On This Date in Sports June 30, 1962

In collaboration with the Sportsecyclopedia.com

Sandy Koufax throws the final pitch of his No Hitter against the New York Mets on June 30, 1962 with the Dodger Stadium scoreboard in the background.

Sandy Koufax becomes the first member of the Dodgers to throw a no hitter after the move to Los Angeles, as he blanks the expansion New York Mets 5-0 at Dodger Stadium. Koufax’s night started immaculately as he struck out Richie Ashburn, Rod Kanehl, and Felix Mantilla on nine pitches. Sandy Koufax would strike out 13 Mets to improve to 11-4 on the season.

Sandy Koufax, like the Dodgers was from Brooklyn. He signed right out of Lafayette High School in 1954, and made his debut in 1955. However, the left fireballer was not an overnight success, as he was often inconsistent in his first six seasons, posting an overall record of 36-40 before the 1961 season. That year would see Koufax begin to find himself, as he was named an All-Star for the first time posting a record of 18-13.

When he arrived for the start of the 1962 season, Sandy Koufax was prepared to dominate. Over the final five years of his career, Koufax posted a record of 111-44, leading the National League in ERA all five seasons, while winning three Cy Young Awards, during an era when there was just one award for the entire majors. Koufax was the first multiple winner of the Cy Young Award, adding a National League MVP in 1963, and two World Series MVPs. During this period, Koufax set a record by becoming the first pitcher to throw four career no hitters. Sandy’s no hitters came annual, with the one against the Mets being his first. He would go on to throw his second career no hitter against the San Francisco Giants on May 11, 1963. Sandy Koufax threw his third no hitter on June 4, 1964 against the Philadelphia Phillies, with his final no hitter topping them all as tossed a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs on September 9, 1965.

Despite his overwhelming success in the regular season and playoffs, and seemingly being unstoppable Sandy Koufax retired following the 1966 season at the age of 30 due to an arthritic elbow. Six years later, Koufax would be the youngest member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, making it to Cooperstown on his first ballot in 1972.