Cy Young: Baseball Legend & Award History

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Denton True "Cy" Young wasn't just a baseball player; he was a pitching phenomenon. His name is synonymous with excellence on the pitcher's mound, so much so that it graces the annual award for the best pitchers in Major League Baseball – the Cy Young Award.

The Man Behind the Legend

Born in 1867, Cy Young's career spanned an incredible 22 seasons, from 1890 to 1911. He pitched for several teams, including the Cleveland Spiders, St. Louis Perfectos (later Cardinals), Boston Americans (later Red Sox), Cleveland Naps, and Boston Rustlers. His durability and sheer number of innings pitched are records that are unlikely ever to be broken.

  • Unmatched Longevity: 22 seasons in the major leagues.
  • Record Holder: Most career wins (511), innings pitched (7,356), and complete games (749).
  • Early Dominance: A star pitcher in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Cy Young Award: Recognizing Pitching Excellence

Established in 1956, after Young's death in 1955, the Cy Young Award honors the best pitchers in each league annually. Originally, only one award was given for all of Major League Baseball. However, beginning in 1967, separate awards were given to the best pitcher in the American League and the National League.

Award Criteria and Voting

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) votes on the award at the end of each regular season. Voters consider a variety of factors, including:

  • Wins and Losses: A traditional measure of a pitcher's success.
  • Earned Run Average (ERA): A key indicator of how well a pitcher prevents runs.
  • Strikeouts: Reflecting a pitcher's ability to dominate hitters.
  • Innings Pitched: Demonstrating a pitcher's durability and value to the team.
  • Other Advanced Metrics: Modern statistics that provide a more comprehensive view of a pitcher's performance.

Notable Cy Young Winners

Many legendary pitchers have claimed the Cy Young Award. Some notable winners include:

  • Sandy Koufax: A dominant left-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • Bob Gibson: A fierce competitor for the St. Louis Cardinals.
  • Tom Seaver: "Tom Terrific" of the New York Mets.
  • Roger Clemens: A seven-time winner of the award.
  • Clayton Kershaw: A modern-day great for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Cy Young Award remains the highest individual honor a pitcher can receive, a testament to the enduring legacy of Cy Young himself. It continues to celebrate the art and skill of pitching at the highest level of baseball. Want to learn more about current contenders? Check out MLB.com for the latest stats and updates.