However, the morning after his 19th win, a shutout in which he struck out 13 batters, he could not straighten his arm. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum), Sandy Koufax debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955 at the age of 19. Koufax was the supreme pitcher of his generation and the greatest Jewish hurler ever, and his taking a stand occurred at baseball's centerpiece event. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Sandy Koufax, over the course of just five seasons, had five earned run average titles, three Cy Young Awards, and a Most Valuable Player Award.. Did you know that Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game, plus three no-hitters, over the course of a four consecutive year period (1962-1965)?. He struck out 14 batters in the 10 win, at the time the most recorded in a perfect game (tied by Matt Cain in 2012). After joining the major leagues at age 19, having never pitched a game in the minor . [58] Compared to the previous season, walks in the NL fell 13 percent, strikeouts increased 6 percent, the league batting average fell from .261 to .245, and runs scored declined 15 percent. When he did play college baseball the scouts came in droves. [8][9] His parents, Evelyn (ne Lichtenstein) and Jack Braun, divorced when he was three years old. He won both the Cy Young Award and NL Most Valuable Player Award that season. [86][87] At the time, Willie Mays was the highest paid player in the major leagues at $125,000 (equivalent to $1.04million in 2021) per year, and multi-year contracts were extremely unusual. Sandy Koufax was born on December 30, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. After winning the second game of the series, the Dodgers blew a 42 lead in the ninth inning of the deciding third game, losing the pennant. He was the first pitcher to average fewer than seven hits allowed per nine innings pitched (6.79) and to strike out more than nine batters (9.28) per nine innings pitched. Despite giving up on his curveball early in the game after failing to throw strikes with it in the first two innings, and pitching the rest of the game relying almost entirely on fastballs, Koufax threw a three-hit shutout to clinch the Series. Look at the box score of that game today. Koufax finally was able to pitch again in September, when the team was locked in a tight pennant race with the Giants. In May 2010, he was invited to become a part of 'Jewish American Heritage Month' celebrations at 'The White House.' In 1969, Sandy Koufax married Anne Widmark, daughter of Hollywood actor Richard Widmark. On May 15, the restriction on sending Koufax down to the minors was lifted. Koufax was an All-Star in each of his last six seasons,[1] leading the National League (NL) in ERA each of his last five years, in strikeouts four times, in wins and shutouts three times each, and in winning percentage, innings pitched and complete games twice each; he was the first NL pitcher in 20 years to post an ERA below 2.00, doing so three times. Allen, who was thrown out trying to steal second, was the only Phillie to reach base that day. [99], Due to a lack of run support, Koufax's postseason won-lost record over four World Series is an unimpressive 43, but his historic 0.95 ERA and two World Series MVPs testify to how well he actually pitched. award was presented to one pitcher, rather than one in each league . first pitcher inducted into the Hall of Fame (1972) who had more strikeouts than innings pitched . Sandy Koufax. During welcome remarks in a reminiscence of Koufax's decision not to play on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, President Barack Obama said that the two had "something in common." [117] On June 4 of that year, Koufax's uniform number 32 was retired alongside those of Dodger greats Roy Campanella (39) and Jackie Robinson (42). He was previously married to Kimberly Francis and Anne Heath Widmark. If not, then nothing to worry about this. With an overworked pitching staff there was no one else, as Drysdale and Johnny Podres had pitched the prior two days. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Famously private, he renounced his ties to the Dodgers when a New York Post article insinuated that he was gayNews Corporation owned both the Dodgers and the Post at the timebut he returned to the team as a spring training instructor in 2013 following a change in ownership. We will offer fans the opportunity to buy signed and unsigned items. Sandy Koufax's legacy as the greatest Jewish athlete ever has never been in question. Exceeded rookie limits during 1956 season, View Player Bio Sanford Koufax, 1935 1230 - MLB The Left Arm of God [50] He pitched six innings in four All-Star games,[100] including being the starting pitcher for three innings in the 1966 All-Star Game. Rookie Status: He had six exemplary seasons in the 1960s. The six-time All-Star would go on to win two more Cy Young Awards in 1965 and 1966, finishing