The legendary Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers won his second Cy Young Award on November 3, 1965, two years after he had won his first during his illustrious career.

In contrast to now, when one pitcher from each league is honored with the title, just one pitcher in the MLB won the Cy Young Award during that time. But with 20 of the 20 votes cast, Koufax was the clear winner of the 1965 Cy Young Award, even though there could only be one winner.

In 43 games (41 starts), the 29-year-old southpaw pitched a league-high 335.2 innings, finishing 26-8 with a 2.04 ERA, 1.93 FIP, 0.855 WHIP, and 382 strikeouts.

Out of his 41 starts, he led the league with 27 complete games, including eight shutouts.

In addition, the southpaw recorded a career-high 10 wins above replacement, a 29.5% strikeout rate, and only 5.5% of hitters were walked.

After topping the National League in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, Koufax earned his second Triple Crown in addition to the Cy Young Award.

Since 1893, Koufax’s record for the most strikeouts in a single season by a left-hander has stood. With 7.83 allowed per nine innings, he also set the record for the fewest baserunners allowed by a left-hander in a season. The records are still in place.

After winning the World Series MVP against the Minnesota Twins and pitching a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs on September 9, Koufax completed an incredible season.

With six votes, he came in second to San Francisco Giants outfielder Willie Mays, who garnered nine votes to win the NL MVP award.

Koufax started three games in the 1965 World Series and finished 2-1. He struck out 29 batters and walked five in 24 innings of work, giving up just one earned run and one unearned run. His ERA was 0.38.

Koufax had previously earned a World Series MVP award in 1963. This was his second MVP victory.

In 1966, Koufax made history.
Koufax became the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award three times the following season.

Prior to his early-season retirement at the age of thirty, he had also won the Triple Crown for the second time in a row.

After spending 12 seasons in a row with both Brooklyn and Los Angeles, Koufax’s career record was 165-87 with a 2.76 ERA.

In addition to winning three Cy Young Awards, Koufax was a seven-time All-Star, a five-time ERA leader, and the National League MVP in 1963. He also tossed four no-hitters and one perfect game. In 1972, he was admitted to the Baseball Hall of Fame.