Malcolm Rivera
In Major League Baseball, a complete game is a notable achievement for a pitcher, demonstrating their endurance, skill, and dominance. It is awarded to a player who pitches the entire game for their team, regardless of the number of innings played. The pitcher must also be the only player on their team to pitch, with no other teammate throwing a pitch during the game. This feat has become increasingly rare in baseball, with only 34 complete games recorded in 2023. The most well-known pitcher with the most complete games in major league history is Cy Young, who is credited with 749 complete games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A complete game in baseball is a statistic awarded to a player who pitches the entire game for their team. |
| Pitcher | The pitcher must be the only player on their team to pitch, with no other teammates throwing a pitch during the game. |
| Relief pitcher | The pitcher must complete the game without the benefit of a relief pitcher. |
| Number of innings | A complete game usually consists of nine innings, but the length can differ under certain conditions or in specific leagues. |
| Exceptions | In Major League Baseball (MLB), a game called due to weather or other reasons after at least five innings have been completed can be considered a complete game under certain conditions. |
| No influence on other statistics | The complete game statistic does not impact other statistics and is not an indicator of team success. |
| Rarity | Complete games have become increasingly rare in baseball, with only 34 recorded in 2023. |
| Record holder | Cy Young holds the record for the most complete games in Major League Baseball history, with 749 complete games. |
Explore related products
$3.69 $8.59
What You'll Learn
- A complete game is a notable achievement for any pitcher, showcasing their skill and endurance
- A complete game is awarded to a player pitching the entire game for their team
- The complete game is a rarity in modern baseball, with an emphasis on strategic plays
- A complete game can be achieved in a game shortened by weather or other reasons, if certain conditions are met
- A complete game does not indicate a team's success, but is a vital statistic for starting pitchers
A complete game is a notable achievement for any pitcher, showcasing their skill and endurance
In Major League Baseball, a complete game is a significant achievement for any pitcher, showcasing their skill, endurance, and dominance on the mound. It is awarded to a pitcher who pitches the entire game for their team without the benefit of a relief pitcher. This statistic is a testament to a pitcher's ability to maintain their performance throughout the game and is highly regarded by fans, the media, and baseball historians alike.
A complete game is typically achieved when a pitcher finishes a standard nine-inning game without any assistance from other pitchers on their team. However, the length of a complete game can vary depending on the circumstances. For instance, if a game is terminated early due to weather or other factors, it can still be considered a complete game as long as a certain number of innings have been completed, usually five or more. In such cases, if the home team is leading or the game is tied, the game is deemed "rain-shortened" or "called," and the starting pitcher earns a complete game.
The criteria for a complete game also extend to extra innings. If a game goes beyond nine innings, the pitcher must continue until the game's conclusion to achieve a complete game. This showcases the pitcher's exceptional endurance and strategic approach. It is worth noting that if a starting pitcher is relieved in extra innings after throwing nine or more innings, they will not be credited with a complete game.
Achieving a complete game in Major League Baseball has become increasingly rare. In the early 20th century, pitchers routinely completed the games they started, but modern baseball has seen a shift towards strategic substitutions and pitch count limitations. The increased use of specialized relief pitchers and concerns about pitcher arm injuries have contributed to the decline in complete games.
Despite the rarity of complete games today, some pitchers have stood out with impressive achievements. Cy Young holds the record for the most complete games in Major League history, with an astonishing 749 complete games. Sandy Alcantara and Jordan Lyles are more recent examples, each pitching three complete games in 2023, showcasing their durability and skill.
In summary, a complete game in Major League Baseball is a notable feat that requires endurance, skill, and strategic management of the pitching staff. It is a testament to a pitcher's ability to dominate the game from start to finish and is highly valued in the sport's rich tactical and historical landscape.
What Congress Can't Do: Exploring Constitutional Limits
You may want to see also
A complete game is awarded to a player pitching the entire game for their team
In Major League Baseball, a complete game is a significant achievement for a pitcher, demonstrating their endurance, skill, and dominance. It is awarded to a player who pitches the entire game for their team, regardless of the number of innings played. This means that the pitcher starts the game and finishes it without the help of any relief pitchers, showcasing their ability to maintain performance throughout.
