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rstowe said 05/05, 06:53 AM
Great choice in Koufax. My choice is: Bob Gibson

ERA from 60-69: 2.74
Innings Pitched: 2447
336 Games
306 Games Started
164 Wins
4 20+ Win seasons
4 Saves
164 Complete Games
41 Shutouts
2071 Strikeouts
6 All-Star Selections
1 Cy Young
1 MVP
5 Gold Gloves
Led the League in ERA once during this time period with an ERA of 1.12
Led the NL in WHIP once
Led the NL in Strikeouts once, top 5 in NL all years during this time except 1 season
2 World Series MVPs

rstowe said 05/06, 06:49 AM
Yes, Koufax may have Gibson on stats but sometimes stats don't tell the whole story.

Here are some other records that Gibson owns:
35 strikeouts during a World Series (1968)
17 strikeouts in a World Series game (Game 1, 1968) - broke Koufax's record of 15 set in 1963

Speaking of World Series, in the 1967 World Series, Gibson allowed only three earned runs and 14 hits over three complete game victories (Games 1, 4, and 7), the latter two marks tying Christy Mathewson's 1905 record, also hitting a vital home run in Game 7.

The ERA of 1.12 Gibson had in 1968 is still a "live-ball" record for ERA to this day....and what did the majors do because of it? They dropped the mound 5 inches the following season.

Koufax was great but was he ever truly intimidating? Gibson is the most intimidating pitcher of all-time....he had no qualms about coming inside to batters. Here's an example: in 1967 Gibson had his leg broke by a line drive hit by Roberto Clemente. Gibson was out for a couple of months and the first time he faced Clemente, he threw at his head, making Clemente dive into the batter's box.

Both were great pitchers but no one wanted to stand in against Gibson.

rstowe said 05/07, 06:52 AM
Throwing at Clemente once didn't earn Gibson the title of most intimidating pitcher of all time - throwing at everyone anytime did. Gibson owned the inside of the plate and made sure each and every hitter was aware of it. He was the first true "headhunter" pitcher - before Pedro and Clemens. The following statement was from Hank Aaron to Dusy Baker..."'Don't dig in against Bob Gibson, he'll knock you down. He'd knock down his own grandmother if she dared to challenge him. Don't stare at him, don't smile at him, don't talk to him. He doesn't like it. If you happen to hit a home run, don't run too slow, don't run too fast. If you happen to want to celebrate, get in the tunnel first. And if he hits you, don't charge the mound, because he's a Gold Glove boxer.' I'm like, 'Damn, what about my 17-game hitting streak?' That was the night it ended."

Gibson was also a fantastic hitter for a pitcher. 24 homeruns and 144 RBIs for his career.

Even after they lowered the mound strictly because of Gibson, he still went 20-13 with a 2.18 ERA....so MLB took away one advantage from him and he still had a fantastic season.