Tom Seaver 1973 Cy Young Award

Lore & Background

This award was particularly sweet given the context of the era; Seaver had previously been traded from Cincinnati to New York in a blockbuster deal that revitalized the franchise. By 1973, he had fully embraced his role as the leader of the 'Amazin' Mets,' inspiring a new generation of fans who grew up watching him work. The unanimous vote reflected not only his statistical dominance but also the deep emotional connection he forged with the New York faithful.

In Their Own Story

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the warning track at Shea Stadium as Seaver stepped onto the mound for the final out of a crucial September game. The crowd, a sea of orange and blue, held its breath in anticipation. With a sharp nod to his catcher, he wound up and unleashed a fastball that snapped through the air, ending the inning with a thunderous crack against the catcher's mitt.

Reader's Guide

Tom Seaver won the National League Cy Young Award in 1973 after posting a record-breaking season for the Mets. He finished with an impressive win-loss record and led the league in strikeouts, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters consistently throughout the year. The award was unanimous, meaning every single voter selected him over all other candidates, highlighting his clear superiority among pitchers that season.

Did You Know?

• Seaver was the only pitcher to receive every single vote cast by the Baseball Writers' Association of America that year.
• The 1973 season helped propel the Mets to their first National League pennant since the 1960s, though they fell short in the World Series.
• Seaver's dominance in 1973 included leading the league in innings pitched, demonstrating his incredible durability and stamina.