Al Atkinson vs. Chick Smith — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Al Atkinson and Chick Smith are fairly close on the surface numbers. Al Atkinson posted stronger numbers in WHIP (1.259 vs 1.472) and home runs allowed (0.21 per nine innings vs 0.51). Chick Smith had the advantage in ERA (3.57 vs 3.96). 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.