Sandy Koufax

Biography

Sandy Koufax had the greatest peak of any pitcher ever. From 1963 to 1966, he went 97-27 with a 1.86 ERA and won three Cy Young Awards in an era when there was only one award for both leagues. The curveball was devastating, the fastball overwhelming, and when arthritis made every pitch agonizing, he kept pitching anyway. Four no-hitters, including a perfect game. He retired at 30, still dominant, because his elbow couldn't take any more. The Jewish pitcher who refused to work Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur became a cultural icon beyond baseball.

Career Highlights

• 4x World Series Champion
• 3x Cy Young Award
• 3x Triple Crown pitcher
• 4 no-hitters (perfect game in 1965)
• Retired at age 30 while still dominant

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