Sandy Koufax
Inducted:
1972
Player Details
6-2, 210lb (188cm, 95kg)
Born:
December 30, 1935
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Position:
Pitcher
College:
University of Cincinnati
Sandy Koufax, the transcendent left-handed pitcher for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1955–1966), was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame at age 36 in 1972, becoming the youngest player ever inducted. In a career shortened by arthritis, Koufax delivered unparalleled dominance in his prime—claiming three Cy Young Awards, one MVP, and three pitching Triple Crowns.
He threw four no-hitters between 1962 and 1965, including a perfect game in 1965 that made him the first lefty to do so in the modern era. Revered for his devastating curveball and steely control, Koufax led the National League in ERA five straight seasons and amassed 2,396 strikeouts in just 2,324 innings.
His postseason excellence—highlighted by multiple World Series MVPs and a minuscule 0.95 ERA—cemented his legendary status. Even today, his peak years stand unmatched. Inducted on the strength of an extraordinary, albeit brief, run, Koufax remains a symbol of pitching brilliance forever.
Koufax's Award and Record
- Baseball Hall of Fame, Class of 1972 (youngest inductee ever)
- 3× Cy Young Award (1963, 1965, 1966)
- NL Most Valuable Player (1963)
- 3× Pitching Triple Crown (1963, 1965, 1966)
- 2× World Series MVP (1963, 1965)
- 7× All-Star (1961–1967 or similar)
MLB Record
- Four no-hitters in four consecutive seasons (1962–1965)
- One of two modern-era pitchers to record a perfect game
- NL record for strikeouts in a season: 382 in 1965
- 18 strikeouts in a single game, twice—tying the NL record at that time
- Led NL ERA five consecutive seasons—only pitcher to do so
NFL Teams:
Brooklyn / Los Angeles Dodgers (1955–1966)
Number Worn:
32
MLB Stats:
Seasons:
12 (1955–1966)
Games Played:
397
Wins–Losses:
165-87
ERA:
2.76
Strikeouts:
2,396
Shutouts:
40
Innings Pitched:
2,324
Complete Games:
137