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 won 511 games in his career — a record so far beyond any other pitcher (second place has 417) that it is considered the most permanent record in professional sport. He pitched from 1890 to 1911 across an era when starting pitchers completed virtually every game they started. The annual award for the best pitcher in each league bears his name — perhaps the greatest tribute to longevity in sports history.
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