Bret Saberhagen 1985 AL Cy Young Award

Lore & Background

Known for his blazing fastball and pinpoint control, Saberhagen was named a three-time All-Star, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, a Gold Glove Award winner, and the Most Valuable Player of the 1985 World Series as the Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals in 7 games. He led MLB in wins and earned run average in 1989, and threw a no-hitter in 1991.

Reader's Guide

Saberhagen was drafted out of high school by the Kansas City Royals in the 19th round of the 1982 Major League Baseball draft. He made his major league debut at age 19 on April 4, 1984. In 1985, he went 20–6 with a 2.87 ERA and won the American League Cy Young Award. He led the Royals to a World Series championship and was named MVP of the World Series. In 1989, he compiled a record of 23–6 with a 2.16 ERA, leading both leagues with 12 complete games, and won his second Cy Young Award. He was traded to the New York Mets on December 11, 1991. He later played for the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox, retiring after the 2001 season.

Did You Know?

• Saberhagen threw a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox on August 26, 1991.
• He won the Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award in 1998.
• In 1994, he had more wins than walks (14 to 13), a feat no other pitcher with more than 150 innings had accomplished since 1919.
• He appeared as himself in the 1994 film The Scout.