Shockingly Good: MLB Pitchers Who Could Rake
In the era of the designated hitter, it’s easy to forget that some pitchers weren’t just about throwing heat—they could swing the bat too. These hurlers didn’t just stand in the batter’s box as placeholders; they made opposing teams sweat when they stepped up to the plate. Let’s take a look at the top 10 best-hitting pitchers of all time, and why, despite the universal DH, you might still be able to bet on MLB games live with a new appreciation for these rare dual-threat talents.
1. Babe Ruth
Before he became the Sultan of Swat, Ruth was a dominant pitcher with the Red Sox. He won 94 games and posted a 2.28 ERA, but his prowess at the plate is what made him a legend. Even as a pitcher, Ruth hit with the best of them, and his transition to a full-time hitter changed the course of baseball history. With 714 career home runs, he redefined what it meant to be a baseball player.
2. Wes Ferrell
Ferrell is not just the all-time leader in home runs by a pitcher (38), but he was also a reliable pinch hitter. During his 15-year career, Ferrell’s bat was almost as valuable as his arm, especially in the 1930s when his OPS soared over .950 in two seasons. His ability to come through in the clutch made him a force both on the mound and at the plate.
3. Don Drysdale
Drysdale’s Hall of Fame career wasn’t just about his dominance on the mound. He hit 29 career home runs, and in 1958, at just 21, he slugged seven dingers in only 66 at-bats. Drysdale was known for his aggressive style of pitching, but his powerful swing often left opposing pitchers second-guessing their game plans.
4. Bob Gibson
When Bob Gibson wasn’t intimidating batters with his fastball, he was doing damage with his bat. Gibson hit 24 home runs over his career and maintained a batting average just above .200. While that might not seem impressive for a position player, for a pitcher known for his legendary arm, it’s an added layer to his mythos. You can almost bet on MLB games live with the expectation that a Gibson at-bat might just change the game.
5. Madison Bumgarner
Bumgarner is one of the more recent examples of a pitcher who excelled at the plate. With 19 career home runs, Bumgarner’s power made him a threat every time he stepped into the batter’s box. His 2014 and 2015 seasons were especially noteworthy, where he hit a combined nine home runs. Bumgarner’s swing was as aggressive as his pitching style, and he never seemed to miss an opportunity to leave a lasting impact.
6. Zack Greinke
Greinke isn’t just known for his pitching accolades; his work at the plate has been remarkable too. In 2019, he posted an .888 OPS with three home runs, a feat that many everyday players struggle to achieve. Greinke takes his hitting seriously, and his performance has proven that pitchers can contribute offensively in significant ways.
7. Carlos Zambrano
Zambrano’s fiery demeanor extended to his hitting as well. He wasn’t just a solid pitcher with 24 career home runs; he was a switch-hitter who could surprise anyone with his bat. His intensity at the plate mirrored his approach on the mound, making him one of the most entertaining players of his era.
8. Mike Hampton
Hampton was more than just a two-time All-Star pitcher. With seven home runs in 2001 and a .291 average that same season, Hampton consistently showed that pitchers could do more than just bunt. His hitting prowess often gave his team an edge, adding an unexpected layer to his game.
9. Don Newcombe
Newcombe wasn’t just an MVP and Cy Young Award winner—he was also a dangerous hitter. His 1955 season saw him hit .359 with seven home runs, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Newcombe’s ability to deliver at the plate was as impressive as his dominance on the mound.
10. Earl Wilson
Wilson’s 35 career home runs made him a rare power threat among pitchers. While he hit just .195 overall, his slugging ability kept opposing pitchers on their toes. Wilson’s power made him a unique weapon in the lineup, proving that pitchers could indeed change the outcome of a game with their bats.
In today’s game, while the DH rule has taken the bat out of pitchers’ hands, these legends remind us of a time when pitchers weren’t just pitching—they were hitting, too. So the next time you bet on MLB games live, remember these all-time greats who could do it all.
