2007-05-18 05:19:32 · 8 answers · asked by Koufax? 2 in Sports ➔ Baseball
Very good question and there is no real easy answer. Warren Spahn won the most as a lefthander with 363 wins followed by Steve Carlton with 329 wins, Eddie Plank with 326 wins and Lefty Grove with 300 wins in their fabulous careers. Lefty Grove had one of the greatest seasons ever in 1931 with a 31-4 record.
But to me, the greatest lefthander of them all was Sandy Koufax. His career didn't last as long as these other guys due to an arthritic elbow forcing him to retire early with 165 wins. But from 1962-1966 he was nearly impossible to beat throwing 4 no hitters, one of which was a perfect game, being the MVP in several World Series for the Dodgers very well known for besting the New York Yankees in the 63 World Series and striking out 15 in one game which was a record at that time and setting the original season strikeout mark of 382 strikeouts in a season which was beaten by Nolan Ryan years later with 383 and is still the record for lefthanded pitchers. Sandy had great control, a blazing fastball, and a curve that literally fell off the table and was the best I ever saw pitch.
2007-05-18 05:51:21 · answer #1 · answered by toughguy2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can answer this in several ways. The greatest in one season, in a shortened career, or a long career. Lefty Grove may have had the single greatest season, Sandy Koufax had a great but short-lived career, and Warren Spahn had a great career over many years.
2007-05-18 16:10:24 · answer #2 · answered by dwmatty19 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sandy Koufax was the most dominating pitcher ever for a span of five years. Unfortunately Koufax did not have the longevity so I am going to have to go with "lefty" Steve Carlton. Carlton pitched for terrible Phillies and Mets teams for yours and still racked up incredible win totals. When Carlton was in his prime he was amazing.
2007-05-18 13:30:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Warren Spahn.
2007-05-18 13:05:33 · answer #4 · answered by Sharon S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I could vary my answer depending on whether one wanted a great career, a great peak, a great season, or needed to win Game 7. But in general I'd take Lefty Grove.
2007-05-18 13:41:18 · answer #5 · answered by Chipmaker Authentic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
STeve Carlton
2007-05-18 13:34:35 · answer #6 · answered by Red Sawx ® 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Warren "Lefty" Spahn
2007-05-18 12:42:59 · answer #7 · answered by JMac440 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Randy Johnson
2007-05-21 09:09:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