Frank Bates vs. Big Train Jackson — Career Comparison

Big Train Jackson built a career as a starting pitcher and Frank Bates as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Big Train Jackson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 6.3 and WHIP 1.914 compared to 6.33 and 2.082 for Frank Bates. By the career numbers, Big Train Jackson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.