Chris Sale, a graduate of Lakeland High School, has demonstrated once again that he remains among the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball, securing the prestigious National League Cy Young Award this season. This achievement marks a triumphant return for Sale, who has been healthy enough to start at least 27 games for the first time since 2018.
In his inaugural year with the Atlanta Braves, Sale posted an impressive record of 18 wins and 3 losses, coupled with a 2.38 earned run average (ERA), both of which were among the best in the league. His performance earned him 26 out of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers Association of America, placing him ahead of competitors like Zack Wheeler from Philadelphia and Paul Skenes from Pittsburgh.
Reflecting on the honor, Sale expressed deep gratitude for the support he received during his challenging rehabilitation journey. “It means a lot. I just can’t express how thankful I am for everybody that stuck by me. It would have been easy to jump ship and write me off,” he stated.
Having transitioned from the Boston Red Sox to the Braves during the offseason, Sale enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career. Notably, he led the league in both wins and strikeouts, completing the pitching Triple Crown with a total of 225 strikeouts this season. This year’s achievements are particularly remarkable given his limited performance in the previous few seasons due to injuries, including an extended absence in 2020 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Sale’s resurgence culminated in a stellar second half of the season, where he posted an incredible 15-2 record with a 2.10 ERA. He pitched a total of 177 and two-thirds innings—the highest since his career-best figure of 214 and one-third innings in 2017.
This marks Sale’s 15th season in Major League Baseball, following his time at Florida Gulf Coast University and his celebrated high school career at Lakeland High, where he excelled as a first-team all-county selection with an 8-3 record and a remarkable 1.24 ERA.
While Sale’s journey continues to exemplify resilience and determination, it is a beacon of hope for players overcoming injuries. His story serves as a reminder that with perseverance and support, athletes can reclaim their place among the best in the world.