Has a pitcher ever won MVP? This question has intrigued baseball fans for decades. While the MVP award is traditionally associated with position players, there have been instances where pitchers have come close to securing the prestigious honor. In this article, we will explore the history of pitchers winning MVP and analyze the factors that contribute to their success in this regard.
Pitchers have played a significant role in baseball history, and their impact on the game cannot be overlooked. From Cy Young to Sandy Koufax, legendary pitchers have left an indelible mark on the sport. However, the MVP award has historically been dominated by position players, such as sluggers and star infielders. This has led many to question whether a pitcher has ever won the MVP.
The first pitcher to come close to winning the MVP was Jim Bunning in 1967. Bunning, who played for the Philadelphia Phillies, posted an impressive 22-6 record with a 1.73 ERA. Despite these statistics, he finished second in the MVP voting behind Cubs second baseman Ron Santo. Since then, no pitcher has won the MVP, but several have come close, including Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, and Randy Johnson.
One of the most notable examples of a pitcher coming close to winning the MVP was Roger Clemens in 1986. That season, Clemens went 24-4 with a 2.48 ERA and struck out 237 batters. His performance was exceptional, and he was the leading vote-getter in the MVP voting. However, he was ultimately edged out by Boston Red Sox outfielder Dwight Evans, who won the award.
The rarity of a pitcher winning the MVP can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the voting process for the MVP is heavily influenced by position players. Many voters believe that the MVP should be awarded to the player who has the most significant impact on their team’s success, and this often favors position players who are more visible on the field.
Secondly, pitchers have a limited number of statistics to showcase their abilities. While they can accumulate wins, ERA, and strikeouts, these statistics may not always reflect their true value to the team. In contrast, position players have more opportunities to demonstrate their worth through home runs, RBIs, and defensive plays.
However, there have been instances where pitchers have won the MVP despite these challenges. One such example is Sandy Koufax, who won the MVP in 1963 and 1965. Koufax was a dominant pitcher who led the league in ERA and strikeouts during those seasons. His performance was instrumental in helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series in 1963 and 1965.
In conclusion, while no pitcher has ever won the MVP, there have been several instances where pitchers have come close to securing the prestigious honor. The rarity of a pitcher winning the MVP can be attributed to the voting process and the limitations of pitching statistics. However, the achievements of pitchers like Sandy Koufax and Roger Clemens remind us that the impact of a pitcher on the game cannot be underestimated.
