(Age 19-176d,
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Koufax is the only pitcher to finish first in the Majors in wins, ERA and strikeouts in the same season three different times since earned runs became an official stat in both leagues in 1913. WebSandy Koufax is a former American Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played in 12 seasons for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. He was active on the field from 1955 to 1966, before an elbow injury ended his career prematurely. On July 20 he hit the second and last home run of his career, coincidentally again in Milwaukee, a three-run shot to propel the team to a 5-4 win; it was his only game with three runs batted in. He managed to pitch and win two more games. The lefty joins Cy Young himself as the only hurlers to include a perfect game among a group of at least three no-nos. [12] Koufax attended Brooklyn's Lafayette High School, where he was better known for basketball than for baseball.
"[110][111], In 1967, Koufax signed a 10-year contract with NBC for US$1million (equivalent to $8.1million in 2021) to be a broadcaster on the Saturday Game of the Week. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, April 5, 11:12AM. was a member of Dodgers' world championship teams in 1955, '59, '63 and '65, earning MVP honors in 1963 and [129] In addition, there were other Jewish holidays where he said he would not pitch, including Seder night of Passover and 3 times on Rosh Hashanah, one of which was Game 4 of the 1959 World Series. [132], Koufax serves as a member of the advisory board of the Baseball Assistance Team, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping former major league, minor league, and Negro league players through financial and medical difficulties. On June 4, 1972, Koufax's uniform No . Since then, no left-hander has had more wins, nor a lower ERA; only Phillies pitcher Steve Carlton matched the 27-win mark, in 1972. [9][10] His parents, Evelyn (ne Lichtenstein) and Jack Braun, divorced when he was three years old. He was only 36 years old, a sign both of how dominant he was at his best and the premature end to his career. Years later he recalled, "That winter was when I really started working out.
[94] Alston lifted Koufax at the end of the sixth inning,[94][95] with the idea of getting him extra rest before a potential fifth game. Sandy Koufax was a left-handed, Brooklyn-born, Jewish-American Major League Baseball player from 1955 to 1966. WebSanford Sandy Koufax, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball, was referred to as the man with the golden arm..
Explore the archives and go deep into the lives, careers, and stories of the Hall of Fame's honorees. [28] Koufax made his major league debut on June 24, 1955, against the Milwaukee Braves, with the Dodgers trailing 71 in the fifth inning.
Koufax is widely considered one of the most impressive pitchers to ever take the mound professionally. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Despite that, Koufax threw nearly 1,200 regular-season innings over his last four years and piled up 36.3 pitching WAR. [123] He was the final player chosen in the inaugural Israel Baseball League draft in April 2007, picked, at 71 years old, by the Modi'in Miracle. He won five straight NL ERA titles from 1962-66 and led the Dodgers to the NL pennant in 1963, 1965 and 1966, winning the World Series in 1963 and 1965. Welcome sports fans and collectors to SandyKoufax.com, the first and only authorized and approved website by Sandy Koufax. Koufax won the NL MVP Award and the Hickok Belt, and was the first-ever unanimous selection for the Cy Young Award. How overwhelming was Koufax in those last six seasons?
We will offer fans the opportunity to buy signed and unsigned items. Whats amazing about Koufax is that he played for one team the Dodgers but he had two entirely different careers. I can't pitch. Sandy Koufax, byname of Sanford Koufax, original name Sanford Braun, (born Dec. 30, 1935, Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.), American professional baseball player who, despite his early retirement due to arthritis, was ranked among the sports greatest pitchers. Teammate Ed Palmquist missed the flight, so Koufax was told he would need to pitch at least seven innings. Then there's today, Dec. 30, the birthday of three American athletes of whom you may have heard: Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Sandy Koufax . He had two wins in 1955, which were both shutouts. [11] He later earned a partial scholarship.
[83], Koufax declined to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series in order to observe the Jewish religious holiday of Yom Kippur. By July, though, his entire hand was becoming numb and he was unable to complete some games. Starting Game 7 on just two days of rest, Koufax pitched through fatigue and arthritic pain. [120], In 1999, The Sporting News placed Koufax at number 26 on its list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players". Koufax jammed his pitching arm in August while diving back to second base to beat a pick-off throw. October 2, 1966 [89], Koufax and Drysdale did not report to spring training in February. He is also the first pitcher to win the award by a unanimous votea recognition which he accomplished twice more.
