Max Scherzer's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Max Scherzer, nicknamed "Mad Max", is a highly accomplished American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. Renowned as one of baseball's best pitchers, he's an eight-time MLB All-Star and a three-time Cy Young Award winner. Scherzer has pitched two no-hitters and boasts two World Series championships, one with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and another with the Texas Rangers in 2023. He has previously played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1908: Struck out at least 68 batters while issuing five or fewer walks in one calendar month since 1908

In June, Max Scherzer went 6-0 over six starts. Scherzer became the first time since 1908 that any pitcher had struck out at least 68 batters while issuing five or fewer walks in one calendar month.

1909: Mullin's 11-0 Start

After a win against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 28, 2013, Max Scherzer became the first Tigers pitcher to ever start a season 12–0, surpassing the 11–0 start from George Mullin in 1909.

1912: Marquard 19-1

On August 24, Max Scherzer became the third pitcher in major league history to start a season 19–1, following Clemens in 2001 and Rube Marquard in 1912.

1920: One of four pitchers with ERA of 1.00 or lower and 68+ strikeouts in a month since 1920

In June, Max Scherzer went 6-0 over six starts. Scherzer became the fourth pitcher since 1920 to post an ERA of 1.00 or lower while logging at least 68 strikeouts in one calendar month.

1962: Pete Richert's Record

In 1962, Pete Richert of the Los Angeles Dodgers set the previous record of 12 consecutive batters retired for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever. On April 29, 2008, Max Scherzer broke the record with 13.

April 20, 1986: Barry Jones' Debut

On April 20, 1986, Barry Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates had eight strikeouts in his debut relief appearance. This is one more than Max Scherzer had on his debut.

1986: Clemens' Record

With a win against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 3, 2013, Max Scherzer became the first major league starter to begin a season 13–0 since Roger Clemens in 1986.

2001: Eclipsed Kerry Wood's record for fewest innings to reach 100 strikeouts

In 2001, Kerry Wood achieved 100 strikeouts in 65+2⁄3 innings, setting a record for the fewest innings to reach this milestone.

2001: Clemens 19-1

On August 24, Max Scherzer became the third pitcher in major league history to start a season 19–1, following Clemens in 2001 and Rube Marquard in 1912.

2005: Big 12 Pitcher of the Year

As a sophomore with Missouri in 2005, Max Scherzer won the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Award.

April 29, 2008: MLB Debut

On April 29, 2008, Max Scherzer made his MLB debut against the Houston Astros, striking out the first batter he faced, Jack Cassel, and setting a record for consecutive batters retired for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever, with 13.

2009: Consistent Starter

From 2009 to 2018, Max Scherzer made at least 30 starts each season, showcasing his consistency as a pitcher.

2009: Established a record by an opposing pitcher of the then-current iteration of Yankee Stadium

On May 8, 2021, Scherzer faced the New York Yankees, establishing a record by an opposing pitcher of the then-current iteration of Yankee Stadium, opened in 2009. It was the 100th double-digit strikeout game of his career, making him just the fifth pitcher to reach the milestone.

2011: AL Central Title

In 2011, Max Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win the American League Central title.

2011: Last Tigers Pitcher to Reach 20 Wins

On September 20, after a 12–5 win over the Chicago White Sox, Max Scherzer became the first major league pitcher of the season to reach 20 wins, making him the first Tigers pitcher to reach 20 wins since Justin Verlander in 2011.

January 9, 2012: Hall of Fame Induction

On January 9, 2012, it was announced that Max Scherzer would be inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.

May 20, 2012: 15 Strikeouts Against Pirates

On May 20, 2012, Max Scherzer struck out 15 Pittsburgh Pirates in seven innings, falling one strikeout short of tying Lolich's franchise record.

2012: Consistent Strikeouts

From 2012 to 2019, Max Scherzer struck out at least 230 batters each season.

2012: World Series Appearance

In 2012, Max Scherzer pitched for the Tigers in the postseason after they won the AL Central division, reaching the World Series. He started Game 4, yielding three earned runs in 6 1⁄3 innings, receiving a no-decision as the Tigers lost in extra innings.

2012: AL Pennant

In 2012, the Detroit Tigers, led by Max Scherzer, won the American League (AL) pennant but lost to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.

June 28, 2013: Tigers Record

After a win against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 28, 2013, Max Scherzer became the first Tigers pitcher to ever start a season 12–0.

July 3, 2013: First MLB Starter to Begin 13-0 Since Clemens

With a win against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 3, 2013, Max Scherzer became the first major league starter to begin a season 13–0 since Roger Clemens in 1986.

September 20, 2013: 20 Wins in a Season

2013: All-Star Game Selection and Start

In 2013, Max Scherzer was selected to represent the American League in the All-Star Game and was chosen as the AL's starting pitcher. Entering the All-Star break, he had a 13–1 record, 3.19 ERA, and 152 strikeouts.

2013: AL Cy Young Award

In 2013, Max Scherzer won the American League Cy Young Award while playing for the Detroit Tigers.