A complete game is a prestigious statistic in baseball, reflecting a pitcher's durability and reliability. It is not influenced by other statistics and is independent of a team's success. A pitcher can earn a complete game without winning, as long as they finish the game they started. The distinction between a complete game and a perfect game lies in whether the pitcher allows a baserunner during the former. While a perfect game requires a pitcher to prevent any hits, runs, or baserunners, a complete game only necessitates that the pitcher completes the entire game.
Historically, complete games were more common, with pitchers expected to finish the games they started. However, in modern baseball, they have become a rarity due to various factors. Changes in pitching strategy, the increased use of specialized relief pitchers, and a focus on preserving pitchers' arms have contributed to the decline in complete games. Additionally, strict adherence to pitch counts and new pitching philosophies have influenced the game's evolution.
Despite the decreasing occurrence of complete games, they remain a notable feat in Major League Baseball. In 2023, Sandy Alcantara and Jordan Lyles stood out by pitching three complete games each, showcasing their exceptional skill and endurance. Cy Young holds the record for the most complete games in major league history, with an impressive 749 complete games and a total of 7,356 innings pitched during his career (1890–1911). Many believe that Young's record will never be broken due to the significant changes in baseball over the last century.
In summary, a complete game in Major League Baseball is awarded to a player who pitches the entire game for their team. It is a testament to a pitcher's endurance, skill, and reliability, and it remains a significant achievement despite its decreasing occurrence in the modern game.
Constitutional Linguistics: National Languages in Law
You may want to see also
The complete game is a rarity in modern baseball, with an emphasis on strategic plays
In baseball, a complete game is when a pitcher plays the entire duration of a game without being replaced by a relief pitcher. The number of innings played does not matter, and a complete game is usually nine innings long. However, in the case of extra innings, a game can be longer, and if a game is terminated early due to weather or other reasons, it can be shorter, with five innings considered a complete game.
Complete games are a significant achievement in baseball, demonstrating a pitcher's endurance, skill, and dominance. They are also a vital statistic for starting pitchers, indicating their durability and reliability. In the early 20th century, pitchers completed almost all the games they started and were expected to do so. However, in modern baseball, complete games have become a rarity due to various factors.
One factor contributing to the decline of complete games is the increased emphasis on preserving pitchers' arms. There is a belief that the risk of arm injuries increases after a pitcher has thrown 100 to 120 pitches in a single game. As a result, managers are reluctant to allow pitchers to exceed this pitch count, and strict adherence to pitch counts has become a basis for removing pitchers from the game. The increased use of specialised relief pitchers further reduces the likelihood of a starting pitcher completing a game.
Strategic considerations have also played a role in the rarity of complete games. Baseball has evolved, and there is now a greater focus on strategic plays and bullpen depth. The more times a hitter faces a pitcher in the same game, the more likely they are to get a hit. This knowledge influences how managers manage their pitching staff and may lead them to utilise relief pitchers more frequently.
The shift towards strategic plays is also reflected in the rules surrounding suspended games. In Major League Baseball, if a regulation game is terminated early due to weather or other reasons, it becomes a suspended game that will be completed at a later date from the point of termination. This rule ensures that the outcome of the game is not unduly influenced by external factors, allowing for a fair competition.
Despite the rarity of complete games in modern baseball, there are still standout performances worth noting. In 2023, Sandy Alcantara and Jordan Lyles each pitched three complete games, an impressive feat that underscores the skill and endurance required to complete a game in today's strategic and cautious baseball landscape.
Circle Graphs: Function or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A complete game can be achieved in a game shortened by weather or other reasons, if certain conditions are met
In Major League Baseball, a complete game is a significant achievement for any pitcher, demonstrating their endurance, skill, and dominance. It is awarded to a player who pitches an entire game for their team, regardless of the number of innings played. While a complete game typically involves nine innings, there are exceptions where a shorter game can be considered complete.
