Cy Young
The winningest pitcher in MLB history, with 511 career victories.
Denton True "Cy" Young (March 29, 1867 – November 4, 1955) was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher and manager. Born in Gilmore, Ohio, he worked on his family's farm as a youth before starting his professional baseball career. Young entered the major leagues in 1890 with the National League's Cleveland Spiders and pitched for them until 1898. He was then transferred to the St. Louis Cardinals franchise. In 1901, Young jumped to the American League and played for the Boston Red Sox franchise until 1908, helping them win the 1903 World Series. He finished his career with the Cleveland Naps and Boston Rustlers, retiring in 1911.
- Career ERA
- 2.63
- Shutouts
- 76
Lore & Background
Young was one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the game early in his career. After his speed diminished, he relied more on his control and remained effective into his forties. By the time Young retired, he had established numerous pitching records, some of which have stood for over a century. He holds MLB records for the most career wins, with 511, along with most career losses, earned runs, hits allowed, innings pitched, games started, batters faced, complete games and pitching WAR. He led his league in wins during five seasons and pitched three no-hitters, including a perfect game in 1904.
In Their Own Story
In 2011, Verlander produced his most successful season. On May 7, he recorded his second career no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, throwing four strikeouts, walking one batter, and throwing at a maximum speed of 101 mph. He carried a perfect game into the eighth inning before allowing a walk to J. P. Arencibia, who was the only Blue Jays batter to reach base. Arencibia was erased on a double play, so Verlander faced a minimum of 27 batters. He became the second Tigers pitcher since Virgil Trucks, and the 30th pitcher in baseball history, to throw multiple no-hitters. On his next start, against the Kansas City Royals on May 13, Verlander took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before surrendering a triple. Altogether, he pitched 15+2⁄3 consecutive no-hit innings spread over three starts. He finished the season winning the Pitching Triple Crown, the AL Cy Young Award unanimously, the AL MVP Award, and the Sporting News Player of the Year Award.
Reader's Guide
In 1937, Young was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He is often regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, as well as a pioneer of modern pitching. In 1956, one year after his death, the Cy Young Award was created to annually honor the best pitcher in the Major Leagues (later each league) of the previous season, cementing his name as synonymous with excellence in pitching.
Did You Know?
- Young's nickname 'Cy' came from the fences he destroyed with his fastball, which looked like a cyclone had hit them.
- He pitched a perfect game in 1904.
- Young stopped his formal education after the sixth grade to help on the family farm.
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