2014: AL Central Title

In 2014, Max Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win the American League Central title.

June 14, 2015: Scherzer Pitches Near-Perfect Game Shutout

On June 14, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched his second career complete game, a 4-0 shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing only one hit and one walk. He had six perfect innings and set a new personal and Nationals team record with 16 strikeouts, earning a game score of 100.

October 3, 2015: Scherzer Throws Second No-Hitter of the Season

On October 3, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched his second no-hitter of the season against the Mets, striking out a career-high 17 batters with no walks. The game was hailed as one of the greatest pitching performances ever, and Scherzer earned the 2015 Esurance MLB Award for Best Performance for the game.

2015: Accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR

From 2015 to 2017, Max Scherzer accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR in his first 98 starts with the Washington Nationals.

2015: Multiple No-Hitters

In 2015, Max Scherzer became the fifth pitcher in Major League history to record multiple no-hitters in a single season.

May 11, 2016: Tied Strikeout Record

On May 11, 2016, Max Scherzer tied the major league nine-inning single-game strikeout record with 20 strikeouts in a game against the Detroit Tigers. He also became the youngest pitcher to defeat all 30 MLB teams.

July 8, 2016: Scherzer Named All-Star

On July 8, 2016, Max Scherzer was named to the National League squad for the All-Star Game in San Diego, replacing teammate Stephen Strasburg. He pitched in relief in the sixth inning, allowing no baserunners.

November 16, 2016: Scherzer Wins Second Cy Young Award

On November 16, 2016, Max Scherzer was named the National League Cy Young Award winner, securing his second Cy Young Award with a 20-7 record, 2.96 ERA, MLB-leading 284 strikeouts, and an MLB-leading 0.968 WHIP. He also received two 2016 Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Awards.

2017: Accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR

From 2015 to 2017, Max Scherzer accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR in his first 98 starts with the Washington Nationals.

2017: 2,000 Career Strikeouts

In 2017, Max Scherzer became the third-fastest player ever to record 2,000 career strikeouts and the fourth to strike out 250 or more in four consecutive seasons.

2017: NL Cy Young Award

In 2017, Max Scherzer won the National League Cy Young Award with the Washington Nationals.

2017: Scherzer Wins Awards and Hall of Fame Induction

In late 2017, Max Scherzer was selected as a starting pitcher on Baseball America's All-MLB Team and won the 2017 National League Cy Young Award—his third. He was also elected to the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame with his number 51 jersey retired by the Scottsdale Scorpions.

2018: Second in Cy Young Award voting

For the 2018 season, Max Scherzer finished second in Cy Young Award voting, behind Jacob deGrom.

2018: Consistent Starter

From 2009 to 2018, Max Scherzer made at least 30 starts each season, showcasing his consistency as a pitcher.

2018: Selected as the NL starting pitcher in the All-Star Game

In 2018, Max Scherzer was selected as the National League starting pitcher in the All-Star Game, marking his third starting assignment.

2018: Sports Illustrated grades Scherzer as top pitcher

Prior to the 2018 season, Sports Illustrated ranked Max Scherzer as the top pitcher and fourth-best overall baseball player.

2019: Consistent Strikeouts

From 2012 to 2019, Max Scherzer struck out at least 230 batters each season.

2019: Won World Series with Nationals

In 2019, Max Scherzer won the World Series with the Washington Nationals.

2019: World Series Win

In the 2019 World Series, Max Scherzer earned a win in Game 1 and started Game 7, contributing to the Washington Nationals' first championship.

2019: Led all major league pitchers in strikeouts/walks ratio

Max Scherzer concluded the 2019 season leading all major league pitchers in strikeouts/walks ratio at 7.364.

September 12, 2021: Joined 3,000 Strikeout Club

On September 12, 2021, Max Scherzer joined the 3,000 strikeout club.

2021: Reaches 3,000 strikeouts

On September 12, 2021, Max Scherzer reached 3,000 strikeouts becoming the 19th pitcher to achieve this milestone.

December 6, 2022: Named to the All-MLB Second Team

On December 6, 2022, Max Scherzer was named to the All-MLB Second Team.

2022: All-MLB Team Selection

At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Max Scherzer, as a free agent signed with the Mets and was named to the All-MLB Team.

2023: Elite Pitcher Achievements

In 2023, Max Scherzer became only the fourth pitcher in Major League history to win multiple World Series championships, win multiple Cy Young Awards, throw multiple no-hitters, and earn multiple All-Star selections.

2023: Won World Series with Rangers

In 2023, Max Scherzer won the World Series with the Texas Rangers.

2023: Traded to Rangers and World Series Win

Midway into the 2023 season, Max Scherzer was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he started Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS and Game 3 of the World Series, leading the Rangers to their first championship.

August 24: 19-1 Start to Season

On August 24, Max Scherzer became the third pitcher in major league history to start a season 19–1, following Clemens in 2001 and Rube Marquard in 1912.