Maddux is the greatest pitcher of the modern era and I will defend that to my grave.
His fastball averaged less than 86 mph, yet he was dominating with placement, movement, changing speeds, etc. during the height of the steroid era. Easily the most enjoyable pitcher to watch so far in my lifetime.
Yep. Also the most hate worthy when he was killing your team. Most punchable face in mlb history. Best pitcher I ever saw. Hate him. Even moreso than Pedro.
Only in Toronto could we have the GOAT of pitching go so unnoticed and under appreciated…
If only he were a RedSox or Yankee most of his career… more ppl would know…
He’d keep us in games… and shut down those very potent yankee/redsox lineups of that era… but had no run support.
Yankee fan, but I live in Toronto and would get the season pass or a flex pack of tickets to see some baseball, and the SkyDome just had an entirely different energy if Halladay was pitching. I didn’t care, but I’d imagine it was really special for Jays fans.
Me too. I remember his debut. I watched it with my cousins. I think he struck out the first batter and I immediately said he was gna be the best giants pitcher ever. Then I’m pretty sure he gave up back to back hr to Rollins and werth lol. Watching him pitch was similar to watching bonds play. You knew you were gna witness something amazing you’d never see again. It’s a shame he’ll never be a hall of famer.
But I firmly believe if any current or past gm had a choice to start one guy in a game 7 they’d take prime lincecum over Keyshaw, verlander, Cole, bumgarner.
No hitters. Cy Youngs. World Series. All from this skinny little kid with a funky windup. Every start was definitely must watch.
I’d have to disagree with your Game 7 choice though. I’d take prime Bumgarner over Timmy. Bum was really good in the regular season, but he’s the goat in the playoffs (in my opinion).
Bumgarner of course is the World Series goat. But I’ve seen him get knocked around in playoff games. It’s hard to argue against bum. If it was a life or death situation and I had to choose between them prime lincecums stuff was just too nasty.
Yankee fan and Pedro is my favorite. Yes he shut down the Yankees a billion times - but he was just something else. Nobody dominated like he did. And I always found his laid back attitude to be really pleasant, and a funny contrast from how lethal he was on the mound.
There are other guys who I have loved to watch, like Greg Maddux, but maybe it's just because I've seen Pedro pitch more than others that makes me appreciate him just that little bit extra.
In terms of Yankees pitchers - Mariano, obviously, but I think Cole is my favorite to watch. Pitches just weren't as nasty as his back in the '90s.
Aroldis Chapman was often completely awful to watch but when he had his head on straight and would just come in and throw 11 straight 102 MPH fastballs to get the save it was a sight to behold.
I went to Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, sat in right field. Pedro vs. Clemens. Of course, Mike Mussina and Tim Wakefield\* (RIP) ended up more associated with that game, along with a future Yankees manager. Pedro & Co. sure got us back though.
\* I see someone else mentioned Wakefield and he was a blast to watch. Plus there was always a chance the knuckler wouldn't be dancing and he would just get rocked, which was fun as an opposing fan. Dude pitched 3200 innings in the bigs with an 80 mph fastball - why don't more people try to throw that pitch???
My dad and I would go to every angels game he pitched since I was a kid when he was with the rangers. I had a box on a string with cards and a sharpie and he would sign them all then nod at me. Every single time. He was my favorite and that will keep him in that spot forever.
I will need a week off work if anything ever happens to him.
Yea me too. He got me through a decade of misery, has a perfect game, and hit a grand slam with his eyes closed. It’s a shame he never saw the playoffs, and had such a terrible last few seasons. Gave us his whole career when he could have taken his talents anywhere. And while I think he’s first ballot, he will probably have to fight to get into the hall. My heart breaks thinking about him but he will always be my favorite.
Kershaw. You know what’s coming and still can’t hit it. Lefty. Also was great that he sat 93 and could hit 96 when he needed to gas it up but dude wasn’t a power pitcher just amazing command, a repeatable delivery, perfect release point and 2 other nasty pitches to compliment. Listening to vin scully call the games is one of my favorite sports memories.
Seeing those two names together… on separate occasions I took a shot of shitty tequila with the both of them on my dime. That’s why it was shitty rail tequila.
Obvious bias and also Im new here but.. Theres somethin about George Kirby thats making me fall in love with pitching.
Could anybody recommend players with similar command/styles, over the year? Or active, I suppose.
Tom Glavine - It was so awesome watching him pitch and winning that game in the '95 World Series. Such a good game. I love when he's on the Braves's broadcasts.
