Last Updated: October 21st, 2026 by Matthew Brown
The National Baseball Hall of Fame is all about telling the story of baseball. In a way, pitchers are baseball's greatest storytellers. They may not affect every game, but when they do, they are the ones who are in control of the narrative most of the time.
Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus, we'll send you other unbelievable stories from baseball's past.
In fact, I would say that a hitter's job is to disrupt the narrative that a pitcher is trying to set.
Let's go through pitchers who have shaped a great amount of baseball's history and deserve more recognition for their efforts.
How We Made This List
We've collected a solid list of 20 pitchers, all with different combinations of longevity, accolades, postseason moments, and impact. None of them are Hall of Famers, but all of them have good arguments to have been voted in.
With the Veterans' Committee, there's always a chance for at least one of these hurlers to force us to update this list.
20. Jim McCormick: The Victorian Era's Iron Man
In the 1800s, many immigrants came from far and wide to settle in the new frontier that was the United States. Jim McCormick was one of them, immigrating from Scotland and becoming one of the best workhorses in the 1880s.
He won two ERA titles and led the league in complete games three times. He was a big part of the original team in Cleveland, the Cleveland Blues.
| Jim McCormick — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 265 |
| L | 214 |
| ERA | 2.43 |
| G | 492 |
| IP | 4275.2 |
| SO | 1704 |
| WHIP | 1.13 |
| SV | 1 |
19. Dan Quisenberry: The Submarine King of KC
I think part of telling the story of baseball is telling the story of the different styles of play. When it comes to innovative arm angles, Dan Quisenberry is probably the most iconic pitcher to dip his arm well below what was expected.
He became a dominant closer for the Kansas City Royals with his submarine pitching and was so tough for opposing hitters to figure out.
| Dan Quisenberry — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 56 |
| L | 46 |
| ERA | 2.76 |
| G | 674 |
| IP | 1043.1 |
| SO | 379 |
| WHIP | 1.18 |
| SV | 244 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
18. Francisco Rodriguez: K-Rod's Record-Breaking Rise
Speaking of great closers, Francisco Rodriguez gave us one of the greatest runs by a closer we've ever seen. His 62 saves in 2008 made him a household name and made everyone aware that the ninth inning not only belonged to guys named Mariano or Trevor, but Francisco too.
His renaissance run in Milwaukee cemented his legacy as an all-time bullpen arm.
| Francisco Rodríguez — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 52 |
| L | 53 |
| ERA | 2.86 |
| G | 948 |
| IP | 976.0 |
| SO | 1142 |
| WHIP | 1.15 |
| SV | 437 |
| All-Star selections | 6 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
17. Wilbur Wood: The Knuckleballer Who Won Both Ends
One of the ways that we've seen pitchers be voted into the Hall of Fame is by mastering a singular, unique pitch. Phil Niekro had his knuckleball dancing for many years, and it kind of overshadowed what Wilbur Wood was able to do around the same time.
Wood led the league in wins twice while holding a good 3.24 ERA. He even led all of baseball in 1971 with 11.8 WAR.
| Wilbur Wood — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 164 |
| L | 156 |
| ERA | 3.24 |
| G | 651 |
| IP | 2684.0 |
| SO | 1411 |
| WHIP | 1.23 |
| SV | 57 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
16. Ron Guidry: Louisiana Lightning Strikes
Let's face it. The New York Yankees are a huge part of baseball history and a huge part of the Hall of Fame. It's not hard to imagine a Yankee deserving to be enshrined in Cooperstown.
In a way, I wonder if voters were trying to find any reason to slow down the number of Yankees getting in, and that's why we have a two-time ERA title holder and a Cy Young Award winner in Ron Guidry, on the outside looking in.
| Ron Guidry — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 170 |
| L | 91 |
| ERA | 3.29 |
| G | 368 |
| IP | 2392.0 |
| SO | 1778 |
| WHIP | 1.18 |
| SV | 4 |
| Cy Young | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 4 |
| Gold Gloves | 5 |
| World Series titles | 2 |
15. Bret Saberhagen: The Man Who Owned Odd Years
The 1980s were full of magical seasons from a variety of different pitchers. Bret Saberhagen was a big part of that. His dominant 1989 season was a Cy Young season that many fans in Kansas City remember fondly.
It's so good that some even forget that he won a Cy Young four years earlier in 1985, which was just his second year in the league. Saberhagen was a phenom who realized his potential.
| Bret Saberhagen — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 167 |
| L | 117 |
| ERA | 3.34 |
| G | 399 |
| IP | 2562.2 |
| SO | 1715 |
| WHIP | 1.14 |
| SV | 1 |
| Cy Young | 2 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
| Gold Gloves | 1 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
14. Vida Blue: The Velocity Pioneer
There may have been no better season in the 1970s than Vida Blue's 1971. The Oakland A's legend won a Cy Young and MVP that year which skyrocketed his reputation as one of the league's best pitchers.
