Don Erickson vs. Art Lopatka — Career Comparison

Art Lopatka built a career as a starting pitcher and Don Erickson as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Don Erickson posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.63 and WHIP 1.800 compared to 6.35 and 1.588 for Art Lopatka. By the career numbers, Don Erickson had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.