of Breaking One Of Randy Johnson’s Records

“Max Scherzer has 36 games with 9+ Ks and 0 BB. That’s tied for the 2nd-most in AL/NL history with Clayton Kershaw. He only trails Randy Johnson, who had 41,” reported MLB Stats and Info.

Scherzer has been lights out recently. The team is 6-0 in his starts and he’s posted a 1.29 ERA, holding his rivals to a .172 batting average. Moreover, he’s struck out 50 hitters in 35.0 inningsand has 3 games of 9+ Ks and 0 walksthroughout the season.

Even if Scherzer doesn’t come back next season as a free agent. It’s clear that the Dodgers made the right move to boost their chances and defend their crown as reigning World Series champions. He’s just a bad man.

Also, with all the injuries they’ve dealt with in the starting rotation, the uncertainty about Trevor Bauer’s future, and the struggles of their bullpen; Dave Roberts will be thrilled to know that he can always rely on one of the greatest pitchers of his generation.

Other Top Stories:

• Mets singing of Brad Hand was not met well by fans on social media

• Trevor Bauer could cost the Dodgers $80+ million and never play again

• Which will be the 2021 MLB playoffs format?

However, that’s an extremely tricky question by definition. Are we putting together relievers with starting pitchers? Which factors are we taking into consideration? Is it their pitching repertoire? Is it skill, direction, control, power, speed? is it their record? awards matter or do we go beyond the stats?

So, to try and put that conversation to an end we’ve put together a list of the 25 most dominan pitchers ever based on numbers, awards, and intangibles. The ranking is up to debate, as there’s no easy way to put one of these legends ahead of another. So, in no particular order, we’ll give you the ultimate list of greats of the mound:

25. Robin Roberts

Stats: 286-245 W-L, 3.41 ERA, 4,688.2 IP, 2,357 SO, 1.170 WHIP

Robin Roberts was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976 after a long and successful 18-year career in the MLB. He still holds the record for most opening games with one team (12) and is second in allowed home runs with 505.

He was an example of durability and dominance as he completed 305 games throughout his career thanks to his control and accuracy. He constantly tried to dare opposing batters to hit the ball, but it was mostly worthless, as he was a master at using the corners of the strike zone. He made it to 7 All-Star Games and won the ML Player of the Year.

24. Sal Maglie

Stats: 119-62 W-L, 3.15 ERA, 1,723.0 IP, 862 SO, 1.250 WHIP

Sal “The Barber” was known for dominating with inside pitches most hitters just didn’t stand a chance against. He was always in control of the situation and intimidated opposing batters by always keeping them working and worried about potentially being hit by one of his ‘shaves’.

He was a 2-time All-Star and won the World Series back in 1954 and is one of the few players to have played for the Giants, Yankees, and Dodgers when they were all in New York City, before ending his career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

23. Roy Halladay

Stats: 203-105 W-L, 3.38 ERA, 2,749.1 IP, 2,117 SO, 1.178 WHIP

Roy Halladay was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame following a 15-year career in the MLB. He retired as the league’s all-time leader in complete games (67), including 20 shutouts. Also, he threw the league’s 20th perfect game ever.

Halladay was also the 5th player in MLB history to throw multiple no-hitters in the same season thanks to his unorthodox style and powerful 2-steam fastball. Throughout his career, he won 2 Cy Youngs and made it to 8 All-Star Games.

22. Trevor Hoffman

Stats: 61-75 W-L, 601 SV, 2.87 ERA, 1,089.1 IP, 1,133 SO, 1.058 WHIP

Trevor Hoffman is one of the all-time great relievers to ever set foot on a mound. Hell, he even became the first pitcher in MLB history to reach 500 and 600 career saves, which is why he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Hoffman originally played as a shortstop but his poor offense took him to the bullpen, where he’d throw over 95 mph throughout his entire career. He won 2 Rolaids Reliever of the Year award and made it to 7 All-Star Games.

21. Juan Marichal

Stats: 243-142 W-L, 2.89 ERA, 3,507.0 IP, 2,303 SO, 1.101 WHIP

Juan Marichal was one of the first Latin baseball players to make a name for himself in the U.S. His unorthodox style and his high-leg kick were quite intimidating for opposing batters and helped him constantly stay in control of the situation.

His posture helped him hide what was coming and made him one of the most prolific dart-throwers of the 60s. Throughout his career, he won 1 ERA Title, made it to 10 All-Star Games, and won 1 All-Star MVP.

