Brewers Video
Pitching has long been a keystone for teams that win the World Series. In 1988, Kirk Gibson’s pinch-hit home run may get the attention for the Dodgers, but Orel Hershiser’s dominance on the mound made him World Series MVP. Curt Schilling had iconic playoff performances, whether teaming with Randy Johnson in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series to bring home the win or in the “bloody sock” game for Boston.
So, which starting pitchers have been the best for the Crew of all time?
5. Mike Caldwell
102-80, 3.74 ERA in 1604.2 IP over eight seasons
Mike Caldwell is under the radar, but he still holds the team’s single-season record for wins (22), which nobody is likely to match given the trends of modern baseball. He held down a rotation spot for eight seasons after being acquired for two minor-league players. He had a top-15 MVP finish and was runner-up in the 1978 Cy Young voting.
4. Teddy Higuera
94-64, 3.61 ERA in 1380 IP over nine seasons
Teddy Higuera’s dominance from 1985-1988 was incredible. He posted the last 20-win season by a Brewers pitcher, had two top-10 Cy Young finishes, an All-Star Game appearance, and a top-15 MVP finish. Injuries took their toll from 1989 on, but when Higuera was good, he was incredibly good.
3. Ben Sheets
86-83, 3.72 ERA in 1428 IP over eight seasons
Sheets posted perhaps his most dominant season in 2004, setting a single-season mark for strikeouts. After that season, injuries derailed his career, marring the Brewers’ magical 2008 run to the Wild Card spot. Still, he made four All-Star Game appearances and has a top-10 Cy Young finish.
2. Brandon Woodruff
41-25, 3.18 ERA in 613.1 IP over six seasons
While his NLCS home run off Clayton Kershaw may be the indelible memory Brewers fans have, and Woodruff’s counting numbers may not seem to compare to pitchers of yesteryear, here’s a bit of trivia: He is currently the Brewers’ all-time leader in ERA and adjusted ERA+, and is second place in many other rate stats, like strikeouts per nine innings, WHIP, and FIP. Not bad for an 11th-round draft pick. He has two All-Star Game appearances and a top-5 Cy Young finish.
1. Corbin Burnes
35-19, 3.21 ERA in 515.2 IP over five seasons
The leader in virtually every rate stat, Corbin Burnes more than holds his own, 2019 season aside. He’s had three top-10 Cy Young finishes, two All-star Game appearances, and a top-15 MVP finish. He’s managed to overshadow Woodruff, which is no small feat. Despite the drama over a potential exit, Brewers fans can always feel confident that they will be celebrating a win when Burnes is on the mound.
Honorable Mentions
Yovani Gallardo was the team’s all-time leader in strikeouts. Moose Haas was a solid pitcher in the 1970s and early 1980s. Jim Slaton worked out of the rotation and bullpen for 12 years. Cal Eldred was a workhorse after a magical 1992 rookie season. Bill Wegman was a solid, if not overpowering, pitcher for 11 years. Chris Bosio was a solid #2 behind Teddy Higuera in the late 1980s.
Think you could write a story like this? Brewer Fanatic wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.
MORE FROM BREWER FANATIC
— Latest Brewers coverage from our writers
— Recent Brewers discussion in our forums
— Follow Brewer Fanatic via Twitter, Facebook or email
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.