Understanding the Cy Young Award and Its Impact

The Cy Young Award is one of the most prestigious accolades in professional baseball, awarded annually to the best pitcher in each major league (the American League and the National League) based on a set of criteria. Winning this award is a testament to a pitcher's exceptional skills, consistency, and impact on their team. However, there are several pitchers who, despite their remarkable performance, never received a single vote for the award. This article delves into some of the best pitchers who never received a single Cy Young vote.

Juan Marichal: A Voted-Out Legend

Despite not officially earning a single vote for the Cy Young Award, Juan Marichal was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Leading the National League (NL) in both wins and complete games twice, and shutouts twice as well, Marichal was a constant force in the league.

Marichal's career was marked by consistent excellence, especially during his four best seasons. Interestingly, he often found himself overshadowed by the legendary Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson, two pitchers who won the Cy Young Award repeatedly and almost always by unanimous decision. Despite this, Marichal won more games during the 1960s than any other major league pitcher, a testament to his brilliance on the mound.

One of the most notable aspects of Marichal's journey to the top was his rise in 1969, when he won the NL ERA title. He also finished in the top 10 in ERA for seven consecutive years from 1963 to 1969, highlighting his sustained excellence. However, it was not until 1970 that baseball writers started to vote for the top three pitchers in each league, changing the dynamics and giving Marichal the recognition he deserved.

Other Underserved Enthusiasts

Marichal’s story is not unique. There have been several other exceptional pitchers who, despite their remarkable records, never received a single vote for the Cy Young Award. This section explores some of these lesser-known heroes.

Leroy Holland

Leroy Holland is one such pitcher. Known for his winning percentage and pitching prowess, Holland recorded an impressive 60% winning percentage over the course of his career, which in the context of American League (AL) pitching, stands out as remarkable. He had a series of outstanding seasons but never made the cut for the Cy Young Award.

Gary Palmer

Gary Palmer, the first AL relief pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in 1983, is another example. Palmer recorded an impressive 3.02 ERA, won 19 games, and had a 2.43 ERA in playoff appearances, yet he never received a single vote for the prestigious award during his career.

Wilson Alvarez

Wilson Alvarez, another outstanding pitcher who never made the Cy Young cut, had an undefeated record in seven start season and a career record of 21–6 with a 2.40 ERA in the National League. Despite his remarkable stats, Alvarez remained overlooked for the award.

Conclusion: The Unrecognized Triumphs

The Cy Young Award, while a significant accolade, is not the only measure of a pitcher's greatness. There are numerous exceptional pitchers who never received a single vote for this award. Juan Marichal, Leroy Holland, Gary Palmer, and Wilson Alvarez are just a few examples of the incredible talent that has been recognized on the field but not always in the award circuit. Understanding these stories enriches our appreciation of the sport and highlights the complexity of award selection in professional baseball.