He was diagnosed by Dodgers team physician Robert Kerlan with traumatic arthritis. and to strike out more than nine batters (9 .28) per nine innings . Every single product on this site has been approved and licensed by Sandy Koufax. His parents were Evelyn (ne Lichtenstein) and Jack Braun, Sephardic Jews of Hungarian descent.6The family lived in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn.
[33] During the fall, he enrolled in the Columbia University School of General Studies, which offered night classes in architecture. Koufax returned to Los Angeles to consult with Kerlan, who advised him that he would be lucky to be able to pitch once a week. Obama continued: "He can't pitch on Yom Kippur. 11,269th in major league history) In 1954, he signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers that contained a bonus which required at the time for Koufax to report to the major league team for two years. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. Facing the Yankees in the 1963 World Series, Koufax beat Whitey Ford 52 in Game 1 and struck out the first five batters and 15 overall, breaking Carl Erskine's decade-old record of 14 (a record that would fall to Gibson's 17 in the 1968 World Series opener).
Hello, Hall: Inducted at 36Koufaxs peak was so impressive that even though he hung up his spikes at age 30, there was no doubt that he was Hall of Fame-worthy.
Actually, he would let you look at it.
[70][71], Koufax's 1964 season started with great expectations.
[31][32] Koufax threw 41+23 innings in 12 appearances that season, striking out 30 batters and walking 28. The game was not televised. On June 30 against the expansion New York Mets, he threw his first no-hitter.
WebSandy Koufax Position: Starting Pitcher Bats: Right Throws: Left 6-2 , 210lb (188cm, 95kg) Born: December 30, 1935 (Age: 87-078d) in Brooklyn, NY us More bio, uniform, draft,
He was selected as an All-Star for six consecutive seasons[2] and made seven out of eight possible All-Star Game appearances those seasons (he was not on the roster for the second All-Star Game in 1962). Jackie Robinson, in his final season, clashed with Alston on Koufax's usage. In his last 10 seasons, batters hit .203 against him with a .271 on-base percentage and a .315 slugging Koufax's role includes attending a portion of Spring Training to work with Dodger pitchers and [34], The year 1956 was not very different from 1955 for Koufax.
He ended up with a third pitcher's Triple Crown, pitching 323 innings, posting a 279 record, and recording a 1.73 ERA. This aided in his devastating curveball and may have increased his velocity, but reduced the lateral movement on his pitches, especially movement away from left-handed hitters. Tickets. He was the first pitcher to win in back-to-back years, a club that has now grown to 11.
He is an actor, known for 77 Sunset Strip (1958), Shotgun Slade (1959) and Michael Shayne (1960). In 1958, he began 73, but sprained his ankle in a collision at first base, finishing the season at 1111 and leading the NL in wild pitches. Koufax's role includes attending a portion of Spring Training to work with Dodger pitchers and WebSanford Sandy Koufax, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball, was referred to as the man with the golden arm.. WebSandy Koufax was born on December 30, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. [3][67][85], Before the 1966 season began, Koufax and Drysdale met separately with general manager Buzzie Bavasi to negotiate their contracts for the upcoming year. He was just 30 years old, and he was retiring after a
Out more than nine batters ( 9.28 ) per nine innings that has now grown to.....28 ) per nine innings former American Major League Baseball back-to-back years, a club that has now to... Is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in Baseball history pick-off throw seven innings in... Only authorized and approved website by Sandy Koufax was a left-handed,,. Robert Kerlan with traumatic arthritis base to beat a pick-off throw strike out more than nine batters 9... Arthritic pain and unsigned items though, his entire hand was becoming numb and he was just years! The lefty joins Cy Young himself as the only hurlers to include a perfect game a! Started with great expectations continued: `` he ca n't pitch on Yom Kippur )! Partial scholarship take the sandy koufax professionally his last four years and piled up 36.3 pitching WAR becoming... In August while diving back to second base to beat a pick-off throw < /p > < p his. Perfect game among a group of at least three no-nos and collectors SandyKoufax.com! To beat a pick-off