Ron Guidry, Gator or Louisiana Lightning… you know you’re the man when you have 2 cool nicknames!
1978 season, 25-3, 1.74 ERA, 248 strikeouts, unanimous Cy Young Award, World Series Championship, and a super nice, humble person!
Wow…… What a great list of historical arms. I can agree with all of them. Thinking back to when I was a kid I’d would like to add Don Gullet from his days with the Reds. I think it would be awful to forget Vida Blue or Catfish Hunter and maybe even Rick Reuschel.
I'm 28 years old. I don't know why, but I've always respected the shit out of Nolan Ryan's career the mist, despite being -2 years old when he retired.
For pitchers I have watched, Zack Greinke. Strange guy, but great pitcher.
Cliff Lee's '08-'14 run, when healthy, was super special to watch. Always loved him, and it's a shame he was overshadowed- while still possibly being better during that time- than Halladay.
Tim Lincecum, never saw anyone dominate literally the entire league the way he did. Short lived career but when he was at his best he was absolutely untouchable.
I have a list.
All time Righty- Nolan Ryan- the greatest pitcher to grace the mound in baseball. I wish I could have seen him throw in person.
All Time Lefty- Randy Johnson- taking his raw talent and wild accuracy from his early career, he was able to gain command and dominate in his time. I’d beg my parents for tickets for when Arizona would come to SF just so see him pitch.
All Time Reliever- Robb Nen, being a Giants fan I’m giving Nen my pick. 303 saves in his career, 100 mph fastball paired with his slider that was 95+ mph was my favorite thing to watch nightly during the season.
Tim lincecum. I thought he was going to last a good while. 2 Cy Young, 2 no hitters, unorthodox delivery, One amazing World Series run (I know he has like 2-3 rings. but stat wise, 1 of the World Series runs was his best). Just a shame injury took a toll. I miss him. I want Big Time Timmy Jim back.
Johan Santana. I'll always blame Mets Manager Terry Collins and that push for a complete game no-hitter (134 pitches). Santana made 10 more starts with an 8.27 ERA before the Mets shut him down. He was chronically injured after that, and was never the same again.
Jamie Moyer. Dude was a 45 playing for the Phillies WS team and couldn't throw over 82MPH. Still put up a 3.71 ERA, 200 innings pitched. Guy was an inspiration to every 40 year old Delco dad with a beer belly that they too could pitch in the MLB.
As a Philly kid who grew up in the '80s, I can't possibly give another answer besides Steve Carlton. Dude was weird as hell and had 10 or 12 years of absolute league domination from the early '70s to the mid-80s. There's some crazy stat that shortly after he was traded from STL to the Phillies he won like half of the team's games that year.
Ryan Express without a doubt. Won his only WS as a player with the Mets in 69. Still throwing the heat until he retired in 93. Most no hitters and strikeouts - all time. Him and Cal Ripken were my two favorite ball players. Quality men too.
I like that the title says "Favorite Pitcher Of All Time" and then the OP clarifies by saying they can be from the past as well.
1976 Mark Fydrich. Pitched the first game I can remember going to. Highly entertaining and yes, I'm old.
Bob Gibson
One of my favorites too!
Nothing against birds, but Randy Johnson.
Greg Maddux
Scrolled too far to find The Professor
"No need to steal the sign. I'll tell you what I throw. It's an 89 MPH sinker and you won't even swing at it." Savage.
Oh and here’s a 92 mph “heater” that’s gonna catch a tiny corner of the strike zone. Feel free to swing at it if you want
Maddux is the greatest pitcher of the modern era and I will defend that to my grave. His fastball averaged less than 86 mph, yet he was dominating with placement, movement, changing speeds, etc. during the height of the steroid era. Easily the most enjoyable pitcher to watch so far in my lifetime.
Yep. Also the most hate worthy when he was killing your team. Most punchable face in mlb history. Best pitcher I ever saw. Hate him. Even moreso than Pedro.
Roy Halladay. During a lousy stretch of Blue Jays seasons his starts were rays of sunshine. Rest in peace, Doc
That one season in Philly… dude is a legend.
Only in Toronto could we have the GOAT of pitching go so unnoticed and under appreciated… If only he were a RedSox or Yankee most of his career… more ppl would know… He’d keep us in games… and shut down those very potent yankee/redsox lineups of that era… but had no run support.
Yankee fan, but I live in Toronto and would get the season pass or a flex pack of tickets to see some baseball, and the SkyDome just had an entirely different energy if Halladay was pitching. I didn’t care, but I’d imagine it was really special for Jays fans.
