MLB Top five strike-out pitchers of all-time – Part 1
As much as the batters have dominated the game of baseball with their powerful hitting, the pitchers have continued to innovate to try to halt the scoring. Baseball has produced some pitchers who earned respect with their top-quality performances from the
mound.
Following is a brief account of the top five pitchers of all-time based on the number of strike-outs in descending order.
Leading the list of all-time strike-outs is the legendary Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. Nolan Ryan played in the Major Leagues for 27 long-years from 1966 to 1993 becoming one of the 29 players in the history of baseball to appear in the game for four decades.
The right-handed pitcher nicknamed “The Ryan Express” was renowned for his relentless pace. His pace did not diminish with age and he continued to cross the 100 mph barrier even past the age of 40.
Ryan’s 5714 career strike-outs are 839 more than second-placed Randy Johnson. He is also the all-time leader in no-hit games, recording seven such games. He has been an All-Star eight times and boasts a win-loss record of 324-292.
Ryan played for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers and enjoys the distinction of getting his number retired by three different teams, i.e. all but Mets.
Currently, he owns the Texas Rangers and continues to share his experience with his team’s pitching staff.
Following Nolan in the highest all-time strike-outs is the 6ft 10in Randall David Johnson. Johnson played in the Majors for 22 years with six different teams from 1988 to 2009.
The lanky left-handed pitcher was a genius at the mound. His biggest advantage was his height which allowed him to ruffle any batter. The 100 mph barrier was not a problem for Johnson and he sporadically exceeded it. With one of the most commanding fastballs
in the game, Johnson expanded his repertoire when he developed a sizzling slider.
Nicknamed “The Big Unit”, Johnson finished his career with 4875 strike-outs which are ranked the second-highest overall and the most by a left-handed pitcher. He managed to snatch the top notch in strike-outs per nine innings with 10.67. His win-loss record
is among the best in the game at 303-166. Randy has the honour of defeating every team in the Majors at least once.
At the age of 47, he still has a lot to offer to the game of baseball including the youth and even the professional players.
At Number three in the top five all-time pitchers based on strike-outs is Roger Clemens. He played for four different teams in his 23 years in the Majors and got the most success with the Toronto Blue Jays.
In the two seasons with the Blue Jays, Clemens led the League in wins, ERA and strike-outs.
Clemens is ranked among the four elite pitchers to cross the 4000 strike-out mark, the other three being Ryan Nolan, Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton.
Renowned as the “Rocket”, Clemens possessed the entire arsenal that a modern day pitcher requires. His skill and performances earned him the All-Star selection 11 times in his career. In his first appearance at the All-Star event in 1986, Clemens won the
MLB All-Star Game MVP Award.
With a win-loss record of 354-184, Clemens easily makes it to any list of all-time top pitchers.
Continued in Part 2
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