Can You Identify These Left-Handed Star Pitchers?

By: Khadija Leon
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify These Left-Handed Star Pitchers?
Image: fstop123/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Major League Baseball is one of America's greatest pastimes with arguably one of the largest fan bases in the world. These players take turns batting and fielding in hopes of scoring more runs than their opposing teammates. 

Some of the world's greatest left-handed pitchers include Lefty Grove, Steve Carlton, Sandy Koufax, Warren Spahn, Carl Hubbell, Whitey Ford, Warren Johnson, Babe Ruth and Hal Newhouser. They have been inducted into various halls of fame, broken and set new records, and there was even a player who was known for his 100+ MPH fastballs. 

How well do you know some of the most famous left-handed pitchers in the history of the MLB? Well, if you believe that you are an expert in the field, then this is the quiz to test that knowledge. Let's see how well you can identify some of these star pitchers!

Robert Grove
Wiki Commons
What is the name of the pitcher who is also known as "Lefty"?
Babe Ruth
Robert Grove
Mike Trout
Jim Palmer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robert “Lefty” Grove (1900–1975) was a professional baseball pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Athletics and the Boston Red Sox. Often called one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in major league history, he won more than 300 games in his 17-year career.

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Aroldis Chapman
Wiki Commons By SD Dirk
Which of these players was given the nickname "Cuban Missile"?
Ty Cobb
Jose Altuve
Aroldis Chapman
George Sisler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aroldis Chapman de la Cruz, also called the “Cuban Missile,” is a Cuban-born professional baseball player who currently plays for the New York Yankees. He shares the record for the fastest pitch speed in MLB history.

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Blake Snell
Wiki Commons By Keith Allison
Which of the following players won the AL Cy Young Award in 2018?
Blake Snell
Lou Gehrig
Willie McCovey
Kris Bryant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Blake Ashton Snell is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays. The left-handed pitcher won the American League Cy Young Award in 2018, making him the second from the team to do so.

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Warren Spahn
Wiki Commons
Which of these left-handed pitchers has won more than 360 games in his career?
Ted Williams
Max Scherzer
Vladimir Guerrero
Warren Spahn
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Warren Edward Spahn (1921–2003) was a professional pitcher who spent 21 years in the National League. Throughout his career, he won more than 360 games, which is more than any other left-handed pitcher in history.

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Johan Santana
Wiki Commons By OlympianX, Andrew Klein
What is the name of this player who played for the New York Mets and the Minnesota Twins?
Stan Musical
Mookie Betts
Johan Santana
Charlie Gehringer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Johan Santana Araque is a retired Venezuelan professional baseball player who played for the Minnesota Twins and the New York Mets. The left-handed pitcher is a two-time Cy Young Award winner, a four-time All-Star, and the only player to throw a no-hitter in Mets' history.

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Steve Carlton
Wiki Commons by Rubenstein
Which of these players has played for six different teams​?
Steve Carlton
Willie Mays
Ozzie Smith
Joey Votto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Steven Norman Carlton, who is also known as “Lefty”, is a retired American baseball player who played for six different teams during his MLB career. The left-handed pitcher has four Cy Young Awards, and he has the second-most lifetime strikeouts of any left-handed pitcher.

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Chris Sale
Wiki Commons By Keith Allison
Which of these players currently plays for the Boston Red Sox?
Chris Sale
Mickey Mantle
Nolan Arenado
Roy Campanella
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Christopher Sale is an American professional baseball player who currently plays for the Boston Red Sox in the MLB. The left-handed pitcher who has won 7 All-Star Awards, is known for his high number of strikeouts, setting several records.

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Sandy Koufax
Wiki Commons By publicity still
What is the name of the pitcher who played 12 seasons for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers?
Hank Aaron
Sandy Koufax
Clayton Kershaw
Mickey Cochrane
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sandy Koufax (1935 - ) is a retired American left-handed pitcher who played for 12 seasons for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. At the age of 36, he became the youngest player to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and has been called one of the greatest pitchers in history.

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Madison Bumgarner
Wiki Commons By SD Dirk on Flickr
Which of these pitchers is sometimes called "MadBum"?
Rogers Hornsby
Carlos Correa
Harmon Killebrew
Madison Bumgarner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Madison Kyle Bumgarner, sometimes called “MadBum,” is an American professional baseball player who is currently with the San Francisco Giants. The left-handed pitcher has won three World Series championships, four All-Star Awards, and two Silver Slugger Awards.

