Complete game

In baseball, a complete game (denoted by CG) is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game himself, without the benefit of a relief pitcher. A complete game can be either a win or a loss. As demonstrated by the charts below, in the late 1800's, it was common for most good pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. As the 20th century went on, complete games became less and less common, to the point where a good pitcher typically achieves only 1 or 2 complete games a season today. To put in perspective, as recently as 15-20 years ago, 10-15 complete games a year by a star pitcher was not unheard of. This change has been brought about by strict pitch counts and new pitching philosophies in general. Most pitchers now try primarily to get strikeouts, which leads to more pitches being thrown and more stress on the pitching arm.

Career Leaders

• 1. Cy Young | 749
• 2. Pud Galvin | 646
• 3. Tim Keefe | 554
• 4. Walter Johnson | 531
• Kid Nichols | 531
• 6. Bobby Mathews | 525
• Mickey Welch | 525
• 8. Charley Radbourn | 489
• 9. John Clarkson | 485
• 10. Tony Mullane | 468
• 11. Jim McCormick | 466
• 12. Gus Weyhing | 448
• 13. Pete Alexander | 437
• 14. Christy Mathewson | 434
• 15. Jack Powell | 422
• 16. Eddie Plank | 410
• 17. Will White | 394
• 18. Amos Rusie | 392
• 19. Vic Willis | 388
• 20. Tommy Bond | 386

All pitchers above are right handed, except for Eddie Plank.

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