20. Dennis Eckersley

Stats: 197-171 W-L, 390 SV, 3.50 ERA, 3,285.2 IP, 2,401 SO, 1.161 WHIP

Dennis Eckersley could do it all on the mound. He spent a lot of time as a starter, but could also come in late to ease the fire. That’s why he’s one of just two players with a 20-win, 50-save season.

Eckersley was the most dominant closer in MLB during the late 90s and early 2000s. Over his career, he won 1 MVP, Cy Young, ALCS MVP, 2-times Rolaids Reliever of the Year, World Series, and made it to 6 All-Star Games.

19. Gaylord Perry

Stats: 314-265 W-L, 3.11 ERA, 5,350.0 IP, 3,534 SO, 1.181 WHIP

Gaylord Perry is the first pitcher to win the Cy Young award in both leagues. His control, brains, versatility, and durability helped him have a 22-year career where he was the finest example of consistency.

Perry hat 13 straight 15+ win seasons from 1966-78, trailing only Cy Young (15) back then before Greg Maddux (17) passed them both in 2004. He won 2 Cy Youngs and made 5All-Stars Game appearances.

18. Max Scherzer

Stats: 170-89 W-L, 3.20 ERA, 2,290.0 IP, 2,692 SO, 1.092 WHIP

Max Scherzer has been money since making it to the league in 2008, piling up MVP-caliber seasons for over a decade. He’s one of just six pitchers to throw multiple no-hitters in one season, as well as the sixth to win the Cy Young in both leagues.

Scherzer has had his fair share of success throughout his MLB career, piling up 3 Cy Youngs, has made it to 7 All-Star Games, and most recently the World Series with the Washington Nationals. He’s a lock to make it to the Hall of Fame.

17. Nolan Ryan

Stats: 324-292 W-L, 3.19 ERA, 5,386.0 IP, 5,714 SO, 1.247 WHIP

Most pitchers will be out of the league after five years or so, but luckily for this sport, Nolan Ryan wasn’t like most pitchers. As a matter of fact, he stayed in the league for 27 years, which says a lot about his durability, talent, and work ethic.

Ryan had one of the most powerful arms in the history of baseball. Up to this day, he’s still the league’s all-time leader in strikeouts by a long stretch, and his 5,714 strikeouts aren’t likely to be topped ever. Also, he added 8 All-Stars, 2 ERA Titles, and 1 World Series to his resume.

16. Don Drysdale

Stats: 209-166 W-L, 2.95 ERA, 3,432.0 IP, 2,486 SO, 1.148 WHIP

Don Drysdale found the glory with the Los Angeles Dodgers by becoming one of the most reliable guys you could find on a mound. He even threw a record 6 straight shutouts with 58.2 scoreless innings thanks to his ability to find the inside corner every time out there.

Drysdale was such a sensation in Hollywood that he even starred in several movies and TV shows as the fan-favorite in the late 50s and 60s. Throughout his career, he won one Cy Young, 3 World Series, ML Player of the Year award, and made 9 All-Star Appearances.

15. Justin Verlander

Stats: 225-129 W-L, 3.33 ERA, 2,982.9 IP, 3,006 SO, 1.135 WHIP

Justin Verlander has had a Hall of Famer career for sure. He’s one of the most consistent pitchers of the last couple of decades, and even though he’s struggled in the World Series, he’s been money in the postseason year after year.

His 4-steam fastball is still deadly 13 years after his professional debut and it seems like he could turn it up a notch at will. Thus far, he’s won the Rookie of the Year, ML Player of the Year, ERA Title, ALCS MVP, MVP, 2 Cy Youngs (1 unanimous), World Series, 8 All-Star Game Appearances, and one pitcher’s Triple-Crown thanks to his legendary curve.

14. Warren Spahn

Stats: 363-245 W-L, 3.09 ERA, 5,243.2 IP, 2,583 SO, 1.195 WHIP

Back in the day, Warren Spahn was considered to be the greatest leftie pitcher in the history of baseball, a distinction he earned after winning 20+ games in 13 seasons. He was also one of the first to throw multiple no-hitters and reach 300 career victories.

Spahn’s high-kick made him a legend among baseball players back then. He was intimidating, dominant, and had a never-ending bag of tricks to fool opposing hitters. That’s why he won 1 Cy Young, 3 ERA Titles, one World Series, and made it to 17 All-Star Games.