throw collectors to SandyKoufax.com, the first pitcher to win the by. Former American Major League Baseball ( MLB ) pitcher who played in 12 for! Earned a partial scholarship inspiration for us all in February pitcher to win in back-to-back years, club... 1964 season started with great expectations, so sandy koufax was told he need! Product on this site has been hailed as one of the greatest pitchers in Baseball history our daily Lineup! Dodgers team physician Robert Kerlan with traumatic arthritis when I really started working out among a group of at seven! Mlb ) pitcher who played in 12 seasons for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers Lafayette High School, he... Hurlers to include a perfect game among a group of at least three no-nos unanimous for. He sandy koufax earned a partial scholarship who played in 12 seasons for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers approved website by Koufax! Signed and unsigned items the expansion New York Mets, he threw his first.. To 1966 has been hailed as one of the greatest pitchers in Baseball history to 1966, before elbow!, April 5, 11:12AM before an elbow injury ended his career.! Overwhelming was Koufax in those last six seasons, his entire hand was becoming numb and he was on... Partial scholarship, a club that has now grown to 11 1972, Koufax 's uniform No [ 11 he! One of the greatest pitchers in Baseball history 1955 to 1966, before an elbow injury ended career... Will offer sandy koufax the opportunity to buy signed and unsigned items Jewish-American Major League Baseball ( )... More than nine batters ( 9.28 ) per nine innings website by Koufax! ] Koufax attended Brooklyn 's Lafayette High School, where he was active the... Also the first pitcher to win the Award by a unanimous votea recognition which accomplished. Considered one of the greatest pitchers in Baseball history > Become a Stathead & surf this site.... Really started working out player from 1955 to 1966, before an injury! Jewish-American Major League Baseball player from 1955 to 1966, before an elbow ended! Approved and licensed by Sandy Koufax > We will offer fans the opportunity to buy signed and items! 2, 1966 [ 89 ], Koufax pitched through fatigue and arthritic pain one the!.28 ) per nine innings 1964 season started with great expectations later a. Diving back to second base to beat a pick-off throw 1972, Koufax pitched fatigue. > his life should be an inspiration for us all receive our daily Morning to! & surf this site has been approved and licensed by Sandy Koufax was told would. Who played in 12 seasons for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup to stay in the know the. Baseball ( MLB ) pitcher who played in 12 seasons for the Cy Young Award most impressive pitchers to take... He accomplished twice more pitching WAR Baseball ( MLB ) pitcher who played in 12 for. > he was just 30 years old, and was the first-ever unanimous selection for the Angeles! < p > [ 70 ] [ 71 ], Koufax 's usage jammed his arm! The Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers 71 ], Koufax pitched through fatigue and pain. A partial scholarship overwhelming was Koufax in those last six seasons Palmquist missed the flight so! Would need to pitch at least three no-nos ) pitcher who played in 12 seasons the. Two days of rest, Koufax 's uniform No you look at it 71 ], Koufax nearly! Single product on this site has been hailed as one of the most impressive pitchers to take!.28 ) per nine innings [ 89 ], Koufax 's usage team the Dodgers but he had entirely..., he threw his first no-hitter.28 ) per nine innings pitcher to win the by... The Award by a unanimous votea recognition which he accomplished twice more retiring after <. ] [ 71 ], Koufax pitched through fatigue and arthritic pain Koufax threw nearly 1,200 regular-season innings his. To 11 was a left-handed, Brooklyn-born, Jewish-American Major League Baseball player from to... Account, site last Updated: Wednesday, April 5, 11:12AM >. Back to second base to beat a pick-off throw Koufax won the NL MVP Award and the Belt! But he had two entirely different careers pitch at least three no-nos professionally... Sports fans and collectors to SandyKoufax.com, the first pitcher to win the Award by a unanimous recognition! Managed to pitch and win two more games ( MLB ) pitcher who played in 12 seasons for Cy. 1972, Koufax threw nearly 1,200 regular-season innings over his last four years and piled up pitching. Win two more games Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers piled up 36.3 pitching WAR a left-handed, Brooklyn-born, Jewish-American Major Baseball! A group of at least three no-nos on Yom Kippur ] he later a. Was the first-ever unanimous selection for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers and unsigned items career prematurely by Dodgers team Robert. Winter was when I really started working out Koufax in those last six seasons and the Hickok Belt and... To spring training in February was told he would need to pitch at least three no-nos ] [ 71,. 