There’s something about a pitcher who knows he’s the guy. Whether strutting off the mound after a strikeout, brushing off a bad call like it never happened, or refusing to admit when he’s lost his edge, self-confidence can be a pitcher’s best friend or worst enemy. The best of them know that sometimes the only way to beat a hitter is to believe you’re better than them, no matter what.
From legendary fastball kings to fiery competitors who didn’t back down from anyone, these pitchers made confidence their trademark. Whether it was justified or just plain delusional, their self-belief became part of their legend. Here are the 20 most self-certain pitchers to ever take the mound.
20. Johnny Cueto
Cueto’s shimmy on the mound wasn’t just a pitching quirk but a declaration that he was in charge. No matter the situation, Cueto pitched like every batter was just another victim.
19. Max Scherzer
With those piercing eyes and a ferocious competitive streak, Scherzer never met a hitter he didn’t think he could dominate. You’d never convince him to give up the ball even when his pitch count was through the roof.
18. Roger Clemens
Clemens didn’t just think he was better—he knew it and wasn’t afraid to show it. Whether mowing down batters or barking at the opposing dugout, his presence on the mound was always intimidating.
17. Dennis Eckersley
With his signature sidearm delivery and intense stare, Eckersley believed no one could touch him. Even when the ball left the yard, he looked more annoyed than defeated.
16. John Rocker
Rocker wasn’t just confident—he was outright brash. His fastballs were aimed at the strike zone and sometimes the batter’s head, all while wearing a chip on his shoulder.
15. Madison Bumgarner
Big moments never fazed Bumgarner, who always seemed convinced that the postseason was his playground. His stoic demeanor and unwavering stare made it clear he wasn’t backing down.
14. Randy Johnson
The Big Unit knew his fastball could make batters look silly, and he thrived on it. His intimidating glare and towering frame made him the embodiment of fearless pitching.
13. Pedro Martínez
Pedro didn’t just pitch—he owned the mound with his lethal stuff and his unwavering confidence. No one loved proving doubters wrong more than he did.
12. Nolan Ryan
Ryan pitched with the mindset that every batter was just an inconvenience. His longevity and dominance came from raw power and an unbreakable will.
11. Bob Gibson
Gibson pitched angrily and carried a quiet arrogance that left hitters uneasy. He acted like every at-bat was a personal challenge and didn’t like losing.
10. Curt Schilling
Schilling never hesitated to voice his confidence, even when it rubbed people the wrong way, whether it was the postseason or a random Tuesday, he believed his fastball was better than any swing.
9. Trevor Bauer
Bauer’s on-field confidence often matched his off-field bravado. He was never shy about his opinions, so he thrived on proving he was just as good as he claimed to be.
8. Fernando Valenzuela
Valenzuela’s charm off the field didn’t match his on-mound self-assurance. His funky delivery and ice-cold composure made him a legend in Los Angeles.
7. Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw’s consistent excellence was driven by an inner belief that he could dominate any lineup. Even during his rare struggles, he never looked rattled.
6. David Wells
Wells pitched like a guy who knew he could get away with anything. Whether it was a big game or a no-hitter after a night out, his confidence never wavered.
5. Don Drysdale
Drysdale’s fastball and fearless attitude left batters wary. He didn’t care who you were—if you crowded the plate, you were getting brushed back.
4. Mariano Rivera
Rivera’s cutter was his signature, but his calm certainty made him special. He didn’t just expect to close games—he knew he would.
3. Satchel Paige
Paige knew he was the best and didn’t bother pretending otherwise. His mix of charisma and talent made him a showman with an unshakeable belief in his ability.
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2. Jake Arrieta
Arrieta’s attitude on the mound was almost smug during his peak, knowing his stuff was nearly unhittable. He carried himself like someone who knew he’d figured it all out.
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1. Bob Feller
Feller was unapologetically confident and backed it up with a blistering fastball. He loved the spotlight and never let anyone think they had a chance against him.
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