Unknown Atkinson vs. Lynn Nelson — Career Comparison

Lynn Nelson built a career as a starting pitcher and Unknown Atkinson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Unknown Atkinson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.5 and WHIP 1.000 compared to 5.25 and 1.535 for Lynn Nelson. By the career numbers, Unknown Atkinson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.