History of Cy Young in Timeline
Denton True "Cy" Young was a legendary American Major League Baseball pitcher. He began his MLB career in 1890 with the Cleveland Spiders (National League) and later played for the St. Louis Cardinals. A significant portion of his career was spent with the Boston Red Sox franchise (American League), where he contributed to their 1903 World Series victory. He later played for the Cleveland Naps and Boston Rustlers before retiring in 1911. His exceptional career led to the MLB's annual best pitcher award being named the Cy Young Award in his honor.
1900: Pitched two consecutive incomplete games
In 1900, Cy Young pitched two consecutive incomplete games.
1900: Perfectos finished fifth
In 1900, the St. Louis Perfectos finished fifth in the league.
1901: Joined Boston Americans
In 1901, Cy Young joined the Boston Americans of the American League for a $3,500 contract and led the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.
1901: Led League in Wins
In 1901, Cy Young led his league in wins, marking a significant achievement in his career.
1901: Joined American League
In 1901, Cy Young transitioned to the American League, playing for the Boston Red Sox franchise.
February 1902: Served as Pitching Coach at Harvard University
In February 1902, Cy Young served as a pitching coach at Harvard University.
1902: Did not lead his league in innings pitched
In 1902, Cy Young did not lead his league in innings pitched.
October 1, 1903: First Modern World Series Game
On October 1, 1903, the inaugural game of the modern World Series took place, featuring Cy Young's Boston Pilgrims against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1903: Coached at Mercer University
In 1903, Cy Young coached at Mercer University during the spring.
1903: Helped Red Sox win World Series
In 1903, Cy Young contributed to the Boston Red Sox winning the World Series.
1903: Led League in Wins
In 1903, Cy Young led his league in wins, showcasing his consistent performance.
1903: Played in the First Modern World Series
In 1903, Cy Young started Game One of the first modern World Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates and ultimately helped Boston defeat Pittsburgh, five games to three.
1903: Pitched First Game
It was there that Cy Young had pitched the first game of the 1903 World Series.
May 2, 1904: One-Hit Boston
On May 2, 1904, Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Rube Waddell one-hit Boston.
1904: Pitched a Perfect Game
In 1904, Cy Young pitched a perfect game, showcasing his skill and control on the mound.
1904: Mercer University won Georgia state championship
In 1904, Mercer University won the Georgia state championship.
July 4, 1905: Lost 20-Inning Matchup
On July 4, 1905, Rube Waddell beat Cy Young and the Americans, 4–2, in a 20-inning matchup.
1905: Perfect game in baseball's modern era
Cy Young pitched the third perfect game in baseball history and the first in the modern era.
1905: Mercer University won Georgia state championship
In 1905, Mercer University won the Georgia state championship.
1907: Faced off in a Scoreless Tie
In 1907, Cy Young and Rube Waddell faced off in a scoreless 13-inning tie.
August 13, 1908: "Cy Young Day"
On August 13, 1908, the league celebrated "Cy Young Day," and no American League games were played.
1908: Played for Boston Red Sox
Cy Young played for the Boston Red Sox franchise until 1908.
1909: Traded to Cleveland Naps
Before the 1909 season, Cy Young was traded back to Cleveland to play for the Cleveland Naps.
1909: In the top 10 for innings pitched
Cy Young was in his league's top 10 for innings pitched.
1909: Stayed with the Boston team
Cy Young would remain with the Boston team until 1909.
1910: Won 500th Career Game
In 1910, Cy Young won his 500th career game on July 19 against Washington.
1910: Became a Vegetarian
In 1910, it was reported that Cy Young became a vegetarian after his baseball career and working on his farm.
September 22, 1911: Last Career Victory
On September 22, 1911, Cy Young shut out the Pittsburgh Pirates, 1–0, for his last career victory.
1911: Retired from Baseball
In 1911, Cy Young retired from baseball, marking the end of his professional career.
1913: Managed Cleveland Green Sox
In 1913, Cy Young served as the manager of the Cleveland Green Sox of the Federal League.
1916: Ran for County Treasurer
In 1916, Cy Young ran for county treasurer in Tuscarawas County, Ohio.
1921: Strikeout Record Broken
In 1921, Cy Young's career record for strikeouts was broken by Walter Johnson.
1930: Eddie Collins Played Until
Cy Young pitched against Eddie Collins, who played until 1930.
1937: Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame
In 1937, 26 years after he retired from baseball, Cy Young was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1937: Elected to Hall of Fame
In 1937, Cy Young was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, honoring his outstanding career.
1940: Income was stock dividends
By 1940, Cy Young's only source of income was stock dividends of $300 per year.
April 13, 1955: Appeared on TV Show
On April 13, 1955, Cy Young appeared on the television show I've Got a Secret.
November 4, 1955: Cy Young's Death
On November 4, 1955, Cy Young passed away on the Benedums' farm at the age of 88 and was later buried in Peoli, Ohio.
1956: Cy Young Award Created
In 1956, one year after his death, the Cy Young Award was established to annually honor the best pitcher in Major Leagues, solidifying his legacy in pitching.
1967: Cy Young Award Divided
In 1967, the Cy Young Award was divided into two, one for each league, further solidifying its prominence.
September 23, 1993: Statue Unveiled
On September 23, 1993, a statue dedicated to Cy Young was unveiled by Northeastern University at the site of the Red Sox's original stadium.
1999: Ranked Among Baseball's Greatest Players
In 1999, Cy Young was ranked 14th on The Sporting News' list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players" and was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team by baseball fans.
