The pitcher the award is named after — Cy Young's 511 career wins is so far beyond any other pitcher that it will never be broken, and the sport's top pitching honour bears his name.
Cy Young was born in Gilmore, Ohio in 1867. He pitched for five major league clubs from 1890 to 1911, producing 511 career wins — the all-time record by a margin of 94 wins over Walter Johnson. He also holds the all-time record for career losses (316) and career innings pitched (7,356). He threw three no-hitters and one perfect game. His career winning percentage was .619. He was named to the inaugural Baseball Hall of Fame class in 1937. The annual award given to the best pitcher in each major league has been named the Cy Young Award since 1956 — the only individual award in American professional sport named after a player to honour both leagues simultaneously. He died in 1955 aged 88.
511 career wins (MLB record), pitching longevity and durability
How They Played
Workhorse pitcher known for control and endurance
Lasting Impact
Cy Young Award for best pitcher named in his honor
511 career wins (all-time record)
His 511 career wins is 94 more than any other pitcher in baseball history — and the gap to the modern era leaders is so enormous that his record is as permanent as any in sport.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- 511 career wins (all-time record)
- 2,803 career strikeouts
- Award named after him