SABR SC Chapter - Larry Doby

70th Anniversary of Cy Young’s Passing

Today marks 70 years since the passing of baseball legend Cy Young (November 4, 1955). Born Denton True “Cy” Young on March 29, 1867, in Gilmore, Ohio, he lived to be 88 years old, leaving behind a record that still stands as one of the most astonishing in sports. ⚾️

From his debut with the Cleveland Spiders in 1890 to his final season in 1911, Young defined what dominance and durability meant on the mound:
• 511 career wins — the most in Major League Baseball history
• 7,356 innings pitched, 815 starts, and 749 complete games — all still unmatched
• Five-time league wins leader, and the 1901 Triple Crown winner for wins, ERA, and strikeouts
• Threw the first modern-era perfect game on May 5, 1904, with the Boston Americans (now the Red Sox)

After hanging up his spikes, Cy returned home to Ohio to live a quiet farming life until his death on November 4, 1955. The following year, MLB introduced the Cy Young Award to honor the best pitchers in his name — a fitting tribute to the standard he set.

On July 5, 1947, Larry Doby made history as the first Black player to break the color barrier in the American League, debuting with the Cleveland Indians just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson’s NL debut. Though he faced intense racism and isolation, Doby carried himself with strength and dignity, opening doors for generations to come. A true pioneer whose impact still resonates today. ⚾️🖤