From College Diamonds to Cy Young Glory: Meet the 62 Award-Winning Pitchers Who Started Here

This article highlights a remarkable roster of 62 former Cy Young Award winners who honed their skills in college baseball before making their mark in the major leagues. This compilation also features notable achievements from one winner from each decade, summarizing their collegiate journeys.

MVP: The 53 MLB MVP winners who played college baseball

Sandy Koufax | Cincinnati | 3x Cy Young Winner (’63, ’65, ’66)

Sandy Koufax’s journey to greatness began at the University of Cincinnati, where he spent just one season, but it was a transformative experience that led to his signing by the Brooklyn Dodgers.

During his time at Cincinnati, Koufax developed crucial pitching control, turning him into the legendary player we know today. He finished his collegiate career with an impressive record of 3-1, a 2.81 ERA, and topped the team with 51 strikeouts over 32 innings.

Teammates recall his incredible raw talent, with his catcher remarking on the astonishing break of his curveball, complemented by a fastball that struck fear into hitters.

Spending his entire 12-year career with the Dodgers, Koufax became a first-ballot Hall of Famer, known for his four no-hitters, including a perfect game, along with multiple awards including three Triple Crowns and two World Series MVPs.

Honorable Mention: Bob Gibson | Creighton | 2x Cy Young Winner (’68, ’70)

Equally impressive was Bob Gibson, who excelled in both baseball and basketball at Creighton University. While his baseball statistics remain elusive, his basketball prowess is well-documented.

During his time at Creighton, Gibson developed foundational skills that propelled him into the major leagues, emphasizing the significance of his collegiate experience. He has openly shared how pivotal Creighton was to his professional success.

Randy Jones | Chapman | ’76 Cy Young Winner

Randy Jones made his mark at Chapman College, where he excelled as a four-year letterman, earning All-American honors in his senior year. His impressive stats include a school-record 155 strikeouts during the 1972 season.

Honorable Mention: Ron Guidry | Southwestern Louisiana | ’78 Cy Young Winner

Ron Guidry emerged as a standout early in his career with a striking freshman season that set the stage for a remarkable professional journey. His 1.57 ERA and impressive win-loss record showcased his capabilities as a rising star.

Roger Clemens | Texas | 7x Cy Young Winner (’86, ’87, ’91, ’97, ’98, ’01, ’04)

Roger Clemens, the record-holder for most Cy Young Awards, began his illustrious journey at Texas, where he dominated with a 1.99 ERA in his freshman year. His ability to perform under pressure fueled his transition to professional baseball, leading to a historic career.

Honorable Mention: Mike Scott | Pepperdine | ’86 Cy Young Winner

Mike Scott made waves at Pepperdine, leaving his mark with numerous records, including standout performances that helped secure conference titles.

Bob Welch | Eastern Michigan | ’90 Cy Young Winner

Bob Welch’s college career peaked during his time at Eastern Michigan, highlighted by his no-hitter and perfect game. These achievements led to a successful professional career after he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Honorable Mention: Doug Drabek | Houston | ’90 Cy Young Winner

Known for his collegiate no-hitter, Doug Drabek’s performance at Houston further solidified his reputation as a key pitcher who transitioned successfully to MLB.

Tim Lincecum | Washington | 2x Cy Young Winner (’08, ’09)

Tim Lincecum burst onto the scene at Washington, earning the prestigious Golden Spikes Award and solidifying his potential in Major League Baseball, where he quickly earned Cy Young accolades in consecutive years.

Honorable Mention: Barry Zito | UC Santa Barbara, Pierce, Southern California | ’02 Cy Young Winner

Barry Zito took a unique path through college before hitting the big leagues. His performance across three colleges showcased his determination and talent, ultimately leading to a successful MLB career.

David Price | Vanderbilt | ’12 Cy Young Winner

David Price’s college career at Vanderbilt was nothing short of extraordinary. His accolades, including the Dick Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes Award, highlighted his dominance on the mound, paving the way for his successful entry into the majors.

Honorable Mention: Max Scherzer | Missouri | 3x Cy Young Winner (2013, ’16, ’17)

Max Scherzer’s time at Missouri saw him rise to prominence, leading the Big 12 in multiple categories and showcasing the skills that would later earn him Cy Young honors.

Paul Skenes | Air Force, LSU | ‘25 Cy Young Winner

Paul Skenes has had a remarkable collegiate journey, rising from a two-way player at Air Force to dominating his junior year at LSU, where he shattered records and garnered national awards, culminating in winning the Cy Young Award shortly after being the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft.

Honorable Mention: Gerrit Cole | UCLA | ‘23 Cy Young Winner

Gerrit Cole showcased his prowess at UCLA, becoming a standout pitcher and leading the team to an incredible season before transitioning to MLB success.

The following table lists all MLB Cy Young Award winners who played college baseball: