Harry Eccles vs. Phenomenal Smith — Career Comparison

Looking at the career totals, Harry Eccles and Phenomenal Smith are fairly close on the surface numbers. Phenomenal Smith posted stronger numbers in ERA (3.89 vs 4.71) and home runs allowed (0.15 per nine innings vs 0.86). Harry Eccles had the advantage in WHIP (1.143 vs 1.416). By the career numbers, Phenomenal Smith 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.