The Top 5 Pitchers with Most Innings Pitched in MLB History

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In Major League Baseball (MLB) history, there have been several legendary pitchers who have made a significant impact on the game through their remarkable endurance and skill on the mound.

The following are the top 5 pitchers with the most innings pitched in MLB history, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Cy Young

Career Statistics:

  • Innings Pitched: 7,356
  • Wins: 511
  • ERA: 2.63
  • Strikeouts: 2,803

Notable Achievements:

  • Most career wins in MLB history (511).
  • Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937.
  • The Cy Young Award, which honors the best pitchers in MLB, is named in his honor.

Impact on the Game: Cy Young's impact on the game is immeasurable. His record of 511 wins is widely considered as one of the most unbreakable records in baseball. His durability and consistency on the mound set a standard for future generations of pitchers.

Pud Galvin

Career Statistics:

  • Innings Pitched: 6,003
  • Wins: 365
  • ERA: 2.85
  • Strikeouts: 1,906

Notable Achievements:

  • One of the earliest pitchers to achieve 300 career wins.
  • Pitched 72 complete games in 1879, a record that still stands today.

Impact on the Game: Pud Galvin was a workhorse pitcher during the formative years of professional baseball. His remarkable durability and success paved the way for future generations of pitchers, demonstrating the value of endurance and consistency in a grueling sport.

Greg Maddux

Career Statistics:

  • Innings Pitched: 5,008
  • Wins: 355
  • ERA: 3.16
  • Strikeouts: 3,371

Notable Achievements:

  • Four consecutive Cy Young Awards (1992–1995).
  • 18 Gold Glove Awards, a record for any player at any position.
  • Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Impact on the Game: Greg Maddux's precision and control on the mound revolutionized the art of pitching. His ability to outthink hitters and consistently deliver quality innings cemented his status as one of the most influential pitchers in MLB history.

Walter Johnson

Career Statistics:

  • Innings Pitched: 5,914
  • Wins: 417
  • ERA: 2.17
  • Strikeouts: 3,509

Notable Achievements:

  • Held the record for most career strikeouts for over 55 years.
  • Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

Impact on the Game: Walter Johnson's dominance and longevity as a pitcher made him an iconic figure in the early decades of the 20th century.

His impact on the game extended beyond the field, as he inspired countless young pitchers to emulate his work ethic and dedication to excellence.

Phil Niekro

Career Statistics:

  • Innings Pitched: 5,404
  • Wins: 318
  • ERA: 3.35
  • Strikeouts: 3,342

Notable Achievements:

  • Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.
  • Known for his signature knuckleball, which baffled hitters throughout his career.

Impact on the Game: Phil Niekro's mastery of the knuckleball made him one of the most unique and enduring pitchers in MLB history.

His success late into his career demonstrated the value of adaptability and perseverance, inspiring a new generation of pitchers to explore unconventional pitching styles.

 

All in all, the enduring legacies of these legendary pitchers continue to resonate throughout the history of Major League Baseball.

Their remarkable feats on the mound not only shaped the game during their respective eras but also left an enduring impact on the sport that is still felt today.

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