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MLB Cy Young Award
The Major League Baseball (MLB) Cy Young Award is given each year to the best pitcher in the MLB. It is named in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who won 511 games during his professional career. The award has been given out every year since 1956, and the winner is determined by a panel of 30 baseball writers.
History of the MLB Cy Young Award
The MLB Cy Young Award was first presented in 1956 and is the oldest award in Major League Baseball. The award was created by baseball commissioner Ford Frick to honor the greatest pitcher of the time, Cy Young. Young was a Hall of Fame pitcher who won 511 games over his 21-year career.
The award was originally given to the best pitcher in each league (American and National). In 1967, the award was changed to honor the best pitcher in all of Major League Baseball. A panel of 30 baseball writers from around the country vote on the award each year. The award is presented at the end of the MLB season.
Winners of the MLB Cy Young Award
Since its inception, the MLB Cy Young Award has been given to some of the best pitchers in the league. Here is a list of the pitchers who have won the most awards:
- Roger Clemens – 7 awards (1986, 1987, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2004)
- Randy Johnson – 5 awards (1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
- Greg Maddux – 4 awards (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995)
- Pedro Martinez – 3 awards (1997, 1999, 2000)
- Clayton Kershaw – 3 awards (2011, 2013, 2014)
- Jim Palmer – 3 awards (1973, 1975, 1976)
- Bert Blyleven – 2 awards (1973, 1985)
- Gaylord Perry – 2 awards (1972, 1978)
- Steve Carlton – 2 awards (1972, 1977)
- Tom Seaver – 2 awards (1969, 1973)
The Legacy of the MLB Cy Young Award
The MLB Cy Young Award is one of the most prestigious awards in Major League Baseball. It is given to the best pitcher in the league each year, and has been awarded to some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. The award is a testament to the legacy of Cy Young and the impact he had on the game of baseball.
Criteria for the MLB Cy Young Award
The criteria for the MLB Cy Young Award is based on a system of points. The panel of 30 baseball writers awards points to each candidate based on their performance during the regular season. The pitcher with the most points at the end of the season is named the winner of the MLB Cy Young Award.
The criteria for the award include wins, strikeouts, ERA, WHIP, innings pitched, strikeouts per nine innings, and quality starts. Pitchers must also have a minimum of 20 starts in order to be eligible for the award.
Notable MLB Cy Young Award Winners
In addition to Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, and Pedro Martinez, some of the most notable winners of the MLB Cy Young Award include:
- Bob Gibson – 1968
- Tom Glavine – 1991, 1998
- Roy Halladay – 2003, 2010
- John Smoltz – 1996
- Max Scherzer – 2013, 2016
- Justin Verlander – 2011
- Dwight Gooden – 1985
- Sandy Koufax – 1963, 1965, 1966
- Ferguson Jenkins – 1971
- David Cone – 1994
Criticism of the MLB Cy Young Award
The MLB Cy Young Award has come under fire in recent years due to the way the award is determined. Critics argue that the criteria used to determine the winner is too subjective, and that the award should be based on more nuanced criteria such as WAR, FIP, and xFIP. Despite these criticisms, the award remains one of the most prestigious awards in Major League Baseball.
Future of the MLB Cy Young Award
The MLB Cy Young Award will continue to be presented each year to the best pitcher in Major League Baseball. It is likely that the award will become more performance-based in the future, as sabermetrics and advanced analytics become more prevalent in the game.
Conclusion
The MLB Cy Young Award is one of the most prestigious awards in Major League Baseball. It is given each year to the best pitcher in the league and has been awarded to some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Roger Clemens holds the record for most awards with 7, followed by Randy Johnson with 5. The award is presented at the end of each MLB season and is determined by a panel of 30 baseball writers.