Justin Verlander Moves Into Ninth Place on Career Strikeout List, Passing Walter Johnson

This has not been the greatest of seasons for Justin Verlander. The three time Cy Young Award winner, 2011 American League MVP and 2006 American League Rookie of the Year signed a one year contract with the San Francisco Giants back in January, but through his first 22 starts, Verlander was 1-10 with a 4.64 ERA. Although he had some bad outings, he also was not receiving much help from the Giants offense. For example, the Giants were shut out in four of Verlander’s losses, and he allowed just one earned run in three no decisions.

There was a little good news in his 23rd start on August 26th. Not only did he pick up his second win of the season, he also passed Walter Johnson for ninth place for career strikeouts. Verlander fanned five Cubs, and has 3520 for his career. Johnson had 3515 according to the Elias Sports Bureau; interestingly, Baseball-Reference.com has Johnson listed as having 3509. Both are highly regarded stat keepers, so pick your favorite. Either way, Verlander is ninth and Johnson 10th.

Hall of Famer Walter Johnson played his entire career from 1907-1927 with the old Washington Senators (today’s Minnesota Twins). He had some jaw dropping numbers, as did many of the greats who played in that era. For his career, Johnson was 417-279 with a 2.17 ERA, 531 complete games, and 110 shutouts. That shutout total remains the all time career record. Probably his best season, at least statistic wise, was 1913, when he was 36-7 with a 1.14 ERA, 29 complete games, 11 shutouts, 243 strikeouts and just 38 walks in 346 innings pitched.

At age 42, Verlander’s career is winding down; he will probably pass Gaylord Perry (3534) this season for eighth place in career strikeouts, but others will be out of reach unless he plays at least another season. His career numbers (264-157, 3.34 ERA) and awards make him a sure fire first ballot Hall of Famer.