In baseball, records are often made to be broken. Yet, some milestones stand as a testament to an athlete’s extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and skill. Such is the case with Adam Wainwright, who recently joined the elite club of pitchers with 200 wins, etching his name in the annals of baseball history.
Let’s delve into this remarkable accomplishment and explore why it may remain an elusive feat in the ever-changing landscape of America’s pastime.
Wainwright’s Journey to 200 Wins
Adam Wainwright, a stalwart of the St. Louis Cardinals, achieved his 200th win with a masterful 1-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. This momentous achievement catapulted him into an exclusive fraternity, becoming the 122nd pitcher in baseball history to reach this coveted milestone.
But this triumph wasn’t handed to him on a silver platter. Wainwright entered the 2023 season with a clear objective: to join the 200-win club. Despite encountering significant challenges, including a daunting 7.40 ERA and just four wins in 20 starts before his milestone win, Wainwright persisted. His unwavering determination paints a portrait of resilience and commitment.
The Rarity of 200 Wins
In today’s game, reaching 200 wins as a pitcher has become a rarity, a testament to the shifting dynamics of baseball. Currently, only four active pitchers share this distinction: Justin Verlander (255 wins), Zack Greinke (224 wins), Max Scherzer (214 wins), and Clayton Kershaw (209 wins). These formidable pitchers represent a dwindling group capable of achieving this significant mark.
The dwindling number of pitchers reaching 200 wins isn’t an indictment of modern-day pitchers’ toughness or skills. Instead, it reflects the evolving nature of the game. Let’s explore five key reasons why this milestone is becoming increasingly elusive.
1. Facing Hitters Multiple Times
As baseball has evolved, managers and front offices have recognized the advantage that batters gain when facing a starting pitcher for the third or fourth time in a game. This phenomenon, known as the “third-time-through-the-order penalty,” has led to a shift in strategy. Pitchers are often pulled earlier in games, reducing their opportunities to notch wins by completing full games.
2. Reliance on Bullpen Velocity
The emphasis on pitch velocity and movement has reshaped pitching strategies. With relievers capable of throwing blazing fastballs and executing sharp-breaking pitches, managers often opt for bullpen arms to face batters multiple times in a game. This approach maximizes a pitcher’s effectiveness while minimizing fatigue, further limiting starting pitchers’ chances to secure wins.
3. Changing Perception of the Win
While wins were once the ultimate metric of a pitcher’s success, the baseball community now places less emphasis on this statistic. Cy Young Award winners in recent years have showcased relatively modest win totals, highlighting the growing recognition that wins alone do not reflect a pitcher’s true quality or impact on the game.
4. Longevity Challenges
The pursuit of 200 wins is closely tied to a pitcher’s longevity. In today’s game, preserving the health and durability of pitchers remains a significant challenge. The toll of a grueling season and the risk of injuries have made it increasingly difficult for pitchers to maintain consistent performance over two decades.
5. The Reliability of Game Starts
To further illustrate the rarity of 200-win pitchers, consider the statistics of games started. The same five pitchers with 200 wins are at the top of this leaderboard. However, a substantial drop-off in games started after them highlights the scarcity of pitchers who can consistently make 30-plus starts in a season, let alone for two decades.
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