The great Sandy Koufax turned 75 years old today. The man is legendary, and Vin Scully last year called Koufax walking to the bullpen "a maestro ascending the podium to conduct his symphony."
Part of the legend of Koufax of course is that he retired early. After his age 30 season, Koufax was done. He retired with 165 wins. My question to you is this: Will Clayton Kershaw, who has 26 wins through his age 22 season, match or exceed Koufax's 165 wins by age 30?
Keep in mind that 139 wins in eight years is an average of over 17 wins per season, and that no pitcher has had 139 wins in an eight-year stretch since Randy Johnson turned the trick from 1998-2005.
- 2003-2010: Halladay 132, Sabathia 127
- 2002-2009: Halladay 130, Oswalt 123
- 2001-2008: Oswalt 129, Mussina 123
- 2000-2007: Maddux 126, Hudson 124, Johnson 124
- 1999-2006: Johnson 137, Maddux 131
- 1998-2005: Johnson 139, Colon 135, Maddux 134, Pedro 132
So, no, it doesn't seem likely that Kershaw will match Koufax's 165 wins through age 30. But...
- It would be awesome if Kershaw did;
- Let's hope Kershaw has an age 31 season, and beyond.