Office Hours | Baseball’s Greatest Southpaws

Celebrating the Best Lefty Pitchers

While only 10% of the general population is left-handed, more than 21% of baseball Hall of Fame pitchers are lefties. Whether it’s their confounding delivery or wicked breaking balls, the greatest southpaws have left an indelible mark on the game. From the dead-ball era to modern power pitching, the preeminent southpaws have baffled hitters and cemented their legacies as some of the most feared arms in history.

When it comes to baseball cards, these pitchers have also been immortalized in some of the most iconic sets ever produced. Even before Topps began to define The Hobby, some of the earliest legends were featured in classic pre-war sets like Goudey and Play Ball.

Here, we take a deep dive into the eight greatest left-handed pitchers of all time, highlighting their careers and the must-have cards that every serious collector should know.

Sandy Koufax – The Most Dominant Peak

For a brief but electrifying stretch in the 1960s, Sandy Koufax was the most unhittable pitcher in baseball. From 1962 to 1966, the Dodgers ace won three Cy Young Awards, fired four no-hitters, and led the league in ERA five straight seasons.

His final season, 1966, was arguably the greatest ever for a pitcher. Koufax went 27-9 with a 1.73 ERA and 317 strikeouts, winning pitching’s Triple Crown. He threw a now-unimaginable 27 complete games that year.

Koufax’s career was tragically cut short at age 30 due to arthritis in his left elbow, but his legacy remains intact. For collectors, his 1955 Topps rookie card (#123) is an absolute grail, showcasing a young Koufax just before his rise to dominance. Another standout is his 1963 Topps card (#210), which captures him at the height of his powers.

Randy Johnson – The Big Unit’s Power and Precision

At 6-foot-10, Randy Johnson was an intimidating force on the mound. The five-time Cy Young winner dominated hitters for over two decades with a blistering fastball and a devastating slider. His 4,875 career strikeouts rank second all-time, and his performance in the 2001 World Series — where he won co-MVP honors — cemented his status as one of the greatest lefties ever.

Collectors have plenty of great options for Johnson’s cards, like the 1993 Topps Finest (#154), which was one of the first premium Refractor cards produced by Topps.

Lefty Grove – The Deadly Control Artist

Few pitchers have ever dominated an era the way Lefty Grove did in the late 1920s and 1930s. The Philadelphia Athletics ace led the American League in ERA nine times and won 300 games despite spending his early years in the minor leagues. His fiery personality and pinpoint control made him a nightmare for hitters.

Because Grove’s career predates the Topps era, his most famous cards come from pre-war sets. His 1933 Goudey card (#220) is one of the most beautiful vintage cards in existence, and his 1940 Play Ball card (#6) is another must-have for vintage collectors.

Warren Spahn – The Winningest Lefty Ever

Consistency, durability, and sheer excellence defined Warren Spahn. He holds the MLB record for most wins by a left-handed pitcher with 363. Spahn was a cornerstone of the Boston and Milwaukee Braves from the 1940s through the early ‘60s, earning 17 All-Star selections and leading the league in wins eight times. His high leg kick and precision kept him dangerous well into his 40s.

For collectors, Spahn’s 1948 Bowman rookie card (#18) is a significant piece of baseball history, marking the beginning of his legendary career. Another essential card is the 1953 Topps (#147), a beautifully illustrated card from one of the most artistic sets Topps has ever produced.

Steve Carlton – The Strikeout Machine

If there was ever a pitcher who could single-handedly carry a team, it was Steve Carlton. “Lefty” won four Cy Young Awards and recorded over 4,000 strikeouts, but his greatest feat came in 1972 when he won 27 games for a Phillies team that lost 97 games overall, making his ’72 season a candidate for the most impressive effort in modern pitching history.

Carlton’s 1965 Topps rookie card (#477) is a must-have, showing him as a young Cardinal before his trade to Philadelphia. Another classic is his 1972 Topps (#420), released during his finest season.

Carl Hubbell – Master of the Screwball

A two-time MVP in the 1930s, Carl Hubbell was one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. His signature pitch — the screwball — confounded hitters and led him to five consecutive 20-win seasons for the New York Giants.

Hubbell is perhaps best remembered for striking out Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons, and Joe Cronin in succession during the 1934 All-Star Game — one of the most legendary feats in baseball history. His 1933 Goudey (#234) is one of the most famous pre-war baseball cards, while his unique sepia-toned 1934 Batter-Up card (#5) is another collectible gem.

Whitey Ford – The Yankees’ Ace

Pitching under the bright lights in New York, Whitey Ford was the ultimate big-game pitcher. He helped lead the Yankees to six World Series titles and still holds the record for most World Series wins (10) and scoreless innings (33 ⅔). Ford’s pinpoint control and cool demeanor made him a Yankee legend.

His 1951 Bowman rookie card (#1) is one of the crown jewels of early ‘50s baseball cards. The 1953 Topps card (#207), with its stunning hand-painted artwork, is another favorite among vintage collectors.

Clayton Kershaw – The Modern Master

The only active pitcher on this list, Clayton Kershaw has been the dominant lefty of the 21st century. With three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and a World Series title, Kershaw’s combination of power, command, and intelligence has made him a surefire Hall of Famer. His devastating curveball has fooled hitters for over a decade.

For collectors, Kershaw’s 2008 Topps Updates & Highlights Baseball rookie card (#UH240) is the modern equivalent of a vintage treasure. His 2013 Topps Chrome card (#175), released during one of his Cy Young-winning seasons, is another great addition to any collection.

Southpaw Legends in Card Collecting

While these eight southpaws stand out as the very best, many other legendary lefties deserve recognition. Tom Glavine, Jim Kaat, CC Sabathia, Billy Pierce, and Vida Blue all left their mark on the game and remain highly respected among baseball historians and collectors alike.

From the early days of baseball to the modern era, left-handed pitchers have shaped the game in remarkable ways. Whether it was Koufax’s unhittable fastball, Johnson’s overwhelming presence, or Spahn’s incredible longevity, these southpaws set records and redefined dominance on the mound.

If you’re a collector looking to celebrate the game’s best lefties, these cards are must-haves. Start hunting for them now, and you’ll own pieces of baseball greatness that will only grow in legacy over time.

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