Over the course of baseball history, complete games pitched by year have been a testament to the resilience and skill of pitchers. These games showcase the ability of a single player to carry his team to victory without the help of relievers, reflecting a bygone era when starting pitchers were expected to go the distance. In this article, we will explore the evolution of complete games pitched by year, highlighting the remarkable performances of some of the greatest pitchers in the sport’s history.
The early years of baseball saw complete games as the norm, with pitchers often tasked with pitching multiple games in a single week. As the sport progressed, the frequency of complete games began to decline, but they remained a staple of the game. In the 19th century, it was not uncommon for pitchers to throw complete games in every single game they started.
During the early 1900s, the era of the dominant pitcher began to take shape. Players like Cy Young, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson were responsible for some of the most memorable complete games by year. Cy Young, for instance, recorded 492 complete games in his illustrious career, a testament to his dominance on the mound. In 1901, he pitched 42 complete games, an impressive feat that remains unmatched to this day.
As the game evolved, the role of the pitcher changed, and the number of complete games by year began to decrease. The introduction of relief pitchers in the early 20th century allowed teams to use multiple arms throughout a game, leading to a decline in the frequency of complete games. However, even in the modern era, some pitchers have managed to throw complete games with remarkable regularity.
One such pitcher was Sandy Koufax, who, in 1965, pitched a record-setting 11 complete games in a single season. Koufax’s dominance on the mound was undeniable, as he led the Dodgers to a World Series victory that year. Another remarkable season of complete games by year came in 1995, when Randy Johnson threw 13 complete games for the Arizona Diamondbacks, an impressive feat in an era when pitching has become increasingly specialized.
The modern era of baseball has seen a shift in pitching strategies, with teams placing a greater emphasis on the bullpen. As a result, the number of complete games by year has continued to decline. In 2019, only 17 complete games were thrown in the entire season, a stark contrast to the days when pitchers like Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan routinely threw complete games with regularity.
Despite the decline in complete games by year, these pitching performances remain a significant part of baseball history. They serve as a reminder of the incredible talent and dedication required to pitch a complete game, as well as the changing dynamics of the sport. As we look back on the evolution of complete games by year, we are reminded of the rich history of baseball and the enduring legacy of its greatest pitchers.
In conclusion, complete games pitched by year have been a crucial aspect of baseball history, reflecting the evolution of the sport and the remarkable achievements of its pitchers. While the frequency of these games has decreased over time, their legacy continues to inspire future generations of baseball players and fans alike.