Sure, the rest of his career didn't see those lofty heights again, but he still managed a 3.27 career ERA with over 200 wins and 2,000 strikeouts.
| Vida Blue — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 209 |
| L | 161 |
| ERA | 3.27 |
| G | 502 |
| IP | 3343.1 |
| SO | 2175 |
| WHIP | 1.23 |
| SV | 2 |
| MVP | 1 |
| Cy Young | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 6 |
| World Series titles | 3 |
13. Rick Reuschel: Big Daddy's Underrated Excellence
A three-time All-Star, Rick Reuschel was able to get those selections with three different teams. That's how good his stuff was throughout his entire 19-year career. 214 career wins and 2,015 career strikeouts make it a pretty strong argument for Big Daddy to find his way into Cooperstown.
That all added up to a great 68.1 career WAR, which is more than some other current Hall of Famers.
| Rick Reuschel — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 214 |
| L | 191 |
| ERA | 3.37 |
| G | 557 |
| IP | 3548.1 |
| SO | 2015 |
| WHIP | 1.27 |
| SV | 5 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
| Gold Gloves | 2 |
12. Jerry Koosman: More Than Just Seaver's Sidekick
Jerry Koosman is such a legend in Queens. For all the fans who remember the great Tom Seaver, I'm sure there are a bunch of diehards who swear by Koosman's abilities as more than just a complementary piece.
He finished second in Cy Young voting in 1976 as he won 20 games for the first of two seasons in his career. A total of 2,556 career strikeouts make him more than respectable and a legitimate great.
| Jerry Koosman — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 222 |
| L | 209 |
| ERA | 3.36 |
| G | 612 |
| IP | 3839.1 |
| SO | 2556 |
| WHIP | 1.26 |
| SV | 17 |
| All-Star selections | 2 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
11. Frank Tanana: From Fireballer to Finesse Master
One of the great pitchers to grace Southern California, Frank Tanana had a memorable name and memorable pitching ability. He earned the 1977 ERA title and led all pitchers in WAR.
He even led the league in WHIP and FIP in separate seasons, yet couldn't even finish runner-up in Cy Young voting. That just confirms how underrated he was even during his career.
| Frank Tanana — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 240 |
| L | 236 |
| ERA | 3.66 |
| G | 638 |
| IP | 4188.1 |
| SO | 2773 |
| WHIP | 1.27 |
| SV | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
10. Mickey Lolich: Detroit's World Series Hero
With Jack Morris in the Hall of Fame now, guys like Mickey Lolich deserve more consideration. He is an absolute World Series legend. His three complete-game victories carried the Detroit Tigers to a World Series championship in 1968.
He also had a bunch of good regular-season performances as well, leading all pitchers with an impressive 308 strikeouts in 1971, when he was second in Cy Young voting.
| Mickey Lolich — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 217 |
| L | 191 |
| ERA | 3.44 |
| G | 586 |
| IP | 3638.1 |
| SO | 2832 |
| WHIP | 1.23 |
| SV | 11 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
9. Dave Stieb: The Almost No-Hit King
Getting selected to seven All-Star teams is a pretty good way to get started in a Hall of Fame conversation. Stieb is also iconic for dominating games with his multiple near-no-hitters and one actual no-hitter in his career.
He led the league in pitching WAR three years in a row, suggesting that he was the premier pitcher in the American League, maybe even better than the award winners.
| Dave Stieb — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 176 |
| L | 137 |
| ERA | 3.44 |
| G | 443 |
| IP | 2895.1 |
| SO | 1669 |
| WHIP | 1.25 |
| SV | 3 |
| All-Star selections | 7 |
8. Johan Santana: The Changeup Artist Supreme
This may be my personal favorite on this list. Johan Santana was a master on the mound. Injuries derailed his longevity, but boy, was his peak impressive.
Two Cy Young Awards, three ERA titles, and three strikeout titles are just amazing for that span of time. I still think he has done enough for baseball to warrant more consideration from voters.
| Johan Santana — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 139 |
| L | 78 |
| ERA | 3.20 |
| G | 360 |
| IP | 2025.2 |
| SO | 1988 |
| WHIP | 1.13 |
| SV | 1 |
| Cy Young | 2 |
| All-Star selections | 4 |
| Gold Gloves | 1 |
7. David Cone: Mr. Perfect's Bronx Tales
A tough competitor, David Cone inspired many fans to give their all in whatever they were doing. He won the Cy Young in 1994 with the Kansas City Royals, elevating his career to new heights.
