Don Newcombe vs. Tim Spooneybarger — Career Comparison

Don Newcombe built a career as a starting pitcher and Tim Spooneybarger as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Tim Spooneybarger led in home run suppression (HR9+ 308 vs 70), skill-based run prevention (DICE+ 129 vs 93), and run prevention (ERA+ 126 vs 92). Don Newcombe held the edge in walk avoidance (BB%+ 162 vs 110). Role difference aside, Tim Spooneybarger holds a clear edge on every meaningful shared measure.