Consecutive Cy Young Awards Shortlist
Roger Clemens (1986-87 & 1997-98)
Nicknamed “The Rocket,” when Roger Clemens made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1984, it took some time for him to settle in. In fact, in his first 13 starts with the Sox Clemens went 3-4 with a 5.74 ERA while striking out 57 batters.
From then on, in his final eight starts that season, Clemens went 6-0 with a 2.63 ERA and 69 strikeouts. From there, Clemens didn’t look back.
In 1986, Clemens established himself as the best pitcher in baseball. This is evidenced by his first career 20 strikeout game during the late summer against the Seattle Mariners. It would essentially lead to his first-ever Cy Young Award and also result in an MVP award.
10-years later, before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, Clemens silenced his doubters by striking out 20 again. This time against the Detroit Tigers.
By that time, the relationship between “The Rocket” and the Red Sox had tarnished. Again, as a result, Clemens found the fountain of youth – wink wink – and went on to win two more consecutive Cy Young awards in Toronto.
In the end, according to FanGraphs, Clemens would go on to retire as the greatest statistical pitcher to ever live. This, of course, doesn’t account for accusations of PED use.