Frank Bates vs. Unknown Malone — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Frank Bates and Unknown Malone are fairly close on the surface numbers. Frank Bates posted stronger numbers in ERA (6.33 vs 21.6) and WHIP (2.082 vs 3.600). Unknown Malone had the advantage in home runs allowed (0 per nine innings vs 0.28). By the career numbers, Frank Bates 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.