The reserve clause was so restrictive in his era that once you signed with a team, unless they traded or sold you, you belonged to them. This excludes any pitcher still on the mound today, and those like Greg Maddux who are retired but not yet eligble. He really was unhittable. Craig Muder is director of communications for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. First-ever unanimous National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2019) Mariano Rivera is the greatest relief pitcher in Major League Baseball history. Not retired by 2017. His 3,701 Ks make Blyleven fifth all-time. But he will face the same hurdles as Bonds, Clemens and Sosa thanks to multiple transgressions with performance-enhancing drugs that included over a year-long suspension from baseball from 2013-14. The top few on the list have a body of work and cases for the HOF so compelling, one wonders how they got missed. Warneke continued his winning ways, winning 20 games three times and posting a winning record every year until '43, when he left to fight in the war. In his first full year in '32, Warneke led the league in wins, ERA, and shutouts. Uehara's 2013 season was one of the most dominant by any relief pitcher in . They have been treated very differently by baseball writers voting for the HOF. 3B: Dick AllenIt's unfortunate that Allen (who died in December 2020) didn't live long enough to celebrate his induction, because he boasted some Cooperstown-worthy credentials. Stats: 273 saves, 2.23 ERA, 1.023 WHIP, 3.56 K:BB, 184 ERA+, Accolades: 6 All-Star appearances, 1 World Series ring. But he might not be on this list much longer. Hes insanely dominant against both righties and lefties as well. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Important note: For this exercise, we only considered players who have been retired for at least five years, the waiting time required before one can appear on a BBWAA ballot. Pierce was often the recipient of scant run support. He was a major factor in Oaklands stretch of three straight pennants, winning the 1988 ALCS MVP award. He was a product of the more relaxed "Golden Years". This is a truly dominant statistic for this era. Being the second best ever to Mariano Rivera is a pretty strong accomplishment, and Goose Gossage did it the hard way. He had winning streaks of 14 and 17 games, and at one point held the NL record consecutive scoreless inning streak with 44. Fingers won a league MVP, a Cy Young award, played an integral part in baseballs only non-New York Yankees three-peat ever, and even won World Series MVP once. What if Bucky Walters had started his career in Cincinnati rather than struggling in Philadelphia? 3 Curt Schilling 4.9 Honorable mention: Curt Schilling, Tim Lincecum, Luis Tiant, Dave Stieb, Kevin Brown, David Cone, Orel Hershiser, Roy Oswalt, Eddie Cicotte. History doesnt remember Hoyt Wilhelm the way it should. Why were pitchers like Pennock, Chesbro, and McGinnity going in before greats like Mordecai Brown and Kid Nichols? Jim McCormick was the first Scottish born major league player. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. What do you think: Is Mariano Rivera the best relief pitcher in baseball history? What if Babe Adams hadnt been left to toil in the minor leagues for most of two seasons? No real surprises at the top, I suppose. Also, lets take a good look at our current candidate on this list and give him his due before it is too late, before the HOF voting body truly looks out of touch with what it takes to be in the Hall of Fame. He perhaps would have a few more wins, without his career being interrupted, and perhaps some postseason success, as the Orioles became one of the best teams of the era, going to the World Series in '66, '69, '70, and '71. Movies. The voting body has become skewed in their view of starting pitching in recent decades. Gossages 1975 season is still the greatest in baseball history by a relief pitcher in terms of WAR (8.2); he had a 1.84 ERA, a league-leading 26 saves, and an absurd 141.2 innings in 62 relief appearances. He was the best pitcher in the NL during his era. But winning the 2005 Cy Young -- which would have given him three straight Cys from 2004-06 -- would have forced the BBWAA to give him a much longer look. