Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899 > Y

Cy Young

Pitcher
  • Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • City: Cleveland
  • Team: Spiders
  • League: National League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

Denton True Young (1867-1955) embodied excellence among ML pitchers. Baseball waited one year after his death to establish the award for annual greatness in his honor. Young’s 511 wins are still the hallmark. In 19 of his 21 seasons, he was in the top 10 in innings pitched. With Nap Lajoie, Young gave the upstart AL credibility when he jumped to the new circuit in 1901.

  • In his 30s & 40s, led Boston’s Red Sox to 192 victories
  • Pitched the 1st perfect game from 60’6”, beating Rube Waddell on 5/5/04
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1937

Auction History

Nicholas Young

League President
  • Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • League: National League

Nicholas Ephraim Young (1840-1916) shepherded the National League from its inception in 1876 until the strains of dealing with the upstart AL caused his departure in 1902. Young was president from 1885-1902. Led the “Senior Circuit” during tumultuous years of job actions (the Players’ League), merger with the American Association in 1892, and the arrival of the competing American League.

  • A former cricket player & government official, Young played amateur ball in Washington D.C.
  • Organized the meeting that established the first pro league (Nat’l Assoc of Pro BB Players)
  • His struggle to survive as NL leader against Al Spalding’s bid led to a compromise choice: Harry Pulliam

Auction History