Don Elston vs. Jimmy Nelson — Career Comparison

Jimmy Nelson built a career as a starting pitcher and Don Elston as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Don Elston posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.69 and WHIP 1.445 compared to 4.12 and 1.365 for Jimmy Nelson. By the career numbers, Don Elston had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.