Al Atkinson vs. Unknown Nelson — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Al Atkinson and Unknown Nelson are fairly close on the surface numbers. Al Atkinson posted stronger numbers in ERA (3.96 vs 9) and WHIP (1.259 vs 2.000). Unknown Nelson had the advantage in home runs allowed (0 per nine innings vs 0.21). By the career numbers, Al Atkinson had the better of this comparison — though ERA and WHIP alone don't account for era, park factors, or the defenses each pitcher worked behind.