Jim Abbott vs. Herb Hippauf — Career Comparison

Jim Abbott built a career as a starting pitcher and Herb Hippauf as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Herb Hippauf posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 13.5 and WHIP 2.625 compared to 20.25 and 3.750 for Jim Abbott. By the career numbers, Herb Hippauf had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.