Al Downing vs. Luther Hackman — Career Comparison

Al Downing built a career as a starting pitcher and Luther Hackman as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Al Downing led in strikeout rate (K%+ 99 vs 76), run prevention (ERA+ 112 vs 91), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 98 vs 86). Luther Hackman held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 95 vs 91). Role difference aside, Al Downing holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.