Can a Pitcher Pitch a Whole Game?

The short answer is yes, but it rarely happens in modern baseball. A complete game, where a single pitcher throws all nine innings, is a rare occurrence today. Historically, it was much more common. Let's explore why and when a pitcher can pitch a whole game.

Historical Context: Mark Marshall's Stunning Season

Even a one-inning middle reliever cannot pitch every game of a season. The record for a single season is 106 complete games by Mark Marshall in 1974. This is an astounding figure, reflecting a time when pitchers were not as specialized and could handle significant workload. Marshall managed to pitch over 90 games two more times, showing the extraordinary physical condition and mental toughness of pitchers in the past.

Is There a Rule Against Pitching the Whole Game?

There isn't a rule prohibiting a pitcher from throwing a complete game. However, modern baseball has evolved, and there are practical reasons why this is no longer a common practice. For instance, even a one-inning middle reliever, who is trained to come in and out of the game quickly, would not be able to handle 106 complete games in a single season. The idea is to protect pitchers and keep them healthy for the long term.

Common Usage in Baseball History

While complete games were more common in the past, they are still possible. In today's game, a complete game is a rare sight, but in the 1980s and 1990s, it was much more frequent. For instance, the percentage of complete games has consistently dropped over a century. In 1990, the rate was around 1%, in 1980 it was around 10%, in 1950 it was around 20%, and in 1900 it was around 40%. This decline is largely due to the specialization of starting and relief pitchers.

Practical Considerations

While a pitcher can throw as long as they want, once they are substituted out of the game, they cannot return as the pitcher for the remainder of the game. This is a key rule in professional baseball, ensuring that no player endures extreme fatigue.

Personal Experiences

Many baseball fans have seen a starting pitcher pitch a complete game. For example, at Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco, I attended a game where the Giants' pitcher, Livan Hernandez, pitched a complete game shutout. This kind of performance is truly exhilarating and brings immense pride to the home fans.

As we continue to evolve as a sport, it's fascinating to see how the role of pitchers has changed over time. While complete games are less common now, the legacy of these historic performances lives on.