Jerry Akers vs. Lynn Nelson — Career Comparison

Lynn Nelson built a career as a starting pitcher and Jerry Akers as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Jerry Akers posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.87 and WHIP 1.918 compared to 5.25 and 1.535 for Lynn Nelson. By the career numbers, Jerry Akers had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.