Sandy Koufax or Charles Radbourn?
 

Since the argument got extended this direction, let's go with it. Koufax or Radbourn? This may be the ultimate peak performance argument.

Even me, who backs the 19th century wholeheartedly, can see Koufax had a longer and brighter peak. Radbourn did some amazing things, but not for as long.

I am having a hard time with this one. My heart is with Koufax but Radbourn pitched twice as many innings.

This was pretty easy for me, since I used the simple standards of rank among league leaders in IP and ERA+.

From 1962-1966, Sandy was among the top-3 pitchers in his league in IP three times, and ERA+ all five seasons. He was in the top 5 in both in 1961 as well, and that was it. From 1964-1966, Sandy was the best pitcher in the league, if not in all of baseball.

Old Hoss was in the top-3 in IP from 1882-1886, and in the top-10 in 1887 and 1890; he was in the top-3 in ERA+ in 1886 and 1887, and in the top-10 from 1881-1884 as well.

Old Hoss had a greater career, by his league's standards, than Sandy, but Sandy had a much greater peak.

i agree with ytf

as do I. But its close...

And I agree
 

...with G :D :D :D

Koufax

can you imagine Koufax (or Clemens, Johnson, Gibson, etc) pitching from 50 feet !

That would be scary. I have them almost dead even, actually, with Old Hoss just a fraction ahead.

No, I can't! Koufax . . . ALL THE WAY!

Fuzzy's back! I'll go with Hoss, who was more valuable for his career and for a single season. Sandy had a better four-season run.