29. Bob Gibson
In terms of the most dominant years in MLB history, Bob Gibson’s 1968 season has to rank near the top of that list. Yet, he was more than just that one season.
More of the more dominant, and feared, pitchers of his era, Gibson was a pitcher who transcended eras. Fear and intimidation were a part of his game, a throwback to a bygone time, while he was a strikeout artist the likes of which would become more common in the modern era. An eight time All-Star, Gibson won two Cy Young awards and the MVP in 1968, a year where he went 22-9 with a 1.12 ERA and 0.853 WHiP, striking out 268 batters in 304 innings in what may have been the greatest season on the mound in the modern era.
In his career, Gibson posted a 251-174 record with a 2.91 ERA and a 1.198 WHiP, striking out 3117 batters in 3884.1 innings. Even though he had quite the intimidating presence, Gibson only hit 102 batters, 81st all time. He ranks 14th in strikeouts, 13th in shutouts and 42nd in hits per nine innings. He was truly one of the dominant pitchers of his time.
Gibson’s greatest weapon, however, was not his blazing fastball, but his aura. Joe Torre once called his presence on the mound “hateful,” as he used his fearsome reputation and a fastball that could touch 100 MPH as effectively as anyone in his era. His great stuff played up even more due to that intimidation factor.
The poster child for the Year of the Pitcher, Bob Gibson was more than just a phenomenon of that time. He was truly a dominant pitcher who excelled even when the mound was lowered, someone who would have done well regardless of the era.
Next: King of the Royals