Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal etched their names in baseball history by winning their first Cy Young Awards this week, forever linking the two celebrated left-handers. Skubal, whose idol was Sale during his teenage years, was a unanimous choice for the American League award after a standout season with the Detroit Tigers. Meanwhile, Sale marked a triumphant return to form in the National League with the Atlanta Braves after a challenging journey marred by injuries that sidelined him for significant periods since the Boston Red Sox’s 2018 World Series victory.
“It means a lot. It’s a special night,” Sale expressed, emphasizing his gratitude to those who supported him through tough times. He acknowledged how easy it would have been for others to give up on him. This season, both Sale and Skubal shared the Major League Baseball lead with 18 wins, showcasing their dominance on the mound in their respective leagues.
Sale finished the season with an impressive record of 18-3, leading the National League with 225 strikeouts and boasting a remarkable 2.38 ERA over 29 starts, marking his first season in the National League after beginning his career in 2010. Skubal, who celebrated his 28th birthday on the day of the announcement, recorded an 18-4 record with an outstanding 2.39 ERA and led the majors with 228 strikeouts across 31 starts. He earned all 30 first-place votes in the American League voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
Reflecting on their achievements, Skubal remarked, “If you look at his career, it’s no surprise that he’s winning this award… To be able to share this award and win it the same year, that’s something special.” Both pitchers made history by winning the pitching triple crown in their respective leagues, an achievement that hasn’t been accomplished since 2011.
This year also marked a significant personal turnaround for Sale, who faced numerous injuries including Tommy John surgery and a series of broken bones. Following these challenges, he was named the NL Comeback Player of the Year last week, illustrating the power of determination and resilience. Sale expressed heartfelt sentiments about his family’s support, emphasizing the lessons of hard work and perseverance he hopes to impart to his children.
Sale’s award is notable as it is the eighth Cy Young Award won by the Braves organization, continuing a legacy of excellence that includes legendary pitchers like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Similarly, Skubal’s achievement contributes to Detroit’s impressive tally of six Cy Young Awards, highlighting the franchise’s capability to produce elite talent.
Skubal’s journey to this moment is equally inspiring; after undergoing Tommy John surgery early in his career, he persevered and made a significant impact in his third season by consistently pitching late into games. His performance helped propel the Tigers into a competitive position within the league.
As both Sale and Skubal celebrate their achievements, their successes reflect not only personal triumphs but also the encouragement to future generations of athletes. Fans and aspiring young pitchers can look up to their journeys as embodiments of resilience, hard work, and the belief that with dedication, incredible goals are achievable. This hopeful narrative serves as a reminder that setbacks can lead to remarkable comebacks and bright futures in the world of sports.