1955 Topps #123 - Sandy Koufax

One of the two BIG rookie cards in this set, Sandy Koufax (b. 1935)!!! Koufax played in the majors from 1955 to 1966 for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. Koufax began his career mired in mediocrity from 1955 to 1960, then after the 1960 season, things 'clicked.' From 1961 to 1966, Koufax was the best pitcher in baseball. This run also has Koufax regarded as one of the best pitchers in history. Koufax ended his career after losing to the Orioles in the 1966 World Series, citing his desire to want to be able to lift his arm later in life as the reason for his early retirement (he was 30). He retired with a record of 165-87, 2,396 strikeouts and a 2.76 ERA. Some of Koufax's other accomplishments:

• 3-time Cy Young Award Winner (1963, 1965 and 1966)
• Won the 1963 NL MVP Award
• Led league in wins 3 times (1963, 1965 and 1966)
• Led league in ERA in 5 straight seasons (1962-1966)
• Led League in strikeouts 4 times (1961, 1963, 1965 and 1966)
• Won the pitching triple crown 3 times (1963, 1965 and 1966)
• Threw 4 no hitters
• One of his no hitters was a perfect game in 1965
• Won the World Series with the Dodgers 4 times (1955, 1959, 1963 and 1965)
• Uniform number 32 retired by the Dodgers
• Elected to the hall of Fame in 1972 on 86.87% of the ballot (first ballot)

(HALL OF FAME 10)