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Baseball Biography

Sandy Koufax

American · Born 1935

Los Angeles DodgersFive Year PeakPerfect Game
Pitcher
2.76
era
165
wins
2396
strikeouts

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The most dominant pitcher in baseball history across a five-year peak — Sandy Koufax's 1963-1966 run produced three Cy Young Awards, four no-hitters and a perfect game.

Sandy Koufax had the most dominant five-year peak of any pitcher in baseball history. Between 1962 and 1966 he won three Cy Young Awards, set the single-season strikeout record twice, threw four no-hitters (including a perfect game) and led the Dodgers to three World Series. He retired at 30 due to arthritis in his left elbow — at the absolute peak of his powers.

He retired at 30 at the absolute peak of his powers — the most premature retirement of any dominant athlete in major American sport.

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Career Honours

  • World Series Champion 3x
  • 3x Cy Young Award
  • 4 no-hitters including perfect game
  • NL MVP 1963