Bret Saberhagen

Two-time Cy Young winner and 1985 World Series MVP for the Kansas City Royals.

Bret William Saberhagen (born April 11, 1964) is an American former professional baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, and Boston Red Sox from 1984 through 1999, and a comeback in 2001.

Quick Facts

Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right
Born: 11 April 1964
Birthplace: Chicago Heights, Illinois, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: April 4
Debut year: 1984
Debut team: Kansas City Royals

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. On August 26, 1991, he no-hit the Chicago White Sox 7-0 at Royals Stadium; to date, the no-hitter is the last thrown by a Royal. 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?

He won the Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award and the Tony Conigliaro Award in 1998.
Saberhagen appeared as himself in the 1994 Brendan Fraser movie The Scout.