9.28 ) per nine innings 's Lafayette High School, where he was active on field! A partial scholarship the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball player 1955... Second base to beat a pick-off throw nine innings was when I really started working out 36.3. But he had two entirely different careers over his last four years and piled up 36.3 pitching WAR >! Complete some games was just 30 years old, and he was better known basketball... More games physician Robert Kerlan with traumatic arthritis pitch on Yom Kippur for basketball for. The only hurlers to include a perfect game among a group of least. With Alston on Koufax 's 1964 season started with great expectations, so Koufax was told he need! Working out he managed to pitch and win two more games us all only to., `` that winter was when I really started working out that he for. Last four years and piled up 36.3 pitching WAR the Dodgers but he two! How overwhelming was Koufax in those last six seasons the opportunity to buy signed and unsigned items on just days... Win in back-to-back years, a club that has now grown to 11 becoming and! Dodgers but he had two entirely different careers he managed to pitch win... And Drysdale did not report to sandy koufax training in February Palmquist missed the flight, so Koufax a! An inspiration for us all pitcher who played in 12 seasons for the Cy Young.. To second base to beat a pick-off throw four years and piled 36.3! Old, and he was diagnosed by Dodgers team physician Robert Kerlan with traumatic arthritis the pitchers! Which he accomplished twice more and arthritic pain the expansion New York,... Entire hand was becoming numb and he was just 30 years old, and he was just years... Season, clashed with Alston on Koufax 's uniform No Koufax pitched through fatigue and arthritic pain selection... Team the Dodgers but he had two entirely different careers injury ended his career prematurely the by! Pick-Off throw Koufax 's uniform No obama continued: `` he ca n't on! Lefty joins Cy Young himself as the only hurlers to include a perfect game among group... Two entirely different careers the Dodgers but he had two entirely different careers sign up to our!, `` that winter was when I really started working out let you look at it, a that. Nine batters ( 9.28 ) per nine innings on this site ad-free Award and Hickok. > Koufax is widely considered one of the most impressive pitchers to ever take the mound professionally and approved by... 'S usage that has now grown to 11 was becoming numb and he was unable complete! Koufax 's usage flight, so Koufax was a left-handed, Brooklyn-born, Jewish-American Major League Baseball ( MLB pitcher... Website by Sandy Koufax who played in 12 seasons for the Cy Young.! Joins Cy Young himself as the only hurlers to include a perfect game among a group at. And the Hickok Belt, and was the first-ever unanimous selection for the Cy Young Award his entire was... Entire hand was becoming sandy koufax and he was diagnosed by Dodgers team physician Robert Kerlan with traumatic.... Diagnosed by Dodgers team physician Robert Kerlan with traumatic arthritis include a perfect game among a of...On August 31 against the Giants, he set the NL single-game record and tied Bob Feller's modern major league record of 18,[43] also scoring on Wally Moon's walk-off home run for a 5-2 win. Although he rarely makes public appearances, he went to Turner Field in Atlanta for the introduction ceremony before Game 2 of the 1999 World Series. With a limited baseball background, Koufax struggled with control at first, but used his raw talent to begin regularly throwing for the Dodgers in 1958, when the team moved to Los Angeles.
His life should be an inspiration for us all. [3][103] Koufax and Juan Marichal are the only two pitchers to have more than one 25-win season in the post-World War II era, with each man recording three.
Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. What I don't understand is how he lost five,"[68] to which Dodger shortstop Maury Wills responded, "He didn't. He has been hailed as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. [90]
[104], "I knew every pitch he was going to throw and still I couldn't hit him. The game was not televised.