Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Baseball’s most prestigious pitching award has crowned many legends, but some champions have faded from memory like old baseball cards in a shoebox. These aren’t just statistics in record books—they’re stories of determination, fleeting greatness, and moments that defined seasons. Let’s dust off some memories and revisit ten remarkable pitchers whose Cy Young seasons deserve a fresh look.
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LaMarr Hoyt (1983): The White Sox Ace Time Forgot
In 1983, LaMarr Hoyt became the toast of Chicago’s South Side, dominating the American League with a stellar 24-10 record and 3.66 ERA. His pinpoint control was legendary—just 31 walks in 260⅔ innings—as he led the “Winning Ugly” White Sox to their first division title in 24 years. Hoyt’s masterful command and workhorse mentality earned him the Cy Young Award, outshining even Hall of Famer Jim Palmer in the voting.
Pete Vuckovich (1982): Milwaukee’s Mustachioed Marvel
Before becoming a memorable villain in “Major League,” Vuckovich was terrorizing real MLB batters. His 1982 campaign saw him go 18-6 with a 3.34 ERA, helping the Brewers reach their first World Series. Known for his intimidating mound presence and signature mustache, “Vuke” pitched through injuries to claim the Cy Young, embodying Milwaukee’s blue-collar spirit.
Mike McCormick (1967): The First Giant to Win It
McCormick made history as the first San Francisco Giant to win the Cy Young Award, posting a 22-10 record with a 2.85 ERA in 1967. A crafty left-hander, he mastered the art of pitching in windy Candlestick Park, earning his place in Giants lore during a season where he threw an impressive 262 innings and completed 14 games.
Pat Hentgen (1996): Toronto’s Forgotten Flame-Thrower
In the shadow of Toronto’s World Series years, Hentgen emerged as a dominant force in 1996. His 20-10 record, 3.22 ERA, and league-leading 265⅔ innings pitched earned him the AL Cy Young Award. The workhorse right-hander became the first Blue Jay to win the award, throwing an incredible 10 complete games when pitch counts were becoming increasingly important.
Mike Flanagan (1979): Orioles’ Southpaw Sensation
During Baltimore’s magical 1979 season, Flanagan emerged as their ace with a 23-9 record and 3.08 ERA. His left-handed artistry helped guide the Orioles to the American League pennant. Flanagan’s durability was remarkable, completing 16 games and throwing 265⅔ innings while showcasing his signature curveball.
Steve Stone (1980): The One Magical Season
Stone’s 1980 campaign was the definition of catching lightning in a bottle. The Orioles’ right-hander went 25-7 with a 3.23 ERA, winning the Cy Young in his only All-Star season. His curveball became nearly unhittable as he strung together 14 consecutive wins during a summer that would define his career.
Bob Welch (1990): The 27-Game Winner Nobody Remembers
In an era when wins still meant everything, Welch achieved something remarkable in 1990: 27 victories, the most since Steve Carlton in 1972. With the powerful Oakland A’s behind him, Welch went 27-6 with a 2.95 ERA. His achievement becomes more impressive considering no pitcher has won more than 24 games in a season since.
Randy Jones (1976): San Diego’s First Superstar
Jones brought excitement to the young Padres franchise with his remarkable 1976 season, going 22-14 with a 2.74 ERA. The crafty left-hander’s sinkerball mystified hitters as he completed 25 games—a number that seems impossible today. He became San Diego’s first Cy Young winner while working his magic in the spacious confines of San Diego Stadium.
Mike Cuellar (1969): The Cuban Crafty Lefty
Cuellar shared the 1969 Cy Young with Denny McLain, going 23-11 with a 2.38 ERA for the Orioles. His screwball became the talk of baseball as he helped Baltimore reach the World Series. The Cuban-born pitcher completed 18 games and threw five shutouts during a season that would help define the Orioles’ dynasty.
Eric Gagne (2003): The Reliever Who Dominated All
In 2003, Gagne redefined dominance for relievers, converting all 55 save opportunities while posting a microscopic 1.20 ERA. The goggle-wearing Canadian’s entrance to Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” became baseball’s most intimidating moment. His combination of 100-mph heat and a devastating changeup helped him strike out 137 batters in just 82⅓ innings.