Josh Tomlin is the only pitcher in MLB history to manage this very strange feat (though it will probably come as no surprise).
Josh Tomlin had a memorable career in Cleveland, from that complete game one-hitter in 2014 to playing a pivotal role in helping the team make it to the 2016 World Series.
But here’s something you may not know about him (aside from the fact that he was still pitching in 2021 with the Atlanta Braves): Tomlin is the only pitcher in major-league history to give up more homers than walks.
I’ll give you a minute to let that sink in because it is… wild. Sure enough, the stats don’t lie, as Tomlin has given up a career total of 197 home runs and just 153 walks over the course of twelve seasons.
As Cleveland fans know, Tomlin was always known for his control, which was essential given that he has a fastball that tops out around 90 mph on a good day. But like any good pitcher who lasts in the majors, Tomlin always knew how to work with the stuff he had. Of course, when his stuff wasn’t working on any given night, that often meant the ball was leaving the yard, too.
Tomlin had a 4.77 ERA over his nine seasons in Cleveland, with 612 strikeouts in 898 2/3 innings. He had an 88 ERA+ here, but he was a pitcher the then-Indians could count on to eat up innings on a regular basis. And when it mattered most in the postseason, Tomlin gave Cleveland quality innings that nearly resulted in a championship.
Best of all for Tomlin, despite owning this very cool piece of baseball trivia, is that he now has eleven years of service time in the majors, making the Little Cowboy eligible for the fully vested pension when he eventually rides off into the sunset.