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Randy Johnson
Wiki Commons By Googie Man
What is the name of the player who spent 22 season in the MLB?
Honus Wagner
Willie Stargell
Randy Johnson
Paul Goldschmidt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Randall David Johnson, who was given the nickname “The Big Unit,” is a retired American baseball player who spent 22 seasons in the MLB. His more than 300 career wins rank him among the top 10 in all-time wins by a left-hander.

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CC Sabathia
Wiki Commons by chris.ptacek
Which of these players currently plays for the New York Yankees?
Walter Johnson
CC Sabathia
Mariano Rivera
Justin Verlander
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

CC Sabathia Jr., is an American professional baseball player who currently plays for the New York Yankees in the MLB. The left-handed pitcher is an AL Cy Young Award winner, World Series Champion, and a six-time All-Star.

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Whitney Ford
Wiki Commons By Bowman Gum
Which of these players is also known as "The Chairman of the Board"?
Cy Young
Whitney Ford
Chris Sale
Clayton Kershaw
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Edward “Whitney” Ford, who was also known as “The Chairman of the Board,” is a former professional baseball player who spent his entire career playing for the New York Yankees. The left-handed pitcher was a 10-time MLB All-Star and a six-time World Series Champion.

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Carl hubbell
Wiki Commons by Goudey
One of these players spent 14 years playing for the New York Giants. What is his name?
Manny Machado
Joe DiMaggio
Duke Snider
Carl Hubbell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carl Hubbell (1903 – 1988), who was sometimes called “The Meal Ticket” and “King Carl,” was an American baseball player who spent 14 years playing for the New York Giants. The left-handed pitcher won the World Series in 1933 and he was also a nine-time All-Star.

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Tom Glavine
Wiki Commons By 2 on a Whim Creations
What is the name of the baseball player who was the MVP if the 1995 World Series?
Tom Glavine
Jimmie Foxx
Ralph Kiner
Corey Seager
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Thomas Glavine is a retired professional baseball player who played for the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets. The left-handed pitcher was also the Most Valuable Player of the 1995 World Series when the Braves beat the Cleveland Indians.

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James Paxton
Wiki Commons By hj_west
Which of these left-handed players is Canadian by birth?
Sandy Koufax
Josh Donaldson
James Paxton
Wade Boggs
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Alston Paxton is a professional baseball player who currently plays for the New York Yankees. In 2018, he pitched a no-hitter while playing against the Toronto Blue Jays, making him the first Canadian in the major leagues to do so.

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Babe Ruth
Wiki Commons by National Photo Company
Which of these players is known as "The Bambino"?
Tris Speaker
Babe Ruth
Francisco Lidor
Chipper Jones
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George “Babe” Ruth Jr. (1895 – 1948), also called “The Bambino,” was an American professional baseball player who spent 22 seasons playing in the MLB. He was a left-handed pitcher for the Red Sox. He was traded to the New York Yankees, became one of the all-time greatest sluggers and held the record for most career home runs for 40 years. He was one of the first five players to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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Patrick Corbin
Wiki Commons By Arturo Pardavila III
What is the name of the left-handed pitcher who plays for the Washington Nationals?
Shoeless Joe Jackson
Aaron Judge
Brooks Robinson
Patrick Corbin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Patrick Corbin is an American professional baseball player who currently plays for the Washington Nationals after playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MLB. The left-handed pitcher is also a two-time All-Star.

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Mickey Lolich
Wiki Commons By lakelandlocal
Which baseball player struck out at least 2,800 batters in his career?
Mickey Lolich
Christy Mathewson
Frank Thomas
Giancarlo Stanton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Stephen Lolich is a retired professional baseball player who is best remembered for his performance in the 1968 World Series, during which he pitched three complete game victories.​ The left-handed pitcher is one of 21 pitchers to have struck out at least 2,800 batters during his career.

