The Wayward Hammer
Posts: 64
Joined: April 2006
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Oh, you had to get me started...
Nolan Ryan was a very good pitcher for a long time. He excelled at throwing very hard and striking out many people. But the primary job of a pitcher is not to strike out people, but to prevent runs from scoring.
If we were to use a measurement called ERA+, which is the ratio of the pitcher's ERA to the league ERA in which he pitched (100 being average - higher the better), we would find that Nolan does not do so well.
For his career, Mr. Ryan has an ERA+ of 112; he was 12% better than the league average in which he pitched. That is not in the top 100 of all pitchers in history. In fact the list I found says that number 100 scores an ERA+ of 121, so Mr. Ryan may not be in the top 200.
A few comparisons: Greg Maddux 136, Roger Clemens 144, Pedro Martinez 160.
Mr. Ryan's primary problem was that he walked a massive number of people. He indeed has the record for both career strikeouts and career walks. And he exceeds the number two man in walks allowed by 50%.
He was a spectacular and unique pitcher, but not nearly as good as Clemens or Maddux or even a contemporary such as Steve Carlton. But he was a great deal of fun to watch.
And the NBA comment is simply too silly to merit response.
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