Al McBean vs. Ben McDonald — Career Comparison

Ben McDonald built a career as a starting pitcher and Al McBean as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Ben McDonald led in strikeout rate (K%+ 105 vs 78), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 105 vs 95), and run prevention (ERA+ 119 vs 113). Al McBean held the edge in home run suppression (HR9+ 113 vs 105). Role difference aside, Ben McDonald holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.