second in MVP voting and leading the league in wins both seasons. October 2, 1966 Koufax returned to Los Angeles to consult with Kerlan, who advised him that he would be lucky to be able to pitch once a week. Sandy Koufax was born on 30 December 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy. Despite the blazing speed of his fastball, Koufax continued to struggle with his control. I decided I was really going to find out how good I can be. With Dodgers manager Walter Alston and scouting director Fresco Thompson watching, Campanis assumed the hitter's stance while Koufax started throwing. Sandy Koufax The famous, amazingly talented Sandy Koufax has led a life filled with hardships, swarmed his way up with his talent, and has faced heartbreaks too. He started out as a left-handed catcher before moving to first base. 3 Sandy Koufax Quotes About Life "There is among us a far closer relationship than the purely social one of a fraternal organization because we are bound together not only by a single interest but by a common goal. I can't pitch. Despite displaying tantalizing abilityhe struck out 14 batters in his second major league startthe left-hander was too wild to remain a regular in the rotation. Koufax won the NL MVP Award and the Hickok Belt, and was the first-ever unanimous selection for the Cy Young Award. He is also the first pitcher to win the award by a unanimous votea recognition which he accomplished twice more. There were thirty-three bidders that were interested enough to pay top dollar for this card, but . Koufax declined the offer. [2][75], On September 9, 1965, Koufax became the sixth pitcher of the modern era, and eighth overall, to throw a perfect game. Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan established records with his 5,714 strikeouts and seven no-hitters during his 27-year Major League Baseball career. [47], In perhaps an early display of sabermetrics, Dodger statistician Allan Roth is credited with helping Koufax tweak his game in the early 1960s, particularly regarding the importance of first-pitch strikes and the benefits of off-speed pitches. He won five straight NL ERA titles from 1962-66 and led the Dodgers to the NL pennant in 1963, 1965 and 1966, winning the World Series in 1963 and 1965. Thanks in no small part to his late-career supremacy, Koufax cards are sought after and, in many cases, extremely valuable. [88], Koufax and Drysdale did not report to spring training in February. [33], The year 1956 was not very different from 1955 for Koufax. Sandy Koufax is the youngest ever player to be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. A vascular specialist determined that Koufax had a crushed artery in his palm. Third Party Auction sites are flooded with fake and unlicensed items. The mention of his name brought the biggest cheer at the event. Koufax played 12 years at the MLB level, all with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. Meanwhile, the Dodgers waged a public relations battle against them. [56], The night before the playoffs began, manager Alston asked Koufax if he could start the next day. Some defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023. Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 11 January 2023, at 01:19. After the last game of the season, he threw his gloves and spikes into the trash. Koufax has always been known for living a very private life and that nature carried over into the hobby for a long time, leaving collectors without nearly enough autographs to meet the demand. Tired of constantly taking medication and concerned about his future health, Koufax stunned the baseball world by announcing his retirement on November 18, 1966. After setting a modern NL record in 1961 with 269 strikeouts, in 1963 he became the first pitcher in 17 years and the first left-hander since 1904 to strike out 300 batters. With his third no-hitter in three years Koufax tied Feller as the only modern-era pitchers to hurl three no-hitters.[72]. On two days rest, Koufax pitched a 6-3 complete-game victory to clinch the pennant. [57], In 1963 Major League Baseball expanded the strike zone. A numbness developed in the index finger on his left hand, and the finger became cold and white. Koufax gets Dodger Stadium statue next to Jackie Robinson. He is married to Jane Purucker Clarke. Relive your cherished baseball memories and favorite moments from your team with your personalized membership card. Sandy Koufax 1955 Topps. A trailblazing player in the Negro Leagues, baseball pitcher Satchel Paige also became the oldest rookie in Major League history and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971. Jewish American baseball pitcher Sandy Koufax was a star player for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers before elbow arthritis forced him into early retirement. On Sept. 9, 1965, Sandy Koufax tossed the eighth perfect game in MLB history, defeating the Cubs 1-0 at Dodger Stadium. Or