The Yankees eventually came calling as they worked out a trade for him, and he proved them right with a couple of All-Star seasons toward the end of his career.
| David Cone — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 194 |
| L | 126 |
| ERA | 3.47 |
| G | 450 |
| IP | 2898.2 |
| SO | 2668 |
| WHIP | 1.26 |
| SV | 1 |
| Cy Young | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 5 |
| World Series titles | 5 |
6. Orel Hershiser: The Bulldog's Record Streak
Another icon of the 1980s, Orel Hershiser is a legend in Los Angeles. His record 59 consecutive scoreless innings might be unbreakable, as it led to a Cy Young Award. 1988 is a year full of fond memories for Angelenos, and the Bulldog was a big part of that.
They certainly don't go on their magical World Series run that season without him.
| Orel Hershiser — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 204 |
| L | 150 |
| ERA | 3.48 |
| G | 510 |
| IP | 3130.1 |
| SO | 2014 |
| WHIP | 1.26 |
| SV | 5 |
| Cy Young | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
| Gold Gloves | 1 |
| Silver Sluggers | 1 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
5. Kevin Brown: The Meanest Man on the Mound
When you talk about intensity on the mound, you have to mention Kevin Brown. He earned All-Star selections with four different teams in his career and may be one of the better pitchers to never win a Cy Young. He won the ERA title in 1996 with a minuscule 1.89 ERA.
He also led a fledgling Marlins organization to a World Series title in 1997. That in and of itself is amazing.
| Kevin Brown — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 211 |
| L | 144 |
| ERA | 3.28 |
| G | 486 |
| IP | 3256.1 |
| SO | 2397 |
| WHIP | 1.22 |
| SV | 0 |
| All-Star selections | 6 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
4. Fernando Valenzuela: Fernandomania Forever
I don't know of many pitchers who are not in the Hall of Fame who had more of an impact on the game of baseball than Fernando Valenzuela. He was basically one of Los Angeles' biggest celebrities, inspiring millions in the Latino community to be more engaged with the game.
Looking at how many great players today are a part of that community, I'd say Fernandomania had a Hall of Fame-worthy effect.
| Fernando Valenzuela — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 173 |
| L | 153 |
| ERA | 3.54 |
| G | 453 |
| IP | 2930.0 |
| SO | 2074 |
| WHIP | 1.32 |
| SV | 2 |
| Cy Young | 1 |
| All-Star selections | 6 |
| Gold Gloves | 1 |
| Silver Sluggers | 2 |
| World Series titles | 1 |
| Rookie of the Year | 1 |
3. Andy Pettitte: October's Most Reliable Arm
Like I said before, Jack Morris has kind of opened the door for guys like Andy Pettitte to be considered a little bit more. I am using this entry twofold, as Pettitte's affiliation with steroids has made it nearly impossible for BBWAA voters to look at his career without bias.
That goes the same for Pettitte's former teammate Roger Clemens, who isn't on this list, but is probably so far and away an obvious pick that the argument would only turn into a steroids-filled one.
| Andy Pettitte — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 256 |
| L | 153 |
| ERA | 3.85 |
| G | 531 |
| IP | 3316.0 |
| SO | 2448 |
| WHIP | 1.35 |
| SV | 0 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
| World Series titles | 5 |
2. Tommy John: The Surgery That Changed Baseball
The surgery wouldn't have been as utilized as it is in the modern day if it didn't work. Boy, did it work. A pitcher who had an injury that derailed most careers at the time ended up going 26 remarkable seasons.
I know that Tommy John himself would say that Dr. Frank Jobe, who innovated the operation, should have his own plaque in the Hall of Fame, so maybe we should put both in.
| Tommy John — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 288 |
| L | 231 |
| ERA | 3.34 |
| G | 760 |
| IP | 4710.1 |
| SO | 2245 |
| WHIP | 1.28 |
| SV | 4 |
| All-Star selections | 4 |
1. Luis Tiant: El Tiante's Magical Motion
As one of the most entertaining pitchers of his time, the unique windup of Luis Tiant will be remembered in Cleveland and Boston forever. He won two ERA titles to go along with his three All-Star selections.
I don't know of many pitchers with a 65.6 career WAR who haven't deserved more consideration than Tiant, as he was an icon of his time.
| Luis Tiant — Career | Total |
|---|---|
| W | 229 |
| L | 172 |
| ERA | 3.30 |
| G | 573 |
| IP | 3486.1 |
| SO | 2416 |
| WHIP | 1.20 |
| SV | 15 |
| All-Star selections | 3 |
Final Thoughts
Whether it's the Veterans' Committee or even the BBWAA, we've got a great list here that has the potential to be changed in the future. I really do hope that at least one of these pitchers on this list, no matter who, gets their deserved spotlight at an induction ceremony in Cooperstown.
Until then, they will have to remain on lists like these as the best who are on the outside looking in.
