Sandy Koufax, born on December 30, 1935, is a former professional baseball player widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the sport. He spent his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers from 1955 to 1966.
Koufax's dominance on the pitcher's mound was truly remarkable. His blazing fastball, sharp curveball, and impeccable control made him almost unhittable. Throughout his career, he accumulated numerous accolades, including seven All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards (1963, 1965, 1966), and the 1963 National League MVP award.
One of the most memorable aspects of Koufax's career was his incredible stretch from 1962 to 1966. During this five-year span, he was virtually untouchable, with a combined record of 111 wins and only 34 losses. Koufax led the league in strikeouts each year and led in earned run average (ERA) in four of those seasons.
In 1965, he achieved one of the most awe-inspiring feats in baseball history, throwing a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs.
Koufax's fierce determination and incredible work ethic became apparent during his last few seasons when he battled through a severe pitching arm injury. Despite the pain, he continued to pitch at a high level and led the Dodgers to consecutive World Series titles in 1965 and 1966. After the 1966 season, Koufax made the difficult decision to retire at the young age of 30 due to chronic arm issues.
While his MLB career spanned just 12 seasons, Koufax's impact on the game of baseball is immeasurable. His remarkable skill, combined with his integrity and class, made him an idol for many aspiring pitchers and a legendary figure in the sport's history. In 1972, Koufax was deservedly inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, forever solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game.