MLB History: Justin Verlander joins three no hitter club
By David Hill
In a time when pitchers would throw until their arms fell off, Cy Young was a marvel.
Considered one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, his resume was quite extensive. He won a record 511 games over his 22 year career, and won at least 20 games in 16 of those seasons. Young was one of the first stars to sign in the American League, giving the upstart major league legitimacy. Overall, he not only had his 511-315 record, but also posted a 2.63 ERA and a 1.130 WHiP, while holding the all time record for innings, complete games, games started, and batters faced.
Young also held the all time no hitter record as well. He threw his first no hitter on September 28, 1897, doing so as a 30 year old with the Cleveland Spiders. Young threw his second no hitter on May 5, 1904, as the Boston Americans blanked the Philadelphia Athletics 3-0. Finally, on June 30, 1908, the 41 year old Young threw his third and final no hitter, shutting down the New York Highlanders 8-0 as he became the oldest pitcher to throw such a game.
The accolades did not stop when his career came to an end. Young was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1937, a part of the second class to be enshrined in Cooperstown. When he passed away in 1955, an award was created and given his name, given to the best pitcher in the league that season.
Cy Young left an indelible mark on MLB history, setting numerous records that will never be broken. It is fitting that e would be one of the pitchers to throw at least three no hitters as well.