The Hall of Famer called it quits after having issues with his left elbow following an impressive 6 year run from 1961-1966. He started pitching in 1955 at age 19, posting a 3.02 ERA and winning two games in his rookie season.
In the first half of his career, he was underwhelming, winning roughly 6 games a year. Things changed dramatically in 1961, when the lefty began one of the most impressive runs by a pitcher.
In 1963, 1965 and 1966, Koufax led the league in wins with 25, 26 and 27 respectively. During this run, he had an average ERA of 1.99. In 1963, he became the second pitcher in history to win an MVP and a Cy Young in the same season. In 1965 Koufax set a record by striking out 382 batters. This record stood until 1973, when legendary pitcher Noaln Ryan struck out 383 hitters. Severe arthritis caused the once in a generation pitcher to end his career at his peak. In April of 1966, Koufax was told he couldn’t go for another season. He responded by winning a career high 27 games and posting a career-best 1.73 ERA.
Koufax was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972, becoming just the 10th player to be inducted in his first year on the ballot and the youngest player to be elected at age 36.
