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Yet, as baseball evolved, so too did its pitching strategies. The introduction of the live ball era marked a seismic shift, with aggressive offenses enkindling higher demands on pitchers. Consequently, starter rotations shifted to five and six-man configurations, diluting the number of win opportunities—a stark contrast to earlier eras when pitchers were expected to complete games.
The Evolution of the Pitching Role
The ensuing decades brought a significant decline in complete games and an increase in injuries—a critical downside for pitchers aiming for the 300-win milestone. For instance, during the mid-20th century, only a handful of pitchers—such as Lefty Grove and Warren Spahn—accrued this prestigious total, often pitching well into their late careers to achieve that goal.