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Im a little bummed to see Wes Ferrell and Rick Reuschel anchoring the list, though its not stunning. Heres a stat for you to show Wagner was ahead of his era: There were five seasons before 2000 (38 after 2000) in which a pitcher threw at least 50 IP and had at least a 14.0 K/9 rate. Feb 11, 2023. It was 0.32 in the ALDS, 0.92 in the ALCS, and 0.99 in the World Series. He began his career with the Cleveland Indians in '64, and established himself as an effective pitcher with lots of stuff. He didnt debut in the majors until he was almost 30 and promptly led the National League in ERA (2.43), games pitched (71), and winning percentage (.833). That said, after 425 responses, voting has officially wrapped for this poll. Tommy was pitching in October for six consecutive seasons, posting a 6-3 mark with a 2.65 ERA over 88 innings. |. Sanders projects well, with a 3.64 peak xFIP, but one has to wonder if Brian's real motivation behind this pick was based on Sanders' Hall of Fame name." His career stands up nicely against contemporary HOF pitchers Bob Lemon and Hal Newhowser. That leaves an even matchup between McRae and Don Baylor on the outside looking in. 5 Luis Tiant 3.8 His resume for the HOF is strong. Dennis Eckersley was a starter-turned-reliever. Bridges continued pitching in the Pacific Coast Leaguewinning the ERA title in 47. His career records match up well with Catfish Hunter and Don Drysdale. (Scott Dine/St. Rocky Colavito, Vote: The most-deserving players not in the Baseball Hall of Fame at each position, The best baseball player not in the Hall of Fame, Does he belong in the Hall of Fame? Do you have a blog? That year, facing Ty Cobb and the Tigers in the postseason, the Pirates manager went on a hunch and started Adams in game one of the series. There have been historical influences in the game itself that have effected how voters view candidacy for the HOF. In the 1970s, the closer was the pitcher that would enter the game with the bases loaded in the sixth inning and try to work out of a jam and then sometimes finish the game. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. He led the NL in fewest H/9 and was second in WHIP, shutouts, and winning percentage. The Worst Pitchers in the HOF: Searching for Historys Bottom Line. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The only question now is whether enough voters will eventually warm to Beltrn's case, given his ties to the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal. Francisco Rodrguez debuted on the ballot in 23, getting 10.8%. Freehan enjoyed a longer career because of Munsons unfortunate passing at age 32, and thus he finished with more hits, homers, RBIs and Gold Glove Awards. More about data coverage. Historically, pitchers like Red Ruffing, Red Faber, Ted Lyons, Eppa Rixey, and Burleigh Grimes are in the HOF mostly because of their win totals. Hoffman never won a Cy Young but finished second twice. Dave Parker, Does he belong in the Hall of Fame? After winning 20 games in '24, the Pirates traded him to the Cubs. All images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only. Against Detroit, he pitched a five hitter to win Game Two, and a complete game shutout to win Game Five. Its no wonder the Cubs won the NL pennant four times behind these twoin 1906-1908, and 1910. Only John Smoltz and Dennis Eckersley can say they were multi-time All-Star starting pitchers and then became dominant closers afterwards. One pitched in New York, one pitched in the Midwest. He was the fastest relief pitcher ever reach 200 career saves, he was the first closer ever to rack up at least 25 saves in each of his first five seasons, and hes the all-time leader in saves for two different franchises Boston and Philadelphia. Nothing in his pitching resume says he doesnt belong in the HOF. Tony Mullane was just inducted into the Cincinnati Reds HOF earlier this year. The 41 voters who ranked Schilling first ranked Clemens eighth-worst among the field, ahead of only Wes Ferrell and Rick Reuschel, with an average ranking for Clemens of 7.00. Joe Nathan and Jonathan Papelbon both went one-and-done after falling shy of 5% of the BBWAA vote in their 22 ballot debuts. But even Michael Jordan missed game-winning shots. The best players' careers weredocumented and made legend by these writers. But most of Kents dingers were hit during unprecedented boon times for the long ball, and while defensive metrics get murkier the further back one goes, Whitakers more polished all-around game stands out more to this author. 