Bob File vs. Duke Shirey — Career Comparison

Duke Shirey built a career as a starting pitcher and Bob File as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Bob File posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 4.2 and WHIP 1.464 compared to 6.75 and 1.750 for Duke Shirey. By the career numbers, Bob File had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.