Just Think If They’d Had Steroids!
- In 1916, 20-year-old Babe Ruth was a starting pitcher and led the AL in ERA (1.75), starts (41) and shutouts (nine) while going 23-12, throwing 323.2 innings with 23 complete games. In 1876 Al Spalding threw 528.2 innings. 2007’s AL Cy Young winner (and older-Babe’s belly reincarnated) C.C. Sabathia led the majors with 241 innings pitched in 34 starts.
- In 23 years not-yet-retired Roger Clemens has thrown 118 complete games (Greg Maddux is second among active pitchers with 109). The all-time leader in complete games: Cy Young at 749 in 815 career starts over 22 years; his record was 511-316. (Clemens is 354-184 in 709 starts)