Walter Johnson Vs. Christy Mathewson

[Seven]

A lively discussion and debate for sure. From a collecting standpoint, I find Mathewson slightly more interesting. The Mystique and aura around him is hard to beat. Both were fine pitchers in their day, but I believe Johnson gets the edge. More dominant for a longer stretch of time.

Now, on the subject of the debate concerning Johnson's fastball or quite frankly the athletic ability of anyone playing any sport back in those days; Just like when studying history, when looking at this issue we have to compare them relative to their peers. However fast the "Big Train" was throwing, it certainly does not compare to how fast Gerrit Cole tops out on the gun.

But Johnson pitched in a different time. He was arguably the best, of his era. Whatever his fastball measured at, was probably the fastest at that time. And adding that context he's arguably the best. All of these players from back in the day didn't have the strict diets, access to modern medicine, training and equipment. They worked jobs in the offseason, took trains with sleeper cars across the country to pay games. All things that the pampered athletes of today couldn't even dream of.

I'll say this much, in my rankings, Johnson is certainly up there as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, I would only ever consider putting Satchel Paige above him.

[Leon]

Very nice synopsis. I am going with Johnson as being the better pitcher but there is a lot of love for Christy too!

Originally Posted by Seven

A lively discussion and debate for sure. From a collecting standpoint, I find Mathewson slightly more interesting. The Mystique and aura around him is hard to beat. Both were fine pitchers in their day, but I believe Johnson gets the edge. More dominant for a longer stretch of time.

Now, on the subject of the debate concerning Johnson's fastball or quite frankly the athletic ability of anyone playing any sport back in those days; Just like when studying history, when looking at this issue we have to compare them relative to their peers. However fast the "Big Train" was throwing, it certainly does not compare to how fast Gerrit Cole tops out on the gun.

But Johnson pitched in a different time. He was arguably the best, of his era. Whatever his fastball measured at, was probably the fastest at that time. And adding that context he's arguably the best. All of these players from back in the day didn't have the strict diets, access to modern medicine, training and equipment. They worked jobs in the offseason, took trains with sleeper cars across the country to pay games. All things that the pampered athletes of today couldn't even dream of.

I'll say this much, in my rankings, Johnson is certainly up there as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, I would only ever consider putting Satchel Paige above him.

[clydepepper]

I'd definitely go with WaJo. Just ask Hank Thomas...

Here's one of my 'Double Walters' (Thanks again, Leon)...

1923 WG7 Walter Mails Game Walter Johnson SGC 80.jpg


and one of my 'EXes' (have no idea if he lives in Texas)

1904 Allegheny Card Co Christy Mathewson PSA-5.jpg

[ValKehl]

My favorite WaJo cards are his real-photo cards with scarce/rare ad backs, such as these:

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

I'd definitely go with WaJo. Just ask Hank Thomas...

Ha! I'm the last guy (or gal) to ask!

[Svabinsky78]

The only Johnson "card" I own. It's not a playing day card, it's his manager card from the 1931 Senators photo pack, but I still love it. A great shot of the game's elder statesman. Truly a giant.

[Leon]

Some sweet cards and items in this thread. (excuse Alexander for photo-bombing)

[brianp-beme]

Matty wins out, because Johnson's Senators didn't make the E91 team cut.

And Christy's last name looks sophisticated with the extra 't' in it. What fun would Walter's last name be if spelled Johnston? Neither fun nor sophisticated.

Brian

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by Leon

Some sweet cards and items in this thread. (excuse Alexander for photo-bombing)

We can't have Matty's and GCA's 1921 W-UNC cards in this thread without including Walter's card from this set as well: