J. R. Richard vs. Charlie Smith — Career Comparison

On the career pitching numbers, Charlie Smith posted a stronger line than J. R. Richard. Charlie Smith posted stronger numbers in ERA (2.81 vs 3.15) and home runs allowed (0.15 per nine innings vs 0.41). By the career numbers, Charlie Smith had the better of this comparison — though ERA and WHIP alone don't account for era, park factors, or the defenses each pitcher worked behind.