MLB Logo icon

Career timeline: Sandy Koufax

Aug. 27, 1955: Introducing Sandy Koufax

Koufax picked up his 1st career win, and of course he did it with a complete game against the Reds in which he punched out 14 batters -- the 1st of many games with double-digit K’s

Aug. 31, 1959: A peek into the future

This was a glimpse of what was coming for Koufax, who struck out a career-high 18 -- including 2 each against future Hall of Famers WIllie Mays, Orlando Cepeda and Willie McCovey -- in a complete-game win over the Giants

July 11, 1961: A star among stars

Koufax took the mound in the 9th inning for his 1st All-Star appearance, starting a run in which he made 6 consecutive Midsummer Classics

June 30, 1962: No-no No. 1

After a few close calls, Koufax secured his 1st career no-hitter in a dominant performance against the Mets in which he struck out 13

May 11, 1963: No-no No. 2

Koufax was at it again, completing his 2nd career no-hitter, striking out 4 and walking 2 against the rival Giants and future Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal

This browser does not support the video element.

Oct. 2, 1963: October Koufax is born

Koufax quieted some critics in emphatic fashion by striking out 15 in a complete-game win over the Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series; he also recorded a complete game in Game 4 to secure the title

Oct. 30, 1963: Best season ever?

After going 25-5 with a 1.88 ERA, Koufax took home his 1st National League Cy Young Award and became the 2nd pitcher in the Cy Young Era to win Most Valuable Player

This browser does not support the video element.

Sept. 9, 1965: He’s perfect

Koufax completed the Dodgers' 1st -- and to this date, only -- perfect game, in what is perhaps the best-pitched game in the club's history; his 4 career no-hitters are also the most in franchise history

This browser does not support the video element.

Oct. 14, 1965: Heaters only

On 2 days’ rest and struggling with his famous curveball, Koufax went with a fastball-only approach and retired 12 consecutive batters with the heater en route to a shutout as the Dodgers won the World Series in Game 7 -- one of the most dominant World Series performances in baseball history

Aug. 7, 1972: Cooperstown is calling

After one of the most impressive careers in the history of the sport, Koufax takes his well-deserved spot in the baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on his 1st ballot

This browser does not support the video element.

June 18, 2022: Immortalized at Dodger Stadium

Koufax joined Jackie Robinson as the 2nd player to get a statue at Dodger Stadium, immortalizing the man whom many consider the best pitcher in franchise history