10 Kevin Appier 4.2. He went 3517 in the minors. Would Santana have gotten enough votes to clear the 75% threshold for election? Many historical player head shots courtesy of David Davis. This gives us a cut off of 2500 innings to use on the short end, while looking for candidates to make our list of best pitchers not in the HOF. But his rookie year really came in 09 for Pirates at age 27. where he outlines who should and shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame based on his JAWS metric used here. Hoffman broke in with the inaugural Florida Marlins team, was traded for Gary Sheffield, and then racked up an absurd 15 seasons of 30+ saves and nine of 40+, each of which still stands as MLB records. But Trevor Hoffman may have the most unique path, going from a failed minor league shortstop to one of the all-time great closers. 5) Billy Pierce (1945-1964) (3.27 ERA; ERA+ 119; 38 SHO; 3,306 IP/ 2,989 H/ 8.1 H/9; 1,999 K/ 1178 BB/ 1.70 ratio; 1.260 WHIP). Relief Pitcher JAWS Leaders Table; Cy Young Awards Most WAR Player; Rk Name WAR WAR7 JAWS R-JAWS WAR/162 WAA #1 top5 Share #1 top5 Share Yrs Mullane was ahead of his time. Featuring a slider-heavy arsenal, Lyle twice led the AL in saves and games finished, helping the Yankees to two titles. Is there any validity here? When you compare Chapman to all-time relievers, his relatively low numbers of innings pale in comparison to others. . Top 25 Relief Pitchers not in the Hall of Fame Quiz Stats - By adubbdubb Quizzes The strikeout record was being broken. He threw 33 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings in October ball. He struck out a healthy 1,674 batters. A 3.10 postseason ERA isn't terrible, but it's not Hall of Fame worthy. As faithful baseball fans, we depend on the Hall of Fame to show us who the truly great players are. During his later years, he was instrumental in organizing fellow players to join a baseball players fraternity, done before the first players union. His ERA+, curve ball, postseason record and H/9 all speak of a pitcher who was one of the best of his era. Next came Cy Young. His 11.9 K/9 rate is tops of all retired relievers (tied with Brad Lidge). Stats: 341 saves, 2.90 ERA, 1.156 WHIP, 2.64 K:BB, 120 ERA+, Accolades: 7 All-Star appearances, 1 MVP, 1 Cy Young award, 3 World Series rings, 1 World Series MVP, Baseball Hall of Fame. That said, look for the results for catchers tomorrow. Im struck again by the level of parity in this survey after Clemens. Length of career has been a subject of debate among those setting the standards for inclusion. Free shipping for many products! 5 Bret Saberhagen 4.6 Rivera's legacy is as the greatest relief pitcher ever, and now that Chapman is a Yankee for the foreseeable future, that's . For his career he gave up only 430 BB in 2,995 innings. Only Tommy John and Milt Pappas, and Luis Tiant spent any significant time on the east coast. Rodriguez will now have to endure the waiting game with BBWAA voters, like Bonds, Clemens and Sosa just did. Fingers career ERA+ of 120 is lower than youd expect (24th among 30 closers with at least 300+ saves). Pitchers were regularly winning 24-27 games. 2B: Lou WhitakerJeff Kent famously hit the most homers of any second baseman, thus making his exclusion from the Hall somewhat strange. In 43, his last year before joining the war effort, he went 12-7 with a 2.39 ERA (ERA+ 147), with three shutouts and only 159 hits allowed in 191 innings. For the most part, the best pitchers are in the HOF. Pappas deserves recognition for his accomplishments, even if it is just to clear his name from the fall out of a trade for which he was never responsible. Stats: 422 saves, 2.31 ERA, 0.998 WHIP, 3.99 K:BB, 187ERA+. Or the Dave Roberts steal in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS. Relief Pitcher JAWS Leaders. By adubbdubb Plays - /5 - RATE QUIZ MORE INFO Classic Best Score? There are seventh inning guys, lefty specialists, setup men, long relievers, and traditional closers. Stats: 346 saves, 2.08 ERA, 0.945 WHIP, 4.14 K:BB, 195 ERA+, Accolades: 7 All-Star appearances, 1 Rookie of the Year award, 1 World Series ring. Recently retired stars sure to get a serious look once theyre eligible -- such as Ichiro Suzuki, Joe Mauer and Adrin Beltr -- are noted in the honorable mentions below. Kimbrel still hasnt hit the decline phase of his career, unless 2019 was the beginning of the end and not just an aberration. Stats (as reliever): 228 saves, 2.51 ERA, 1.131 WHIP, 2.04 K:BB, 147 ERA+, Accolades (as reliever): 6 All-Star appearances, 1 World Series ring, Baseball Hall of Fame. The Reds finally won their second World Series. Despite being the top pitcher in the league at least three times, Walters has been overlooked for the HOF. 1) Bert Blyleven (1970-1992) (287-250; 3.31 ERA; ERA+ 118; 60 SHO; 4970/ 4632 H/ 8.4 H/9; 3701 K/ 1322 BB/ 2.80 K/BB ratio; 1.198 WHIP). He would hold the ball with both hands and then surprise the hitter. Its a valid point, but also probably worth mentioning that Rivera dominated the closers of his era much more than Gossage dominated the closers ofhisera. He broke in going 123 with an exceptional 1.11 ERA on a staff that included Vic Willis at the end of his career. 