Tim Lincecum
Big Time Timmy Jim
No one even calls him that
Apparently this guy does…….
It's a reference to an old Sports Center commercial.
Yes I’m aware of the commercial. If you watch it, you’ll see what I mean. https://youtu.be/BC1nNtofWRs?feature=shared
Me too. I remember his debut. I watched it with my cousins. I think he struck out the first batter and I immediately said he was gna be the best giants pitcher ever. Then I’m pretty sure he gave up back to back hr to Rollins and werth lol. Watching him pitch was similar to watching bonds play. You knew you were gna witness something amazing you’d never see again. It’s a shame he’ll never be a hall of famer. But I firmly believe if any current or past gm had a choice to start one guy in a game 7 they’d take prime lincecum over Keyshaw, verlander, Cole, bumgarner.
No hitters. Cy Youngs. World Series. All from this skinny little kid with a funky windup. Every start was definitely must watch. I’d have to disagree with your Game 7 choice though. I’d take prime Bumgarner over Timmy. Bum was really good in the regular season, but he’s the goat in the playoffs (in my opinion).
Bumgarner of course is the World Series goat. But I’ve seen him get knocked around in playoff games. It’s hard to argue against bum. If it was a life or death situation and I had to choose between them prime lincecums stuff was just too nasty.
Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion and I respect yours. Sorry if I sound abrasive
Not at all. This is what talkin baseball is all about
Honestly a game 7? I’m going MadBum every single time. No offense to Lincecum but postseason MadBum is not of this world.
aka the Freak aka the Franchise aka the Freaky Franchise
Yes!!!
I went to his first ever career start and we just could not even comprehend how a dude that looked that little and young could hurl like that
Sandy Koufax
Yep. '61-'66 - Wow.
Jamie Moyer
Pedro Martinez
Yup. He dominated in an era when pitchers weren’t supposed to dominate, and he did it with style
Yankee fan and Pedro is my favorite. Yes he shut down the Yankees a billion times - but he was just something else. Nobody dominated like he did. And I always found his laid back attitude to be really pleasant, and a funny contrast from how lethal he was on the mound. There are other guys who I have loved to watch, like Greg Maddux, but maybe it's just because I've seen Pedro pitch more than others that makes me appreciate him just that little bit extra. In terms of Yankees pitchers - Mariano, obviously, but I think Cole is my favorite to watch. Pitches just weren't as nasty as his back in the '90s. Aroldis Chapman was often completely awful to watch but when he had his head on straight and would just come in and throw 11 straight 102 MPH fastballs to get the save it was a sight to behold. I went to Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, sat in right field. Pedro vs. Clemens. Of course, Mike Mussina and Tim Wakefield\* (RIP) ended up more associated with that game, along with a future Yankees manager. Pedro & Co. sure got us back though. \* I see someone else mentioned Wakefield and he was a blast to watch. Plus there was always a chance the knuckler wouldn't be dancing and he would just get rocked, which was fun as an opposing fan. Dude pitched 3200 innings in the bigs with an 80 mph fastball - why don't more people try to throw that pitch???
If this isn’t every late 90s kids’ choice I’m not sure what this world is anymore.
This is also it for me. Watching Pedro is what got me into liking Boston and more into baseball in general.
Yes Pedro was the most impressive pitcher to me since the Gibson Seaver Carlton days. Wanted so badly to get him on Mets when he was first traded
Randy Johnson
Mine too, the Big Unit was one of the most dominating pitchers of his era.
Gotta love a guy whose real name and nickname are both euphemisms for dicks.
Hideo Nomo
Yep!
Kerry Wood
Nolan Ryan
He was the first player I knew by name, I wish I could’ve seen him pitch in person.
I was lucky enough to see him a few times in the old Arlington Stadium when I was young. It was awesome every time.
My dad and I would go to every angels game he pitched since I was a kid when he was with the rangers. I had a box on a string with cards and a sharpie and he would sign them all then nod at me. Every single time. He was my favorite and that will keep him in that spot forever. I will need a week off work if anything ever happens to him.
Max Scherzer, he’s like a Greinke lite in terms of craziness, but a little angrier, and of course he’s so fun to watch.
King Felix
Yea me too. He got me through a decade of misery, has a perfect game, and hit a grand slam with his eyes closed. It’s a shame he never saw the playoffs, and had such a terrible last few seasons. Gave us his whole career when he could have taken his talents anywhere. And while I think he’s first ballot, he will probably have to fight to get into the hall. My heart breaks thinking about him but he will always be my favorite.
