Cy Young's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 26, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Cy Young. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Denton True "Cy" Young was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1890 to 1911. He began his career with the Cleveland Spiders and later played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Naps, and Boston Rustlers. Young helped the Boston Red Sox win the 1903 World Series. He holds numerous pitching records, including most career wins. Cy Young's success and longevity in baseball led to the annual award for the best pitcher in each league being named the Cy Young Award in his honor.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1901: Led the league in wins

In 1901, Cy Young led his league in wins.

1902: Young did not lead his league until 1902

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 the American League champion Boston Pilgrims, led by Cy Young, against the National League champion Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pilgrims won the series five games to three.

1903: Won the World Series

In 1903, Cy Young helped the Boston Red Sox win the World Series.

1903: Led the league in wins

In 1903, Cy Young led his league in wins.

1903: Played in first modern World Series

In 1903, Cy Young started Game One against the Pittsburgh Pirates, throwing the first pitch in modern World Series history, and ultimately helped Boston defeat Pittsburgh in the series.

1904: Pitched a perfect game

In 1904, Cy Young pitched a perfect game, one of three no-hitters in his career.

1904: Mercer University state champions

In 1904, Cy Young's Mercer University team went on to win the Georgia state championship.

1905: Threw a perfect game

In 1905, Cy Young pitched the third perfect game in baseball history.

1905: Mercer University state champions

In 1905, Cy Young's Mercer University team went on to win the Georgia state championship.

August 13, 1908: "Cy Young Day" celebration

On August 13, 1908, the league celebrated "Cy Young Day" with no American League games played and an All-Star game in Boston.

1909: Young was in his league's top 10 for innings pitched

In 1909, Cy Young was in his league's top 10 for innings pitched.

1910: Won 500th career game

In 1910, on July 19, Cy Young won his 500th career game against Washington.

1921: Strikeout record broken

In 1921, Cy Young's career record for strikeouts was broken by Walter Johnson.

1937: Inducted into the 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 the National Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1937, Cy Young was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

1956: Cy Young Award Created

In 1956, about one year after Cy Young's death, the Cy Young Award was created to honor the best pitcher in Major League Baseball for each season.

1967: Two Cy Young Awards created

In 1967, the Cy Young Award was divided into two awards, one for each league.

September 23, 1993: Statue Dedicated to Cy Young

On September 23, 1993, Northeastern University unveiled a statue dedicated to Cy Young. The statue was placed on the site of the Red Sox's original stadium, Huntington Avenue Grounds, where Young pitched the first game of the 1903 World Series and the first perfect game in the modern baseball era.

1999: Ranked Among Baseball's Greatest Players

In 1999, 88 years after his final major league appearance and 44 years after his death, The Sporting News ranked Cy Young 14th on their list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players". Also in 1999, baseball fans named him to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.