Today, Sandy Koufax turns 74 years old.
Koufax’s name is often mentioned in the same breath when people speak of the greatest pitchers of all-time. Truth be told, during his 12-year career with the Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Koufax did not shine until the last 6 seasons he played. But boy did he shine… From 1961 to 1966, Koufax won 3 Cy Young awards and finished in 2nd place 1 time. He also won an MVP award and finished 2nd twice for that honor. It can be easily argued that Sandy Koufax was elected into baseball’s Hall Of Fame for this short, but incredible 6-year span.
So what do you get a guy that has so many accolades to his credit? Sandy Koufax retired at the age of 31. In today’s game there are players that have yet to hit their prime by 31… I would love to see what Sandy could have done with 5 more seasons. So that is my gift, 5 more healthy seasons as a pitcher for the Dodgers.
Happy Birthday Mr. Koufax!!!
It wouldnt be the CYAward. Instead it would be the SK Award.