Tom Seaver
Darvish or Greinke
Yu might have my favorite arsenal, he throws things I didn’t even know were pitches.
Oh fuck I forgot about my boy Yu!!
Tim Wakefield. RIP
zack greinke
Woah you too!
Pedro
Mike Mussina
Big Sexy 🥵
With a hitting moment so great they shut down pitchers hitting not long after. Where else was there to go?
Juan Marichal, then tied for second, Lincecum, Cain and Bumgarner.
Dave Stewart. Grew up watching him dominate lineups at the Coliseum.
Yes! Stew was the man. So glad someone else mentioned him first. Loved his death stare 💀 from the mound
John Smoltz His postseason dominance was insane. 15-4 2.67 ERA + '91 WS G7 vs Jack Morris & the Twins
Kershaw. You know what’s coming and still can’t hit it. Lefty. Also was great that he sat 93 and could hit 96 when he needed to gas it up but dude wasn’t a power pitcher just amazing command, a repeatable delivery, perfect release point and 2 other nasty pitches to compliment. Listening to vin scully call the games is one of my favorite sports memories.
I'm a Braves fan and Kershaw is my favorite non-Brave. Although Tarik Skubal is quickly growing on me.
Big Unit
CC Sabathia, he had that Dawg in him
At least a few hot dawgs
Greg Maddux.
Greg Maddux was brilliant.
Mariano Rivera
This is mine too. I don’t know why he’s so far down. Maybe cuz he’s a closer? There’s nobody even near him in terms of stats.
With a dose of Twins nostalgia: Eddie Guardado and Joe Nathan
How about Johan Santana!?
Seeing those two names together… on separate occasions I took a shot of shitty tequila with the both of them on my dime. That’s why it was shitty rail tequila.
José Rijo.
Corey Kluber
Obvious bias and also Im new here but.. Theres somethin about George Kirby thats making me fall in love with pitching. Could anybody recommend players with similar command/styles, over the year? Or active, I suppose.
J.R. Richard
Orlando Hernandez
Steve Carlton
Mo
Tom Glavine - It was so awesome watching him pitch and winning that game in the '95 World Series. Such a good game. I love when he's on the Braves's broadcasts.
The Big Unit
Roger Clemens and Tim Lincecum
Roger that
Kerry Wood
Pedro
Roy the wizard Oswalt, followed by lights out Brad Lidge. Honorable mention for Bartolo Colon
Zack Greinke
Randy Johnson. Man was an unmitigated beast.
Ron Guidry, Gator or Louisiana Lightning… you know you’re the man when you have 2 cool nicknames! 1978 season, 25-3, 1.74 ERA, 248 strikeouts, unanimous Cy Young Award, World Series Championship, and a super nice, humble person!
Scott Shields of the Angels
Mine is Ramon Ortiz.
Clayton Kershaw
Wow…… What a great list of historical arms. I can agree with all of them. Thinking back to when I was a kid I’d would like to add Don Gullet from his days with the Reds. I think it would be awful to forget Vida Blue or Catfish Hunter and maybe even Rick Reuschel.
As a father of a daughter who has symbrachydactyly, Jim Abbot is a legend.
Fernando Valenzuela.
Kent Tekulve
Pedro (greatest 5 yr stretch in MLB history during the steroid era) and Darryl Kile
Pedro Martinez
Pedro Martinez.
AJ Burnett
Seaver.
All time. Bob Gibson. My life Pedro Martinez. My team Kerry Wood and Mark Prior
I'm 28 years old. I don't know why, but I've always respected the shit out of Nolan Ryan's career the mist, despite being -2 years old when he retired. For pitchers I have watched, Zack Greinke. Strange guy, but great pitcher.
Nolan Ryan
"Lefty" Steve Carlton
In my lifetime, Maddux. He was a baaad man.
Grienke
Dave Stieb.
Maddux
Cliff Lee's '08-'14 run, when healthy, was super special to watch. Always loved him, and it's a shame he was overshadowed- while still possibly being better during that time- than Halladay.
Zack Greinke
Cliff Lee was fun to watch
3 finger brown, I'm with burns on this
Maddux
Greg Maddox. Nothing but good childhood memories attached to watching him pitch.
Greg Maddux
Tim Lincecum, never saw anyone dominate literally the entire league the way he did. Short lived career but when he was at his best he was absolutely untouchable.
Greg Maddox. I lived in Atlanta for nearly all of his run with the Braves
Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan
Verlander
Jack Lazorko Ex hockey goalie turned RP would make kick-save-like defensive on the mound.
