orig. Denton True Young
born March 29, 1867, Gilmore, Ohio, U.S.
died Nov. 4, 1955, Newcomerstown, Ohio
U.S. baseball pitcher.
Young, 6 ft 2 in. (1.88 m) tall, was a powerful right-handed thrower. His dominating fastball earned him the nickname "Cy," short for "cyclone." He began his major league career in 1890 with the Cleveland Indians (National League); after his Cleveland years (189098), he pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals (18991900), the Boston Red Sox (190108), the Cleveland Indians again (American League, 190911), and the Boston Braves (1911). In each of 16 seasons he won more than 20 games; in five he won more than 30. Though many early records are in dispute, he won more major league games (509 or 511) than any other pitcher in history. Among his other records are games started (816 or 818), completed starts (750 or 751), and innings pitched (7,356 or 7,377). In 1904 he pitched the first perfect game (no player reaching first base). The annual Cy Young Award, instituted in 1956, originally honoured the best major league pitcher; since 1967 it has been given to the best pitcher in each league.