Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax has been awarded the sixth Lifetime Achievement Award by Baseball Digest. The 90-year-old former Dodgers star received the honour on Thursday, which recognises individuals who have spent their career in or around Major League Baseball and demonstrated outstanding character and significant contributions to the game.
Koufax, who made his major league debut for his hometown Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955, went on to become one of baseball's most dominant pitchers during the 1960s after the team moved to Los Angeles. He won three Cy Young Awards, an MVP trophy, and five consecutive National League ERA titles, and was a seven-time All-Star from 1961 to 1966.
The left-hander threw four no-hitters, including a perfect game, and was twice named World Series MVP after leading the Dodgers to championships in 1963 and 1965. He also helped the team win the title in 1959. After retiring at age 30 due to traumatic arthritis in his pitching elbow, Koufax became the youngest player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised along with the previous award winners,” Koufax said in a news release. “I thank the distinguished panel.” Previous recipients include Willie Mays, Vin Scully, Joe Torre, Dusty Baker, and Bob Costas. The award was selected by a 21-member panel of MLB participants and observers.
Baseball Digest publisher David Fagley commented: “The name Sandy Koufax has become a synonym for ‘great pitcher.’ It’s hard to believe it has been 60 years since he last pitched so brilliantly for the Dodgers but, since his retirement, Sandy has been a remarkable representative of our national game, a symbol of class and dignity.”