write about sports? [35], To prepare for the 1957 season, the Dodgers sent Koufax to Puerto Rico to play winter ball. In that start, he struck out 11 in seven innings, but got no decision. Sandy Koufax Position: Pitcher Bats: Right Throws: Left 6-2 , 210lb (188cm, 95kg) Born: December 30, 1935 (Age: 87-003d) in Brooklyn, NY us More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Hall of Fame MVP 3x Cy Young 3x Triple Crown 7x All-Star 4x World Series 2x WS MVP 5x ERA Title 2x ML PoY 32 32 Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. The performance earned him his second World Series MVP award, making him the first player to win the award twice. He was knocked out in the second inning, after giving up home runs to future Hall of Famer Willie Mays and Jim Davenport. Koufax finally gained control of his overpowering fastball and knee-buckling curveball in the early 1960s, and embarked on one of the most dominant pitching runs in baseball history. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device. On June 13 in Milwaukee, Koufax hit the first home run of his career off Warren Spahn, providing the winning margin in a 2-1 victory in Milwaukee. leader four times, setting a single-season mark with 382 in 1965, and had the most wins three times, with totals Laurie recognized that Koufax might be able to pitch, and recruited the 17-year-old to pitch for the Coney Island Sports League's Parkviews. (Voted by BBWAA on 344/396 ballots) vs. MLN 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO, 1 BB, 0 ER, Last Game: Teammate Joe Pignatano said that as soon as Koufax threw a couple of balls in a row, Alston would signal for a replacement to start warming up in the bullpen. The highly favored Los Angeles Dodgers had dropped the first game of the World Series. His reputation was marred, however, by the university's child abuse sex scandal in 2011, which resulted in his dismissal. [27], Koufax made his major league debut on June 24, 1955, against the Milwaukee Braves, with the Dodgers trailing 71 in the fifth inning. The former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher undoubtedly had a far higher net worth because players were not paid as richly as they are today. He returned and lost the following day, but won Games 5 and 7 to clinch the championship for his team, further cementing his status as an icon to both his religious community and Dodgers fans. Find out more. Sabermetrician Rob Neyer called it the best curve of all time. Sandy Koufax. Many thanks to him. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Koufax was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family and was raised in Borough Park. [95] In his three World Series losses, all starts, spread over three different Series, Koufax gave up a total of three earned runs; the Dodgers scored a total of one run in support in all three. Join our linker program. Before tenth grade, Koufax's family moved back to the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. Koufax also won the Hickok Belt a second time, the first time anyone had won the belt more than once. and to strike out more than nine batters (9 .28) per nine innings . 304 pp. From 1962 to 1966, he recorded 111 wins against only 34 losses, led the National League in ERA five times, set a single-season record with 382 strikeouts, and won three Cy Young Awards and one Most Valuable Player trophy. Hall of Fame first baseman Lou Gehrig played for the New York Yankees in the 1920s and 1930s, setting the mark for consecutive games played. The Dodgers fought back in Games 3 and 4, with wins by Claude Osteen and Drysdale. Koufax was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1972, becoming at age 36 the youngest player ever elected. When Sandy Koufax was awarded a basketball scholarship to the University of Cincinnati in 1953, his plans included a career in architecture. He managed to pitch and win two more games. Koufax obliged. Koufax was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Evelyn and Jack Braun. His postseason record was 4-3 with a 0 .95 ERA . [6][7] Upon his retirement, Koufax's career ERA of 2.76 trailed only Whitey Ford among pitchers with at least 2,000 innings pitched since 1925; his .655 winning percentage ranked third among both left-handers and modern NL pitchers. He held batters to 5.79 hits per nine innings, and allowed the fewest baserunners per nine innings in any season ever: 7.83, breaking his own record (set two years earlier) of 7.96. In MLB history, defeating the Cubs 1-0 at Dodger Stadium statue next Jackie. We will offer fans the opportunity to buy signed and unsigned items ], Dodgers! Fastball, Koufax 's family moved back to the university of Cincinnati in 1953 his! Defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023 Baseball Hall of Fame Koufax if could! Next to Jackie Robinson out 11 in seven innings, but Baseball career MVP Award, him. 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