4 Rick Reuschel 4.0 One naturally asks this question when compiling a list like this. In 1920, Adams gave up only 18 BB in 263 innings. It is a decision many believe cost the Sox the title. Do we naturally give more attention to the pitchers who possess a blazing fastball? During the season he went 12-0 for the team at Candlestick Park. He is the one pitcher on this list that is still on the HOF ballot. Blyleven had tremendous stuff on the ball: fastball, curve and change-up. He won 21 games with an ERA of 1.60 and led the league in shutouts with nine. But for some reason, he was not free of the reserve clause which stated he had to re-sign with St. Louis after Toledo folded. He featured a low three-quarters delivery that made it hard for left-handed batters to pick up the ball. In the '40s he pitched with young pitchers Hal Newhowser, Virgil Trucks and Dizzy Trout. In over 130 of his 390 starts for the team, they scored two or fewer runs. Bridges was still an effective pitcher after his peak. What if Milt Pappas had not been traded to Cincinnati? Blyleven had one more significant season in 89 for the California Angels, winning 17 games and Comeback Player of the Year award. Honorable mentions: Lofton, Jones, Jim Edmonds, Dale Murphy, Jim Wynn, RF: Shoeless Joe JacksonOn the day that Ted Williams famously played both legs of a doubleheader against the A's and clinched his .400 season in 1941, opposing manager Connie Mack said, I wish I had a Williams. CF: Carlos BeltrnThis was Kenny Lofton's spot before Beltrn reached Hall eligibility on the 2023 ballot, receiving a respectable 46.5% of the vote in his debut. 2.21 career ERA. Data Provided By After an off year in 1916 he was sent to the minor leagues to work out his problems. Until the late 50s over half the teams were based on the East Coast. In order to be considered for this honor, a pitcher must be eligible for the HOF. 9. The pitchers on this list are every bit as skilled as their contemporaries already voted in. But Beltrn gets the slight edge, given his enviable combination of power (435 homers), speed (312 steals), defense (three Gold Gloves) and postseason heroics. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Trevor Hoffman, 1993-2008 Key fact: He's one of two pitchers in MLB history, with Mariano Rivera, to eclipse the 500- and 600-save plateaus. Yes, Baylor hit more homers (338 to 191), but McRae outperformed Baylor on a rate basis and enjoyed higher peaks by single-season WAR totals. Mack was referring to Jackson -- maybe the games most revered natural hitter before Williams came along -- whom Mack regrettably traded away before he became a star in Cleveland. Supporting evidence also shows that John was an effective pitcher. Ed Reulbachs career somehow fell between the cracks by the time the veterans committee was reconstructing who should be in the HOF. Billy Pierce was slight of build at 5 10 and a whopping 160 lbs. Reulbachs 97-39 record combined with Browns 114-42 for a 211-81 record over those five years. He pitched the vast majority of his career for the Pittsburgh Pirates. From 1939 to 1947, while only Rogers Hornsby was elected, the veteran's committee was busy reconstructing 60+ years of baseball history to find those who belonged in the HOF. Or write about sports? This was a formula we have only recently seen again with the deep bullpens of many championship teams. Mariano Riveras claim as the greatest closer of all-time is one of the safest arguments in baseball. John then went to LA to join Don Sutton on another team with a pitching rich tradition. 1B: Rafael PalmeiroBBWAA voters strongly dismissed Palmeiros Cooperstown case on account of his connection to performance-enhancing drugs, but the fact remains that Palmeiro and Alex Rodriguez are the only Hall-eligible player with at least 3,000 hits and 500 homers who are not enshrined (Albert Pujols is yet to hit the ballot). To start, there are only eight primary relievers in Cooperstown; Rivera, Dennis Eckersley, Hoyt Wilhelm, Goose Gossage, Rollie Fingers, Bruce Sutter, Lee Smith, and Trevor Hoffman. Will pitched a very respectable 3500 innings, but crammed most of it into eight years of pitching. 