Who's the greatest pitcher of all time?

 

Writers from around Tribune Co. discuss the topic. Check back throughout the day for more responses, and feel free to weigh in with a comment of your own.

Baxter Holmes, Los Angeles Times

In Game 2 of the 1916 World Series, Boston's George Herman Ruth took the mound against the Brooklyn Robins. The game lasted 14 innings. And Ruth, a southpaw, pitched them all, giving up just six hits as Boston won, 2-1.

His record for the longest complete game in World Series history still stands, and that game highlighted a dominant 23-12 season for Ruth, who led the American League in starts (40), earned-run average (1.75) and shutouts (nine).

Ruth would stack up a 78-40 record from 1915-18 but not long after somebody figured he’d be better as an everyday player. What could’ve been. …

Photo: Babe Ruth sits in the locker room after his last game as a Yankee player on Sept. 30, 1934. Credit: Associated Press