13. Clayton Kershaw

Stats: 169-74 W-L, 2.44 ERA, 2,274.2 IP, 2,464 SO, 1.008 WHIP

Clayton Kershaw will go down as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball once’s all said and done. However, his struggles in the playoffs may dent his legacy unless he finds a way to stay in control and dominate the same way he does in the regular season.

Kershaw’s changeup and movement made him incredibly hard to read for opposing batters. His overhand delivery and the way he hides the ball help him always stay in control and find the lower corners of the strike zone. Thus far, he’s won one Gold Glove, 3 Cy Youngs, 5 ERA Titles, ML Player of the Year, MVP, 8 All-Star Game appearances, and one pitcher’s Triple-Crown.

12. Bob Feller

Stats: 266-162 W-L, 3.25 ERA, 3,827.0 IP, 2,581 SO, 1.316 WHIP

Bob Feller was the man to beat during the early 40s. He led the league in wins 6 times and is the Cleveland Indians’ all-time leader in wins after 16 seasons with the franchise. He even led the team to complete his military service and came back as dominant as ever four years later.

Feller struck out 348 batters as soon as he came back to the league and even had 6 40-game seasons. That’s just the kind of athlete he was. Throughout his career, he won 1 ERA Title, ML Player of the Year, World Series winner, 8 All-Star Game appearances, and the pitcher’s Triple-Crown.

11. Bob Gibson

Stats: 251-174 W-L, 2.91 ERA, 3,884.1 IP, 3,117 SO, 1.1188 WHIP

Bob Gibson is one of the main responsible for the St. Louis Cardinals’ success in the sixties. He was an intimidating guy that thrived off inside pitches and infuriating his rivals. Also, he made some weird and bizarre faces to scare off opposing batters.

Crazy as it may seem, it definitely paid off for him, as he was able to win 1 MVP, 2 Cy Youngs, 9 All-Stars, 9 Gold Gloves, 2 World Series, 2 World Series MVP, 1 ERA Title over his 17-seasons career.

10. Randy Johnson

Stats: 303-166 W-L, 3.29 ERA, 4,135.1 IP, 4,875 SO, 1.171 WHIP

Randy Johnson is one of the 24 pitchers to log 300+ wins in MLB history. Also, he’s the second all-time in strikeouts and is considered to own the most intimidating and powerful fastball the league had ever seen, as it could go over 100 mph with ease during his prime.

However, Johnson made the most of his damage with his deadly slider, the main reason why there were that many swings and misses throughout his 22-year career. He won 5 Cy Youngs, 4 ERA Titles, 10 All-Stars, 1 World Series, 1 World Series MVP, and also the pitcher’s Triple-Crown.

9. Carl Hubbell

Stats: 253-154 W-L, 2.98 ERA, 3,590.1 IP, 1,677 SO, 1.166 WHIP

Hubbell was the first pitcher that truly thrived off the screwball. Even Joe DiMaggio himself claimed once that Hubbel was the most difficult pitcher he had ever faced due to how in control he always was. That often helped him fool his rivals.

He struck out 5 straight players in the 1934 All-Star Game, including the likes of Babe Ruth and Al Simmons. Also, he won 24 straight games from 1936 to 1937, which is the longest streak in MLB history. He piled up 2 MVPs, 3 ERA Titles, ML Player of the Year, World Series, and made it to 9 All-Star Games.

8. Greg Maddux

Stats: 355-227 W-L, 3.16 ERA, 5,008.1 IP, 3,371 SO, 1.143 WHIP

Greg Maddux was a synonym of consistency throughout his entire career. He had 2 20-win seasons, 5 19-win seasons, and 2 18-win seasons and became the first player to ever sign a 100+ million deal thanks to his dominance, intelligence, and durability.

He still holds the record for 17 straight seasons of 15+ wins, piled up 4 straight Cy Youngs (MLB record), 4 ERA Titles, 1 World Series, 18 Gold Gloves, and made 8 All-Star Game appearances.

7. Pedro Martínez

Stats: 219-100 W-L, 2.93 ERA, 2,827.1 IP, 3,154 SO, 1.054 WHIP

Pedro Martínez always brought the fire. He was a born winner, a fierce competitor, and a guy who scared the living hell out of his rivals once he stood on the mound. When he won his 200th game back in 2006, he held the best winning percentage in MLB history for a pitcher with over 350 starts.