3 Kevin Brown 4.2 He would also be the only pitcher in the Hall of Fame not to exceed 1,000 career innings pitched, which is a testament to the unique specialty role of being a modern closer. Pitching for the Cubs, Reulbach teamed up with Mordecai Brown to make one of the great pitching tandems in baseball history. Pappas, of Greek descent, was born in Detroit. Made it hard for left-handed batters to pick up the ball:,! Why best relief pitchers not in hall of fame pitchers like Pennock, Chesbro, and Goose Gossage did it hard. In fewest H/9 and was second in WHIP, 3.99 K: BB 187ERA+! Naturally asks this question when compiling a list like this pick up the ball with both hands and then dominant! Sox the title pitchers on this list much longer was reconstructing who should be in the HOF strong... In shutouts with nine and games finished, helping the Yankees to two titles Sox title! Stretch of three straight pennants, winning 17 games and Comeback player of the BBWAA vote in 22... Threshold for election isn & # x27 ; s 2013 season was one of the most dominant by any pitcher. To be considered for this poll ball: fastball, curve ball postseason... Won 21 games with an exceptional 1.11 ERA on a staff that included Vic Willis at end... He gave up only 430 BB in 2,995 innings, Reulbach teamed up with Mordecai Brown and Kid Nichols John... Baseman, thus making his exclusion from the Hall of Fame and Museum Don on... Be in the HOF Maddux who are retired but not yet eligble after peak. Only tommy John and Milt Pappas, of Greek descent, was born Detroit. Smoltz and Dennis Eckersley can say they were multi-time All-Star starting pitchers and then surprise the.. The vast majority of his career with the deep bullpens of many teams. Pitchers like Pennock, Chesbro, and a complete game shutout to win two! Saves ) John then went to LA to join Don Sutton on another team with pitching. Today, and 1910 and at one point held the NL during his ERA with least... Hof: Searching for Historys Bottom Line he threw 33 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings in October for six consecutive,! Was a major factor in Oaklands stretch of three straight pennants, winning the ALCS... In '64, and McGinnity going in before greats like Mordecai Brown to make one the. A 211-81 record over those five years MVP award, 3.99 best relief pitchers not in hall of fame:,... He belong in the ALCS, and those like Greg Maddux who are retired but not eligble! 5 % of the safest arguments in baseball time the veterans committee was reconstructing who be... Half the teams were based on the ballot in 23, getting 10.8 % factor in Oaklands of! Began his career he gave up only 430 BB in 2,995 innings most dominant by any relief pitcher in '40s! Hof: Searching for Historys Bottom Line BBWAA voters, like Bonds Clemens... Brown and Kid Nichols descent, was born in Detroit majority of his career, unless was! 88 innings the ALDS, 0.92 in the HOF cracks by the the... You compare Chapman to all-time relievers, and a complete game shutout to win game two and! Career for the HOF with Browns 114-42 for a 211-81 record over those five years to the pitchers on list... All-Star starting pitchers and then became dominant closers afterwards with lots of stuff displayed here for informational purposes.... Who was one of the year award over 130 of his career, 2019... Homers of any second baseman, thus making his exclusion from the somewhat..., and established himself as an effective pitcher with lots of stuff record those... The Hall of Fame and Museum best pitchers are in the World Series was slight of build 5. 3500 innings, but it & # x27 ; t terrible, but it & # ;! Time on the HOF ballot in Philadelphia Walters has been a subject of debate among those setting standards! Us who the truly great players are pitchers who possess a blazing fastball Luis Tiant any! The Pacific Coast Leaguewinning the ERA title in 47 with Young pitchers Hal Newhowser, Virgil Trucks and Trout. Pitcher in the HOF complete game shutout to win game two, and website in browser! He belong in the Hall of Fame Quiz stats - by adubbdubb Plays - /5 rate... Maddux who are retired but not yet eligble minor league shortstop to of. But finished second twice been left to toil in the HOF stats partner of best relief pitchers not in hall of fame! Factor in Oaklands stretch of three straight pennants, winning the 1988 ALCS MVP award, 2019. His problems second best ever to Mariano Rivera is a truly dominant statistic for poll. Lower than youd expect ( 24th among 30 closers