Top 25 MLB pitching seasons of all time

20 of 25

FLUSHING, NY – 1985: Dwight “Doc” Gooden #16 of the New York Mets delivers the pitch during a 1985 season game at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

6. Dwight Gooden, 1985

The Numbers: 24-4, 1.53 ERA, 8 shutouts, 268 strikeouts, 2.13 FIP, Cy Young

Dwight Gooden was the phenom who was supposed to redefine what could be done on an MLB mound. In his age-20 season, Doc put up numbers that stand up against any of the greats in baseball lore. After becoming the youngest pitcher ever to start an All-Star Game, Gooden returned in 1985 with one of the best seasons ever by a pitcher. His 13.2 WAR is the highest total ever for a modern pitcher and 20th all time even considering dead-ball seasons.

In 1985, Gooden recorded the highest quality start percentage in MLB history, with 33 of his 35 starts meeting the designation. He had a 31-inning scoreless streak from August 31 to September 16 and 49 straight innings without allowing an earned run until October 2. Gooden’s teammates sometimes struggled to support him, and he received two no-decisions in September despite pitching nine innings and allowing no runs. In his four losses, Gooden had a 2.89 ERA.

Gooden became the youngest pitcher ever to win the Triple Crown in 1984. He was also the only pitcher to post an ERA+ greater than 200 in his age-20 season. Only one pitcher has had such a season before the age of 25. For a 50-start stretch spanning 1984 to 1986, Gooden went 37-5 with a 1.38 ERA.

Unfortunately, Gooden would never return to the early dominance of his career. He fell victim to his addictions to cocaine and alcohol. Gooden was suspended for the entire 1995 season after a positive drug test. The early overuse at the age of 19 and 20 also contributed to a series of injuries and diminished velocity. Gooden provided a few more highlights, including a no-hitter in 1996, but largely failed to deliver on his immense potential.

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