Martínez’s unorthodox style was what made him so special. He thrived off of outside pitches but his biggest strength was his control. That, combined with his fastball, curve, and mean circle changeup helped him earn 3 Cy Youngs, 5 ERA Titles, World Series, 8 All-Star Game appearances, 1 All-Star MVP, and the pitcher’s Triple-Crown.

6. Lefty Grove

Stats: 300-141 W-L, 3.06 ERA, 3,940.2 IP, 2,266 SO, 1.278 WHIP

Lefty Grove was the most dominant pitcher of his era. He won 79 games over a three-year span to go along with just 15 losses, which he didn’t take lightly. Grove holds the record for the highest winning percentage (.680) for a pitcher with more than 236 career wins, which tells you how good he was.

He holds the record for most ERA titles (9), led the league in wins 4 times, in strikeouts for seven straight seasons, and won 1 MVP, 2 World Series, 6 All-Star Game appearances, and 2 pitcher’s Triple-Crowns.

5. Mariano Rivera

Stats: 82-60 W-L, 652 SV, 2.21 ERA, 1,283.0 IP, 1,173 SO, 1.000 WHIP

Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer of all time and it’s not even close. Besides his power, speed, and control the fact that he was able to play at such a high level for 19 years as a closer says just enough about his work ethic, and talent.

Rivera had at least 25 saves in 15 straight seasons with an ERA below 2.00 11 times, both MLB records. Also, He made it to 13 All-Star Games and won 5 Rolaids Reliever of the Year awards, ALCS MVP, All-Star Game MVP, World Series MVP, and 5 World Series. On a related note, he’s the league’s all-time leader in saves and by a long stretch.

4. Cy Young

Stats: 511-315 W-L, 2.63 ERA, 7,356.0 IP, 2,803 SO, 1.130 WHIP

There’s a reason why the Cy Young award is called that way. When you look for a winning pitcher, there’s no one that had won more games than Young. Hell, he’s the only pitcher in MLB history to win 500+ games, something that’s never going to be topped.

Young enjoyed quite a successful 22-year career in the MLB. He was the first to ever record a perfect game in the modern era, made 904 appearances, and holds the records for most starts, inning pitches, and complete games (749). Also, he had 5 30-win seasons and 10 20+ win campaigns again, as well as 2 ERA titles, 1 World Series, and the pitcher’s Triple-Crown.

3. Walter Johnson

Stats: 417-279 W-L, 2.17 ERA, 5,914.1 IP, 3,509 SO, 1.061 WHIP

Walter Johnson is the second player ever to win 400+ games and trails only Cy Young for the most wins ever. Up to this day, there’s still some who consider him to be the greatest right-handed pitcher in the history of baseball or at least, the best of the 1900s.

Johnson had 110 career shutouts and threw at 91 mph, which was unprecedented back in the day, sadly, his legacy may be tainted by the lack of team success he faced through most of his career. Still, he was as dominant as they came, winning 2 MVPs, 5 ERA Titles, World Series, and 3 pitcher’s Triple-Crowns.

2. Roger Clemens

Stats: 354-184 W-L, 3.12 ERA, 4,916.2 IP, 4,672 SO, 1.173 WHIP

Roger Clemens holds the third most strikeouts of all time with 4,672. He was the most dominant pitcher of his time, winning 7 Cy Young awards, which is an MLB record up to this day, and one not likely to be ever topped. He was always the most aggressive guy out there and opposing batters were just scared of him.

Clemens could throw at 94 mph during his 24th season in the league. Also, his breaking balls were just deadly. Throughout his career, he won 1 ML Player of the Year, MVP, 2 World Series, 7 ERA Titles, 11 All-Star appearances, 1 All-Star MVP, and a couple of pitcher’s Triple-Crowns.

1. Sandy Koufax

Stats: 165-87 W-L, 2.76 ERA, 2,324.1, 2,396 SO, 1.106 WHIP

Sandy Koufax wasn’t around for that long yet a lot of people consider him to be not only the greatest lefty but also the greatest pitcher ever. Nobody else ate during his watch, he completely dominated his peers and rivals during his prime and piled up quite an impressive resume over just 11 years. He threw over the top of his arm which gave him outstanding speed to his four-seam fastball, which underspun as it approached the plate.

Koufax was the first pitcher to throw at least 3 no-hitters and became the youngest player to ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame. MVP, 3 Cy Youngs, 3 World Series, 2 World Series MVP, 2-times ML Player of the Year, 5 ERA Titles, 7 All-Star Games, and won 3 pitcher’s Triple-Crowns before arthritis cut his career short at just 31 years old.