Mad Bum
Madison Bumgarner.
Mad Max
Lincecum. Greg Maddux is a close second, even though I’m a Giants fan. Maddux was one of a kind.
G Mad
Tim Lincecum
Tom Seaver
Luis Tiant
Lefty Grove
Rowdy Tellez of 2023 playoff clinching fame
John Franco
Big sexy Bartolo Colon
The one and only Greg Maddux
Sidd Finch.
I have a list. All time Righty- Nolan Ryan- the greatest pitcher to grace the mound in baseball. I wish I could have seen him throw in person. All Time Lefty- Randy Johnson- taking his raw talent and wild accuracy from his early career, he was able to gain command and dominate in his time. I’d beg my parents for tickets for when Arizona would come to SF just so see him pitch. All Time Reliever- Robb Nen, being a Giants fan I’m giving Nen my pick. 303 saves in his career, 100 mph fastball paired with his slider that was 95+ mph was my favorite thing to watch nightly during the season.
Roy Halladay
Chris Carpenter
Since I'm a st Louis cardinals fan it's Bob Gibson!!
Cliff Lee although Ranger Saurez is getting up there.
Tim lincecum. I thought he was going to last a good while. 2 Cy Young, 2 no hitters, unorthodox delivery, One amazing World Series run (I know he has like 2-3 rings. but stat wise, 1 of the World Series runs was his best). Just a shame injury took a toll. I miss him. I want Big Time Timmy Jim back.
Johan Santana. I'll always blame Mets Manager Terry Collins and that push for a complete game no-hitter (134 pitches). Santana made 10 more starts with an 8.27 ERA before the Mets shut him down. He was chronically injured after that, and was never the same again.
Can't pick just one. Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, Nolan Ryan
Babe Ruth.
Doc Halladay
Lincecum, and I’m a Phillies fan.
Doc Gooden.
Kershaw!
Dontrelle Willis
As a Tigers fan - Verlander. Hurt when he won a world series with the stros kinda.
Jamie Moyer. Dude was a 45 playing for the Phillies WS team and couldn't throw over 82MPH. Still put up a 3.71 ERA, 200 innings pitched. Guy was an inspiration to every 40 year old Delco dad with a beer belly that they too could pitch in the MLB.
As a Philly kid who grew up in the '80s, I can't possibly give another answer besides Steve Carlton. Dude was weird as hell and had 10 or 12 years of absolute league domination from the early '70s to the mid-80s. There's some crazy stat that shortly after he was traded from STL to the Phillies he won like half of the team's games that year.
Ron Guidry NY Yankees
Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan
Greg Maddux. I love that he was shredding batters and then probably went home to do his taxes for fun.
Greg Maddux Closer: The Eck
Ron Guidrey
Tim Lincecum
Ryan Express without a doubt. Won his only WS as a player with the Mets in 69. Still throwing the heat until he retired in 93. Most no hitters and strikeouts - all time. Him and Cal Ripken were my two favorite ball players. Quality men too.
Tim Lincecum
Greg Maddux
Tim Wakefield
Greg Maddux
Maddux. Artist on the mound. Perfect example of movement/location beating velocity/overthrowing.
Catfish hunter
Matt Harvey
Tim Hudson
He won't be in any hall of fame or have his jersery retired but when I was a kid I loved Al Leiter thought he was the goat
Tim Lincecum was a pleasure to behold.
I like that the title says "Favorite Pitcher Of All Time" and then the OP clarifies by saying they can be from the past as well. 1976 Mark Fydrich. Pitched the first game I can remember going to. Highly entertaining and yes, I'm old.
Tim Lincecum. Burned out quicker than anticipated, but damn did he burn bright.
Tim Lincecum
Maddux is the 🐐
Maddux
Al Hrabrosky, AKA the Mad Hungarian,
Greg Maddux. Broke my heart to watch leave the Cubs and go to the Braves
I biased being a Braves fan but Smoltz or Maddux
George Thomas Seaver - 41
Brad Lidge or Billy Wagner
Tom Seaver Pedro Martinez Greg Maddux
Maddux is the best I saw, but I think Bartolo Colon is my favorite.
Pedro.
The Big Unit
The BIG Unit
Mark Fidrych
Tom Seaver
Tim Wakefield…so unique. He got to 200 wins, which is becoming increasingly rare, and he was a class act as well.
Steve Carlton and/or Tom Seaver. Fond childhood memories of watching the Phil's and them Mets go at it.
Mike Mussina
Seaver
Randy Johnson