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Hal Newhouser
Wiki Commons By Leaf International
Which of these players was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame 30 years after his retirement?
Ken Griffey Jr.
Bryce Harper
Hal Newhouser
Derek Jeter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hal Newhouser, also called “Prince Hal,” was a professional baseball player who spent 17 seasons pitching for the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians. More than 30 years after his retirement, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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Fernando Valenzuela
Wiki Commons By Jim Accordino
Which of these players played for six teams during his career?
Mike Schmidt
Harry Heilmann
Corey Kluber
Fernando Valenzuela
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fernando Valenzuela is a retired Major League Baseball player who spent 17 seasons playing for six different teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. The left-handed pitcher is the only person to win both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season.

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Clayton Kershaw
Wiki Commons by Arturo Pardavila III
Which of these pitchers currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Clayton Kershaw
Nolan Ryan
Ichiro Suzuki
Michael Flumer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Clayton Kershaw is a professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers as a left-handed starter. Since beginning his career in 2008, he has won a Golden Glove Award, three NL Cy Young Awards, and seven All-Star titles.

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Roy Guidry
Wiki Commons By BellaMeghan
Which of these players is also known as "Louisiana Lightning"?
Cap Anson
Ron Guidry
Eddie Mathews
Carlos Martinez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ronald Guidry, who was also called “Louisiana Lightning” and “Gator,” is a retired MLB player who spent his entire career playing for the New York Yankees. The left-handed pitcher is a two-time World Series Champion, a four-time All-Star, and a five-time Golden Glove Award winner.

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Edward Plank
Wiki Commons By Thompson, Paul, photographer
Which of these players was given the nickname "Gettysburg Eddie"?
Roberto Clemente
Miguel Cabrera
Edward Plank
Gary Sanchez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Edward Plank (1875 – 1926), sometimes called “Gettysburg Eddie,” was an American professional baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Athletics, the St. Louise Terriers and the St. Louis Browns. He was the first left-handed pitcher to reach both the 200 and 300 wins milestones.

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Rube Waddell
Wiki Commons By William H. Trefts Jr.
What is the name of the player who has been regarded as one of the greatest strikeout pitchers of his time?
Albert Pujols
Justin Upton
Rube Waddell
Carl Yastrzemski
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George Edward Waddell (1876 – 1914) was an American professional baseball player who spent 13 years playing for teams like the Louisville Colonels, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Orphans. He was regarded as one of the greatest strikeout pitchers of his time, leading the major leagues in strikeouts for six years in a row.

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Tommy John
NewsChannel 9 El Paso (KTSM)
Which of these players has one of the highest records for career victories by a left​-handed pitcher in history?
Mel Ott
Bob Feller
Nelson Cruz
Tommy John
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Thomas John Jr. is a retired professional baseball pitcher who played for at least six teams during his career which lasted from 1963 – 1989. He has a total of 288 career victories, one of the highest among left-handed pitchers in MLB history.

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Billy Wagner
Wiki Commons By Alex Kim
One of these players is one of six people to accumulate 400 or more saves. What is his name?
Warren Spahn
Billy Wagner
Dan Brouthers
Marcell Ozuna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

William Edward Wagner, also known as “Billy the Kid,” is a former MLB pitcher who played for the New York Mets, the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves. The left-handed pitcher is one of six pitchers to accumulate a total of 400 or more saves.

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Jim Kaat
Wiki Commons By Arturo Pardavila III
Which of these players was nicknamed "Kitty"?​
Pete Rose
Kevin Kiermaier
Jim Kaat
Al Kaline
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Lee Kaat, who was given the nickname “Kitty,” is a retired MLB player who played for the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox, among others, during his 25-year career. The left-handed pitcher was a Golden Glove winner for 16 seasons.

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Tug McGraw
Wiki Commons By Philadelphia Philies / MLB
What is the name of the player who coined the phrase "Ya Gotta Believe"?
Tug McGraw
Ed Delahanty
Tom Seaver
Jacob Degrom
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Frank “Tug” McGraw Jr. (1944 – 2004) was an American professional baseball player best known for coining the phrase, “Ya Gotta Believe,” as the New York Mets made their way to the 1973 World Series. He was also a two-time World Series Champion, two-time All-Star and father​ of singer Tim McGraw.

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Lefty Gomez
Wiki Commons By Goudey Gum
Which of these baseball players is a five-time World Series champion?
Greg Maddux
Satchel Paige
Kyle Seager
Lefty Gomez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vernon “Lefty” Gomez (1908 – 1989) was an American professional baseball player who played for the New York Yankees and the Washington Senators. The left-handed pitcher was a fi e-time World Series champion and a seven-time All-Star.

