Who was the better pitcher?

[jacksons]

Great post - a tough call, really, when looking at the numbers.

I'm going with Mathewson. Although Pete had more shutouts and Triple Crowns, Matty may have been better:

1. Had a slight edge in winning .pct.
2. .5 run lower ERA
3. '05 Series performance
4. 400 more strikeouts
5. 4 more 20 win seasons

Other comparisons:

Mathewson:

1. World Series champion (1905)
2. 373 career wins (3rd all-time)
3. 2.13 career ERA (8th all-time)
4. 1.059 career WHIP (5th all time)
5. Won 20 games or more 13 times, won 30 games or more 4 times.
6. Pitched 79 shutouts (3rd all time)
7. Won NL Pitcher's Triple Crown in 1905 and 1908
8. Five-time ERA champion (1905, 1908, 1909, 1911, 1913)
9. Five-time strikeout champion (1903, 1904, 1905, 1907, 1908)
10. Pitched two no-hitters.
11. Name honored by the Giants.

Alexander:

1. 373 career wins (3rd all-time)
2. 2.56 career era (48th all-time)
3. 1.121 career whip (32nd all time)
4. Won 20 games or more 9 times, won 30 games or more 3 times.
5. Pitched 90 shutouts (2nd all time)
6. Won NL Pitcher's Triple Crown in 1915, 1916,1917 and 1920
7. World Series champion (1926)
8. National League pennants (1915), (1918)