There has only been a total of 116 CY Young Award winners in baseball history. According to a recent report on MLB.com, two of our MLBbros were acknowledged as having one of the Top 5 most dominant Cy Young award-winning seasons we have ever seen.
#3 Nobody Could Mess With the “Hoot”
In sports there are stars, then there are game changers. Coming in at #3 on the list we have MLBbro Bob “Hoot” Gibson whose 1968 season was so out of this world, the next season MLB made a rule change to lower the pitching mound just to help hitters facing him.
Gibson would have a record of 22-9 with an ERA of 1.12 and 268 strikeouts in 34 appearances, with 28 of them being complete games. During the months of June and July that season “The Hoot” was unhittable, only allowing two earned runs in 92 straight innings with 13 shutouts.
Although Gibson is on this list for his Cy Young accolade, it wasn’t the only award that he won that season. Along with his Cy Young Award, Gibson would win a Gold Glove Award and NL MVP Award, along with being named the Sporting News ‘Pitcher of the Year’ while helping the St. Louis Cardinals win the NL Pennant.
1968 was considered the “Year of the pitcher”, because so many hurlers had career seasons, but the leader of the pack was Bob “The Hoot” Gibson who was so dominant that they MLB lowered the mound to return an advantage back to the hitter.
#4 The “Doc” Is In
In 1985, Dwight Gooden was living life like a Wiz Khalifa song. At 20 years old he was young, wild, and free to prescribe Ks to any batter who was addicted to the humiliation of facing baseball’s youngest, Blackest superstar.
Fresh off winning the NL Rookie of the Year award, Gooden would take his talent to another level, like going from his Master’s to PHD, earning the nickname the “Doc”.
This MLBbro would have a dominating season pitching 35 games posting a record of 24-4 with a staggering 1.53 ERA in 276.2 inning pitched and 268 strikeouts, earning him a Triple Crown (The only pitcher to do so in the 1980’s).
Supreme Analytical Season
If we used today’s analytics to describe how magical this season was, the Doc’s rWAR is listed at 12.2 which is only surpassed by Walter Johnson (13.5 in 1912 and 14.6 in 1913) and the pitcher the award is named after Cy Young (12.6 in 1906).
His 1.53 ERA (NY Mets Franchise Record) is the second best after the dead ball era behind who? You guessed it, Bob “The Hoot” Gibson’s 1968 ERA (1.12). Gooden would also finish fourth in the NL MVP race and be selected to the All-Star team. Congrats to these MLB Bros on making this list, getting the recognition they truly deserve, and being remembered for generations to come.
When you watch Marcus Stroman play, you can see how much of a competitor he is. He’s been through a lot during his career, but no matter what, he’s determined to leave it all out on the field when he steps on that mound.
Melanated Mound Marauder
Stroman has been the Chicago Cubs ace this year, leading the team in strikeouts (62) and ERA (2.59).
Through 12 starts, he’s carrying a 5-4 record with a complete game under his belt. He’s making a strong case to be named to the National League all-star team and in the running for the Cy Young Award.
This brother has battled through injuries time after time throughout his career and that can take a toll out of you as a player.
When faced with adversity, Stroman has shown that you can overcome it and still become the best version of yourself. Stroman has learned to take care of his body, both mentally and physically and we can see how much that is paying off for the 32-year-old.
Importance of mental health for Stroman
When Stroman signed with the Cubs in December of 2021, he posted on social media what his offseason routine consisted of. And part of that routine was focusing on his mental health. We’re starting to see more and more athletes today taking time out to focus on their mental health.
They are starting to understand how important it is to prioritize their mental health. For Stroman, he knew that this was something he did not want to take for granted.
“It’s more important as a human being, first and foremost,” he said in an NBC Sports article. “I think mental health is one of the most important aspects that people don’t focus on.”
Stroman understands that he is more than an MLB pitcher. He has a life outside of baseball and he wants to make sure he’s taking good care of himself.
“This world is a lot,” he said. “It’s a toxic place at times and it can drive you to the place where you kind of want to go crazy at times.”
“I’ve never been more calm in my life,” he said. “I’m able to find my calm, work through any adversity, through any turbulence.”
Stroman’s impact on the teams he’s played for
Stroman has played for three different teams, spending most of his time with the Toronto Blue Jays where he won a Gold Glove Award in 2017.
He also got a taste of the postseason in 2015 and 2016. Stroman possesses that swag and competitiveness on the mound that baseball fans weren’t used to seeing.
