Cy Young Awards
The Dodgers lead all MLB teams with 12 Cy Young Awards.
The Cy Young Award, officially the Cy Young Memorial Award, is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (NL). The award was introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford C. Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955. The award was originally given to the single best pitcher in the major leagues, but in 1967, after the retirement of Frick, the award was given to one pitcher in each league.
- Total Winners
- Multiple franchise records
- First Dodgers Winner
- Don Newcombe (1956)
- Notable Recipients
- Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Orel Hershiser, Fernando Valenzuela, Clayton Kershaw
- League Affiliation
- National League
- Award Significance
- Best Pitcher in the League
Lore & Background
The first recipient of the Cy Young Award was Don Newcombe of the Dodgers. The Dodgers are the franchise with the most Cy Young Awards. In 1957, Warren Spahn became the first left-handed pitcher to win the award. In 1963, Sandy Koufax became the first pitcher to win the award in a unanimous vote; two years later he became the first multiple winner. In 1978, Gaylord Perry (age 40) became the oldest pitcher to receive the award, a record that stood until broken in 2004 by Roger Clemens (age 42). The youngest recipients were Dwight Gooden (age 20 in 1985) and Fernando Valenzuela. In 2012, R. A. Dickey became the first knuckleball pitcher to win the award. In 1974, Mike Marshall became the first relief pitcher to win the award. In 1992, Dennis Eckersley was the first modern closer to win the award. Since then only one other relief pitcher has won the award, Éric Gagné in 2003. Nine relief pitchers have won the Cy Young Award across both leagues. Steve Carlton in 1982 became the first pitcher to win more than three Cy Young Awards, while Greg Maddux in 1994 became the first to win at least three in a row (and received a fourth straight the following year), a feat later repeated by Randy Johnson.
In Their Own Story
In Dodger Stadium, history isn't just remembered; it is felt on the mound. When a pitcher steps into this circle of excellence, they walk a path paved by Koufax’s curveball and Drysdale’s sinker. The weight of that legacy settles in every pitch thrown under the stadium lights. Securing the Cy Young here means more than leading the league; it means joining an exclusive lineage where only the absolute best are remembered forever.
Reader's Guide
Each league's award is voted on by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). Local BBWAA chapter chairmen in each MLB city recommend two writers to vote for each award. Final approval comes from the BBWAA national secretary-treasurer. Writers vote for either the American League or National League awards, depending on the league in which their local team plays. A total of 30 writers vote for each league's awards. Writers cast their votes prior to the start of postseason play. As of the 2010 season, each voter places a vote for first, second, third, fourth, and fifth place among the pitchers of each league. The formula used to calculate the final scores is a weighted sum of the votes. The pitcher with the highest score in each league wins the award. If two pitchers receive the same number of votes, the award is shared. From 1970 to 2009, writers voted for three pitchers, with the formula of five points for a first-place vote, three for a second-place vote and one for a third-place vote. Before 1970, writers only voted for the best pitcher and used a formula of one point per vote.
Did You Know?
- The first recipient of the Cy Young Award was Don Newcombe of the Dodgers.
- Sandy Koufax became the first pitcher to win the award in a unanimous vote in 1963.
- The Dodgers have won more Cy Young Awards than any other team, with 12.
- Roger Clemens has won the most Cy Young Awards, with seven.
- Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson share the record for the most consecutive awards won, with four.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cy Young Award?
The Cy Young Award recognizes the best pitcher in Major League Baseball's National League, serving as the ultimate measure of mound supremacy for Dodgers players. It honors individual excellence rather than team success, marking a season where a single arm defined the franchise's performance.
Who was the first Dodger to win this award?
Don Newcombe became the inaugural recipient in 1956 while playing for the Brooklyn club, setting a historic precedent before the team moved to Los Angeles. His victory established the foundation for a legacy of pitching greatness that continues to define the franchise.
Which legendary pitchers have won this honor?
Iconic figures like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Orel Hershiser, Fernando Valenzuela, and Clayton Kershaw have all claimed this prestigious title during their careers. These winners represent the golden eras of Dodger history, from the Brooklyn streets to the modern Los Angeles sun.
Why is this award significant for the Dodgers?
More than just a trophy, the Cy Young Award measures the heartbeat of Dodger pitching and validates the team's relentless pursuit of dominance. It distinguishes the franchise by highlighting individual brilliance that often drives championship runs in the National League.
How many Cy Young Awards have Dodgers pitchers won?
The franchise holds multiple records for total wins, reflecting a deep history of elite performance on the mound. This accumulation of honors underscores the organization's consistent ability to develop and attract the league's finest arms across decades.
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