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Dave Righetti
Wiki Commons
Which of these left-handed pitchers became a coach after retiring from playing?
Nap Lajoie
Lefty Grove
Dave Righetti
Brian Dozier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Allan Righetti is a baseball coach and retired MLB player. On July 4, 1983, he became the first New York Yankee player to pitch a no-hitter since 1956.

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Vida Blue
Wiki Commons Byresedabear - Mudcat Grant and Vida Blue at TwinsFest 2010
What is the name of the player who won the World Series three times?
Bob Gibson
Vida Blue
Johnny Mize
Cody Bellinger
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vida Rochelle Blue Jr is a retired pitcher who played in the MLB for 17 years. The lefty was a three-time World Series Champion, six-time All-Star and AL Cy Young Award winner.

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Jesse Tannehill
Wiki Commons
Which of these baseball players was named the NL ERA Leader in 1901?
Jesse Tannenhill
Hank Greenberg
Barry Bonds
Christian Yelich
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jesse Niles Tannenhill (1874 – 1956) was an American left-handed pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox, the New York Highlanders, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds. Often called one of the best pitchers of his time, he was the NL ERA leader in 1901.

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Sam McDowell
WGN-9
Which of these players spent 11 of his 15 seasons in the MLB playing for the Cleveland Indians?
Johnny Bench
Trea Turner
Cal Ripken Jr.
Sam McDowell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Samuel McDowell, nicknamed “Sudden Sam,” is a retired professional baseball player who spent 15 seasons in the MLB, the first 11 with the Cleveland Indians. Known for his left-handed fastball, McDowell was a six-time All-Star.

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David Price
Wiki Commons By Keith Allison
Which of these players is currently signed with the Boston Red Sox?
Yogi Berra
Lorenzo Cain
Ernie Banks
David Price
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Taylor Price is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Boston Red Sox. Selected first overall in the 2007 MLB draft, the left-hander is a five-time All-Star, an AL Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion.

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Andy Pettitte
Wiki Commons By Keith Allison
Which these players spent 17 seasons in the MLB?
Randy Johnson
Andy Pettitte
Noah Syndergaard
Al Simmons
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Andrew Pettitte is a retired professional baseball player who spent 18 seasons in the MLB. During that time, the left-handed pitcher won five World Series Championships and was named an All-Star three times.

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Frank Viola
YouTube / CourtsideTweets
Which of these players​ was given the nickname "Sweet Music"?
Tony Gwynn
Frank Viola
Anthony Rendon
George Brett
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Frank John Viola Jr., nicknamed “Sweet Music,” is a retired professional baseball player who pitched for the Minnesota Twins, the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox. In 1987, he won the World Series, and in the following years, was named an All-Star three times.

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Preacher Roe
Wiki Commons By Bowman Gum
Which of these players played for the St. Louise Cardinals and the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Frank Robinson
Andrelton Simmons
Preacher Roe
Steve Carlton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Elwin Charles Roe (1915 - 2008), also known as "Preacher," was an MLB pitcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. During his time in the league, he was the NL strikeout leader in 1945 and a five-time All-Star.

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Sparky Lyle
YouTube / MLB
What is the name of the left-handed pitcher who won the World Series twice?
Sparky Lyle
Jackie Robinson
Eddie Collins
Carlos Carrasco
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Albert Walter “Sparky” Lyle is a retired left-handed relief pitcher who played in the MLB for 16 seasons for the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers. He is also a three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion.

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Frank Tanana
Wiki Commons By Mike Fizpatrick on Flickr
Which of these players was known for his 100+ MPH fastballs​?
Pedro Martinez
Rod Carew
Adrian Beltre
Frank Tanana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fran Daryl Tanana is a retired MLB player who, during his 20 seasons as a player, pitched for six different teams. Known for his 100+ MPH fastball, the lefty is one of 23 pitchers to have struck out at least 2,700 batters in his career.

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Dave McNally
KPAX-TV
Which of these players spent every season, except his last, playing for the Baltimore Orioles?
Rickey Henderson
Mike Trout
Dave McNally
Buster Posey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Arthur McNally (1942 – 2002) was a professional baseball player who spent every season, except his last, playing for the Baltimore Orioles. The left-handed starting pitcher is a three-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion. He ended his career with the Montreal Expos.

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