[jchcollins]

Anymore in terms of skill / accomplishments / “Greatest pitcher of all time” arguments, Johnson and Mathewson seem to trade 1 & 2 places in lists that you see online, from ESPN or TSN, etc. etc.

If they could switch, and Johnson had played in New York, I don’t think we would even be speculating about who was better. Otherwise him and Mathewson have somewhat similar career numbers. Johnson lasted longer - 21 years vs. Matty’s 17. Johnson’s career ERA is 2.17 to Matty’s 2.13, and if memory serves he is only a few places behind him on the all-time WHIP list. Where Johnson really stands out to me though is in the K’s and the shutout record. He was the first pitcher with more than 3,000 K’s - and 50 plus years later, it was his record that Ryan, Carlton, and Perry were chasing. Johnson had more than 1,000 strikeouts more than Matty, and was the premier strikeout pitcher in an era where granted - that wasn’t really a thing - but clearly it became one. The 110 shutouts is just one of those jaw-dropping things to me, will never come close to being equaled. Pete Alexander had 90, Mathewson is 3rd on that list with 79, Young right behind him with 76.

Certainly nothing against Denton True Young; I think if anyone rivals Nolan Ryan just for the most durable / amazing pitcher of all time - its him. I do think it’s possible just with collectors though - that the fact of his name recognition due to the award gives him a slight advantage over the other 2. I don’t think he was a better pitcher than Matty or Johnson, but he certainly would seem to be a bigger name.

My 2 cents. Thanks.



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