A complete game can indeed be achieved in a game shortened by weather or other reasons, provided certain conditions are met. If a game is terminated early due to weather, and it is either tied or the visiting team has the lead, it becomes a suspended game to be completed later. However, if the home team is leading or the game is tied after at least five innings, it can be considered a complete game, also known as a "rain-shortened" or "called" game. In this case, if a starting pitcher has pitched those full five innings before the game is called, it counts as a complete game for statistical purposes.
The distinction between a complete game and a perfect game is important. A pitcher achieves a complete game by pitching the entire game, regardless of performance. However, for a perfect game, the pitcher must not allow any hits, runs, or baserunners. A no-hitter is also a type of complete game, with the added challenge of preventing any batter from getting a base hit.
The complete game has evolved in Major League Baseball, with a notable decline in its occurrence. In 2023, only 34 complete games were recorded, compared to 36 in 2022. This shift reflects a transition from endurance-based performances to strategic plays and bullpen depth. The COVID-shortened 2020 season also saw a temporary rule change, with doubleheaders shortened to two 7-inning games, allowing pitchers to record complete games in fewer innings.
Despite the decreasing frequency, a complete game remains a notable feat in modern baseball. In 2023, Sandy Alcantara and Jordan Lyles stood out by each pitching three complete games, showcasing exceptional durability and skill. The all-time leader in complete games is Cy Young, with an impressive record of 749 complete games, a feat unlikely to be repeated given the changes in baseball over the last century.
Living the Constitution: Daily Actions, Upholding Our Values
You may want to see also
A complete game does not indicate a team's success, but is a vital statistic for starting pitchers
In Major League Baseball, a complete game is when a pitcher plays the entire duration of a game, which is usually nine innings. However, this can differ depending on the circumstances. For example, if a game is called off due to weather conditions or other reasons, a shorter game can be considered complete. This is known as a "rain-shortened" or "called" game. In such cases, if the starting pitcher has played the entirety of those innings before the game is called off, it is counted as a complete game.
A complete game is a significant achievement for any pitcher and is a testament to their endurance, skill, and dominance. It is a challenging feat to accomplish and is becoming increasingly rare in modern baseball. The pitcher with the most complete games in major league history is Cy Young, with an impressive record of 749 complete games. Despite this, a complete game does not guarantee a team's victory. It is, however, a vital statistic for starting pitchers as it reflects their durability and reliability. It is one of the statistics that fans and the media consider when rating, ranking, or trading pitchers.
The occurrence of complete games has been declining in Major League Baseball. In 2019, Howard Fendrich of the Associated Press described complete games as "nearly extinct". This decline can be attributed to various factors, such as changes in pitching strategy, the increased use of specialised relief pitchers, and a greater emphasis on preserving pitchers' arms. The increased adherence to pitch counts has also played a role, as pitchers are often removed from the game once they reach a certain number of pitches, typically around 100 to 120 pitches.
While the era of complete games may be waning, there are still standout performances in recent years. In 2023, Sandy Alcantara and Jordan Lyles each pitched three complete games, showcasing exceptional skill and endurance. These performances highlight the enduring allure and significance of complete games in baseball.
In summary, while a complete game does not indicate a team's success, it is a crucial statistic for starting pitchers. It showcases their individual performance, strategy, and endurance. The rarity of complete games in modern baseball makes each accomplishment notable, and they continue to be a prestigious statistic for pitchers to achieve.
Spain's Constitution: Key Principles and Values
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A complete game in baseball is when a pitcher pitches an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher. The pitcher who meets this criterion will be credited with a complete game regardless of the number of innings played.
A complete game usually consists of nine innings in a standard game. However, there are exceptions where a shorter game can be considered complete. For instance, in Major League Baseball, a game called due to weather or other reasons after at least five innings have been completed can be considered a complete game if the home team is leading or if the game is tied.
For a pitcher to earn a complete game, it does not matter what happens during the game. They just need to start and finish the game as the only pitcher for their team. However, to throw a perfect game, a pitcher must complete the entire game without allowing any hits, runs, or baserunners for any reason.
Complete games have become increasingly rare in baseball. In the early 20th century, pitchers completed almost all of the games they started, but in modern baseball, it is much rarer. In 2023, only 34 complete games were recorded.
