Loyal VORG reader David Branson tweeted at me yesterday:
@dianagram Joe Niekro had single season win totals of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 17. Any idea if this is the longest string?
I thought that was a really cool find, and decided to investigate further. Using the “pitching” table from the Lahman Baseball Database I not only determined the record for longest sequence of win totals, but also the most unique season win totals in a career. As it turns out, Niekro holds both records. The 6 through 17-win seasons do set the record for longest sequence at 12, and when you add in his seasons with 1, 2, 3, 4, 20 and 21 wins, he has a record 18 different season win totals. Here is the list of those pitchers with a sequence of at least 10 and also 10 different season win totals:
| Name | Sequence | Unique |
| Joe Niekro | 12 | 18 |
| Mike Morgan | 11 | 15 |
| Red Faber | 10 | 17 |
| John Candelaria | 10 | 15 |
| Mike Mussina | 10 | 11 |
| Tom Burgmeier | 10 | 10 |
| Dick Coffman | 10 | 10 |
For completeness’ sake, here is the Google Drive document listing all pitchers from 1871-2013, with win totals, longest sequences and unique season win totals. An “X” in a column means that the win total was achieved at least once.
Diane, I love you’re blog and all of your research, but you have some fascinating queries from readers that often have a catalytic effect and spur you into the fantastic databases that are available on the net. I am 61, and I remember when I saved up a whopping $25.00 for the 1st edition of The MacMillan Encyclopedia of Baseball. I was in stat heaven! My, how far fact and stat seeking has come since 1969! Great research as usual Diane! James Braswell
Thank you James …. yes, the readers do come up with some great questions. It sure helps during those “down” periods, ideawise!