Cy Young

Lore & Background

Cy Young was the oldest child of Nancy and McKinzie Young Jr., born in the farming community of Gilmore, Ohio. He stopped formal education after sixth grade to work on the family farm. In 1888, he played semi-professional baseball for a Carrollton team, pitching and playing second base. His professional career began in 1890 with the Canton Nadjys of the Tri-State League, where his fastball reportedly tore boards off a grandstand, leading to the nickname "Cy" (short for cyclone).

Young entered the major leagues in 1890 with the Cleveland Spiders. In his debut, he pitched a three-hit 8–1 victory over the Chicago Colts. He led the National League in wins (36), ERA (1.93), and shutouts (9) in 1892. In 1897, he pitched his first no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. In 1899, he was transferred to the St. Louis Perfectos (later Cardinals). In 1901, he jumped to the American League's Boston Americans, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA. He helped Boston win the 1903 World Series. He finished his career with the Cleveland Naps and Boston Rustlers, retiring in 1911.

Reader's Guide

Cy Young's significance lies in his unparalleled durability and effectiveness over a 22-season major league career. He holds MLB records for most career wins (511), most career losses, earned runs, hits allowed, innings pitched, games started, batters faced, complete games, and pitching WAR. He led his league in wins five times and pitched three no-hitters, including a perfect game in 1904. After his speed diminished, he relied on control and remained effective into his forties. In 1937, he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1956, the Cy Young Award was created to annually honor the best pitcher in the Major Leagues, cementing his name as synonymous with pitching excellence. His records, some standing for over a century, define an era of baseball when pitchers completed nearly every game they started.

Did You Know?

• Cy Young's nickname came from fences he destroyed with his fastball, which looked like a cyclone had hit them.
• He pitched a perfect game in 1904.
• He won the 1903 World Series with the Boston Americans.
• The Cy Young Award was created in 1956, one year after his death.