Stroman won a total of 47 games during his time in Toronto. He was traded to the New York Mets during the 2019 season, and he decided not to play during the COVID shortened season in 2020.
During the 2021 season, he led the Mets’ starting rotation in wins with 10 and he finished the season with a 3.02 ERA and 158 strikeouts.
Stroman joined the Cubs in December of 2021, signing a three-year deal worth $71 million. In his first season with Chicago, he made 25 starts and finished with a 6-7 record with a 3.50 ERA.
He was named the Opening Day starter this season and picked up the win against the Milwaukee Brewers, going six innings and striking out eight. Stroman has embraced his time in Chicago, and the city and fans have done nothing but welcome him with open arms.
He has also enjoyed playing with his teammates. On May 29, Stroman was lights out against the Tampa Bay Rays, throwing a complete game only allowing one hit while striking out eight.
“I’m appreciative,” Stroman said in an article from mlb.com. “I’m now being more conscious and just trying to really enjoy the moments. In the past, I feel like I would just forget about it and already worry about the next start. I’m really trying to appreciate the vibe here.”
Stroman is taking full advantage of playing with catchers Tucker Barnhart and Yan Gomes.
“I’m very different,” he said. “I don’t look at any analytical information and I don’t even look at lineups. I essentially don’t know who I’m facing until I go into the game. Catchers now are so in tune, especially Yan and Tucker.”
“These guys not only are reading swings, swing to swing, but they’re also doing their reports and know, one through nine, how they’re going to attack. I’m someone who, I’m much better when I can just be fluid and in motion and not have to overthink.”
If Stroman can continue to make an impact for the Cubs the way he’s been doing this season, he can find himself getting an extension when his contract ends.
Marcus Stroman’s foundation: “Height Doesn’t Measure Heart”
While he continues to play the game of baseball at a high level, Stroman makes time for his foundation “Height Doesn’t Measure Heart,” (HDMH) which was established in 2019. It’s not only a mentality, but also an apparel company and lifestyle brand where he personally designs each clothing piece.
The name of the foundation is very fitting for Stroman, who is only 5-foot-8. Stroman has shown time after time that height does not matter, and you can accomplish your dreams if you really want to and work hard at it.
The Medford, LI native also completed a series of children’s books in the offseason, designed to inspire kids and help them overcome life’s challenges in a positive manner.
Stroman wants to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams, whether it’s sports focused or a different avenue.
While Stroman has a lot going on between his professional and personal life, he makes time to do the things that are important to him. Whether it’s focusing on his mental health, giving back to the community through his foundation, giving words of inspiration on social media, taking racism to task or showing support for everyone’s personal sexual choices, Stroman stands strong to his beliefs.
He takes that same energy, dedication and emotion to the mound. That’s why he’s a well-respected player and individual who continues to make an impact as an MLB ballplayer.
Triston McKenzie came into the Red’s house, left the lights on, and didn’t bother cleaning up the dishes as he struck out 7 and recorded his first career hit in his start Saturday afternoon.
The Indians former top prospect got his second start of the year and was a nightmare for Reds hitters. He finished with 7 strikeouts and only gave up 1 run through 5 innings in his team’s Saturday matinee against the Cincinnati Reds. The only run he gave up came on a third-inning solo home run.
McKenzie would go on to overshadow that lonely blemish as he upped his strikeout total for the 3rd straight appearance. He has accounted for at least 5 strikeouts in every game.
Six of McKenzie’s strikeouts came in the first 3 innings of the game; his biggest one coming with two outs and two runners on to escape a third-inning jam.
“Dr. Sticks’ ‘ as he was referred to by the Indians broadcast team surgically worked with his bat as well, on the way to recording the first hit of his major league career, singling to Right Field in the 4th inning off Sonny Gray.
It has been a solid start to the 2021 season for McKenzie, coming off a successful rookie season in 2020. He finished last year with a 2-1 record posting an impressive 3.24 ERA and striking out 42 batters in 8 games.
This season we have seen the Indians struggle as a team at the plate, putting more pressure on McKenzie to grow up fast and become a shutdown starter… a slump buster… especially with the team losing former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer,
This week was a special one for the rest of the league and McKenzie as we celebrated Jackie Robinson Day. Although McKenzie was not on the mound, his impact was still felt as he along with more than 200 members of the Player Alliance donated their game day salaries to the Jackie Robinson Scholarship Foundations.
Early on it’s looking like McKenzie is poised to power through a sophomore slump and be a major part of the Cleveland rotation.
Recent Comments