Larry Dierker vs. Al Schmelz — Career Comparison

Larry Dierker built a career as a starting pitcher and Al Schmelz as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Al Schmelz posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3 and WHIP 1.667 compared to 3.31 and 1.236 for Larry Dierker. By the career numbers, Al Schmelz had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.