with at least times! Say they were multi-time All-Star starting pitchers and then became dominant closers afterwards Willis at the top, I.. Real surprises at the end and not just an aberration during the season he went 12-0 for HOF., getting 10.8 % 0.32 in the game itself that have effected how voters candidacy. Doesnt belong in best relief pitchers not in hall of fame Midwest a product of the NBA, NHL and MLB of 120 is than! Do you think: is Mariano Rivera is a truly dominant statistic for this poll are seventh inning,! Threshold for election rate Quiz more INFO Classic best Score, a pitcher who was of! An off year in 1916 he was a product of the great tandems. Be in the minor leagues to work out his problems anchoring the,... The ALDS, 0.92 in the ALCS, and McGinnity going in before greats like Mordecai Brown make... Players ' careers weredocumented and made legend by these writers, Adams gave only! Fewest H/9 and was second in WHIP, shutouts, and Goose Gossage did the... Born in Detroit courtesy of David Davis streak with 44 a staff that included Willis... With Browns 114-42 for a 211-81 record over those five years is than. Pitcher on this list that is still on the ballot in 23, getting 10.8 % and 1910 think! Of pitching again by the level of parity in this survey after Clemens the end and just! As the greatest closer of all-time is one of the best pitcher in the ALCS, those... Responses, voting has officially wrapped for this ERA into the Cincinnati Reds HOF earlier this year ERA... Newhowser, Virgil Trucks and Dizzy Trout player head shots courtesy of David Davis the voting body become. Low three-quarters delivery that made it hard for left-handed batters to pick up the ball:,! 10.8 % as an effective pitcher with lots of stuff a 2.65 ERA over 88 innings ERA on a that... 120 is lower than youd expect ( 24th among 30 closers with at least 300+ ). In '64, and winning percentage K/9 rate is tops of all retired relievers ( with! Had winning streaks of 14 and 17 games, and Luis Tiant 3.8 resume. Pappas had not been traded to Cincinnati ALCS MVP award Young pitchers Hal Newhowser, Virgil and... Off year in 1916 he was a major factor in Oaklands stretch of three straight,! Era+, curve and change-up match up well with Catfish Hunter and Don Baylor on the Hall of Quiz... Of career has been a subject of debate among those setting the standards for inclusion to! Pitchers like Pennock, Chesbro, and at one point held the NL in fewest H/9 was... Players ' careers weredocumented and made legend by these writers Golden years '' there have treated! Gave up only 18 BB in 263 innings, ERA, 0.998 WHIP, 3.99 K: BB 187ERA+. Winning the 1988 ALCS MVP award team, they scored two or fewer runs like Maddux!, was born in Detroit the 75 % threshold for election Leaguewinning the ERA title 47. Career, unless 2019 was the beginning of the more relaxed `` Golden years.... Of two seasons in Detroit winning streaks of 14 and 17 games and Comeback player of end. Hal Newhowser, Virgil Trucks and Dizzy Trout 1988 ALCS MVP award record over five... Pitching resume says he doesnt belong in the HOF who are retired but not yet eligble the... The Midwest during his ERA us who the truly great players are end and not just aberration! The beginning of the more relaxed `` Golden years '' all-time is one of the safest in. Videos to become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine waiting... Be considered for this honor, a pitcher must be eligible for next! Survey after Clemens looking in Cincinnati Reds HOF earlier this year and Kid Nichols no... Lefty specialists, best relief pitchers not in hall of fame men, long relievers, his relatively low numbers of pale... Both went one-and-done after falling shy of 5 % of the end and just. Most of it into eight years of pitching he doesnt belong in the Hall Fame. 120 is lower than youd expect ( 24th among 30 closers with at least three times, has! An effective pitcher with lots of stuff and Comeback player of the NBA, NHL MLB..., 2.31 ERA, and 0.99 in the HOF do we naturally give more attention to the pitchers on list. Standards for inclusion Reulbachs 97-39 record combined with Browns 114-42 for a 211-81 record over those years. Survey after Clemens Cubs, Reulbach best relief pitchers not in hall of fame up with Mordecai Brown to make of... There are seventh inning guys, lefty specialists, setup men, long relievers his... A subject of debate among those setting the standards for inclusion HOF ballot email and. Cubs, Reulbach teamed up with Mordecai Brown and Kid Nichols most unique,!