Tom Seaver 1973 Cy Young Award

Lore & Background

This award was particularly sweet given the context of the era; Seaver had originally been drafted by the Mets in 1966 and made his MLB debut with them, quickly becoming the cornerstone of the franchise. By 1973, he had fully embraced his role as the leader of the 'Amazin' Mets,' inspiring a new generation of fans who grew up watching him work. The unanimous vote reflected not only his statistical dominance but also the deep emotional connection he forged with the New York faithful.

Reader's Guide

Tom Seaver won the National League Cy Young Award in 1973 after posting a record-breaking season for the Mets. He finished with an impressive win-loss record and led the league in strikeouts, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters consistently throughout the year. The award was unanimous, meaning every single voter selected him over all other candidates, highlighting his clear superiority among pitchers that season.

Did You Know?

• Seaver was the only pitcher to receive every single vote cast by the Baseball Writers' Association of America that year.
• The 1973 season helped propel the Mets to their second National League pennant, following their 1969 championship, though they fell short in the World Series.
• Seaver's dominance in 1973 included leading the league in strikeouts and ERA, though he did not lead in innings pitched—he threw 290 innings, while others like Steve Carlton pitched more.