Dave LaRoche vs. J. R. Richard — Career Comparison

J. R. Richard built a career as a starting pitcher and Dave LaRoche as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. J. R. Richard led in home run suppression (HR9+ 164 vs 72), strikeout rate (K%+ 165 vs 117), and skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 125 vs 93). Dave LaRoche held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 97 vs 76). Role difference aside, J. R. Richard holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.