The 1972 season of Steve Carlton, a legendary left-handed pitcher, laid the foundation for the modern-day Cy Young Award. But was his achievement truly unparalleled?
Consider Paul Skenes, the 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner and 2024 Rookie of the Year. With a remarkable 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts, he's a force to be reckoned with. Yet, his win-loss record is a modest 10-10. Sound familiar? It's reminiscent of Carlton's 1972 season, where he achieved a 27-10 record with the same ERA.
Here's the twist: Skenes plays for the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates, a far cry from the powerhouse teams of today. Imagine if he were on a team like the Dodgers or Yankees! But top draft picks rarely start their careers with such teams, as Michael, the author's neighbor, astutely points out.
And this is where it gets intriguing: Carlton, playing for a similarly weak team, the 1972 Phillies, achieved the pitching triple crown. He led the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, despite his team's poor performance. His 12.5 WAR, a comprehensive metric, was unmatched since 1913!
But here's where it gets controversial. Some argue that Carlton's dominance was a product of his era. The 1972 Phillies were abysmal, yet Carlton's 45.7% contribution to the team's wins is astonishing. He won 15 straight games, often with minimal run support. His mastery of the slider, fastball, and curveball was unmatched.
Carlton's legacy is undeniable. He was the first pitcher to win four Cy Young Awards and the last to pitch over 300 innings in a season. But is his 1972 season the definitive Cy Young benchmark? The debate continues.
As we reflect on Carlton's 81st birthday, his records of 329 wins, 55 shutouts, and 4,136 strikeouts stand as a testament to his greatness. But will anyone ever surpass these feats? Share your thoughts in the comments!
