Some of the greatest pitchers in Chicago White Sox history pitched during the franchise’s early years.
Many of the top pitchers came from the Dead Ball and Live Ball eras, helping establish a tradition of dominant pitching in Chicago. From Ed Walsh to Red Faber to Ted Lyons, these pitchers built remarkable careers and left a lasting impact on the franchise. Their accomplishments include impressive win totals, low ERAs, complete games, championships and Hall of Fame careers.
The list spans more than a century of White Sox baseball, from the early days of the franchise to the modern era, capped by Mark Buehrle, one of Chicago’s best modern-day pitchers.
Here are the five greatest pitchers in White Sox history.
5. Mark Buehrle (2000–2011)
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Buehrle was a model of consistency during his 12 seasons with the White Sox. He won 161 games, threw a no-hitter in 2007 and a perfect game in 2009.
He also earned four Gold Glove Awards and helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series. His 161 victories rank sixth in franchise history.
4. Billy Pierce (1949–1961)
A seven-time All-Star, Pierce won 186 games in 13 seasons with the White Sox and finished with a franchise-record 1,796 strikeouts.
He led the American League with a 1.97 ERA in 1955 and was one of the top left-handed pitchers of his era. Pierce also started the All-Star Game three times, in 1953, 1955 and 1956.
MORE: 5 Greatest Chicago White Sox Hitters of All Time
3. Red Faber (1914–1933)
Faber spent his entire 20-year career with the White Sox, winning 254 games and recording 273 complete games. He ranks second in franchise history behind Ted Lyons in wins, complete games and innings pitched.
Faber helped the White Sox win the 1917 World Series and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964.
2. Ed Walsh (1904–1916)
Walsh holds the lowest career ERA in MLB history at 1.82. He won 40 games for the White Sox in 1908, becoming the most recent pitcher to reach 40 wins in a season.
Walsh also played a major role on the 1906 “Hitless Wonders” team that won the World Series, winning both of his starts against the Cubs.
1. Ted Lyons (1923–1942, 1946)
Lyons spent his entire 21-season playing career with the White Sox and remains the franchise leader in wins (260), complete games (356) and innings pitched (4,161).
He led the American League in wins in 1925 and 1927 and threw a no-hitter in 1926. Lyons was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.
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