5. Eddie Plank, 326 wins, 122 ERA+, 4,495 2/3 IP, 2,246 strikeouts, 91.5 bWAR
Joining Waddell in that 1946 class was the guy who took over the mantle from him as the best left-handed pitcher in the game right away in his rookie year with the same A’s team that Waddell had starred for, and then he ran with that title for many seasons, finally jumping ship to the Federal League after a contract dispute, and returning, still dominant at 40 years old to the St. Louis Browns before walking away after posting a 1.79 ERA over 131 innings at 41.
Unlike Waddell, who was a power pitcher, Plank was known for his ability to keep hitters off balance and to pound the strike zone, walking just 6% of hitters over his career. Plank would work with meticulous precision in his routine on the mound, even talking with himself at times, often frightening other players who were curious of Plank’s mental stability.
Plank set the standard for lefty victories that would remain until Warren Spahn passed him, but he still remains the best left-handed pitcher all-time in shutouts with 69, pitching to an incredible 2.35 career ERA over almost 4,500 innings. However his quirks on the mound were such that when he began to complain about his contract, the Athletics were more than willing to let him walk.
Plank had a brilliant season at 40 years old with the St. Louis Terriers, but the league folded after the 1915 season, leaving Plank once again in turmoil about the future of his career. His former Terriers owner purchased control of the St. Louis Browns and brought Plank with him. Complaining of stomach issues that were overwhelming his ability to pitch, Plank retired after the 1917 season.
Plank passed away in 1926, 20 years before he would be immortalized by the Old Timers Committee.
Next: 4. Lefty