Bob Barthelson vs. Bill Williams — Career Comparison

Bill Williams built a career as a starting pitcher and Bob Barthelson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Bob Barthelson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.66 and WHIP 1.862 compared to 5.06 and 1.313 for Bill Williams. By the career numbers, Bob Barthelson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.