Jim Abbott vs. Don Bessent — Career Comparison

Jim Abbott built a career as a starting pitcher and Don Bessent as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Don Bessent posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.33 and WHIP 1.398 compared to 4.25 and 1.451 for Jim Abbott. By the career numbers, Don Bessent had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.