Normally, the Cy Young Award is thought to be reserved for starting pitchers. But occasionally, a relief pitcher comes along that is so phenomenal that the establishment has no other choice but to choose him for the position's highest yearly honor. 50 years ago today, the Dodgers' Mike Marshall became the first relief pitcher to win the Cy Young Award.
He led the majors in games played (106) and finished (83), but most importantly, he led the NL with 21 saves. Interestingly, it was 10 fewer saves than the year before, but he did post a respectable 2.42 ERA. In addition to earning his first All Star appearance, he also came in third in the MVP voting behind Lou Brock and teammate Steve Garvey.
While the Dodgers would end the season losing to the A's in the World Series, it was a successful year for Mike Marshall. Since that year, eight other relief pitchers have won the award.
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