Quick Facts

Born: December 30, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York

Batted: Right

Threw: Left

MLB Debut: June 24 1955 for the Brooklyn Dodgers

Last MLB Appearance: October 2, 1966 for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Number Retired: 32

Career Statistics:

Win-Loss Record: 165-87

Earned Run Average: 2.76

Strikeouts: 2,396

Hear this special audio segment highlighting Sandy Koufax’s career:

{enclose dodgerlegend_koufax.mp3}

Career

Sanford Koufax, who later earned the nickname “Sandy”, played his entire twelve year career with the Dodgers, starting in Brooklyn and finishing up in Los Angeles. Unfortunately arthritis ended his career at the age of 30, yet that was after he had already cemented his future in Cooperstown. Koufax is also remembered as one of the most exceptional Jewish athletes in American History.

Sandy was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1963. He also earned the Cy Young award that year and went on to recapture that honor in back to back years in 1965 and 1966. During that time period, the Cy Young was given to only one pitcher per year and he is the first 3 time winner of that award in baseball history. In each of those seasons, Koufax won what is known as The Triple Crown, which means he lead the National League in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average. Koufax is a 6 time all star, 3 time World Series champion, and a 2 time World Series MVP. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972 at age 36 years and 20 days, which made him the youngest inductee into Cooperstown. That same year, he had his uniform number, 32, retired, right along side former Dodger great Jackie Robinson.

Back to the Dodger Legends main page