Buck Farmer vs. Bob Shirley — Career Comparison

Bob Shirley built a career as a starting pitcher and Buck Farmer as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Bob Shirley led in run prevention (ERA+ 96 vs 76), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 93 vs 77), and strikeout rate (K%+ 98 vs 84). Buck Farmer held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 88 vs 87). Role difference aside, Bob Shirley holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.