Brian Barkley vs. Charley Lightner — Career Comparison

Charley Lightner built a career as a starting pitcher and Brian Barkley as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Charley Lightner posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 8.03 and WHIP 2.595 compared to 9.82 and 2.364 for Brian Barkley. By the career numbers, Charley Lightner had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.