When Tom Glavine achieved a feat only 22 others had achieved before him, many said that was going to be the last time a pitcher won 300 games. Over time, 300 wins has become a magnificent and magical feat that is only achieved by pitchers who are durable, dominant, and wise. The feat requires many skills and is widely regarded as the "magic" number which guarentees a pitcher entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
There is one pitcher, however, who is ever so close to the amazing feat. Yet, no one seems to care. All I seemed to hear when Glavine reached the plateau last season, was that this is the last time that a pitcher will win 300 games in a career.
Well guess what? Randy Johnson, the Big Unit himself, has 294 wins. Granted there is a slim chance he will win out and reach 300 this season, but he's extremely close to a number only achieved 4 time in the past two decades.
With this achievement, Johnson would also gain admission to a more exclusive club. The 300 win-3,000 strikeout club. Johnson will be the 10th member of this esteemed club, joining the likes of greats such as Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Phil Niekro, etc.
At the end of Johnson's career, the question will be raised: Is Randy Johnson a Hall of Famer?
My answer? Yes, he's a surefire hall of famer.
If you take a look at the stats, it's an easy answer. A career 3.25 ERA, 4,755 Ks (2nd all time), career WHIP of 1.17, career BAA of .220, and 3 seasons of 20+ wins (including a 24-5 season back in '02).
He's had a dominant fastball throughout his career, and has won the Cy Young award 5 time, the 2nd most total in all of MLB history. He's been an All-Star 10 times in his career, and he won a World Series in 2001 (he was co-MVP).
We can't forget his no-hitter 18 years ago, and we definitely can't forget his perfect game just 4 years ago. That perfect game set the record for oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game.
The Big Unit has been a dominating and intimidating presence on the mound for decades, and he's easily one of the best pitchers in recent memory.
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Comments (4) Add A Comment
Good blog, Dudeman. I agree with you. He deserves to be in the HOF but I haven't even realized how close he is to 300 wins. haha
G.O.A.T. is back?
Scranton, PA
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Thanks GOAT.
dudeman is gone.
Total Comments (16428)
Good blog. For some reason I thought he was further away than 294. He will get to 300 but he needs the D-Backs to hit the days he pitches.
He had a tough no decision the other day.
J. HOVA: PRIMETIME
Brooklyn, NY
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Of course he's a HOFer, just look at those amazing stats!
(Cincy)
Jamestown, OH
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