Spoken like the true professional and gentleman he's always been. He's my hero, deserving of all the respect and admiration we can give him.
@jamesd2128
5 жыл бұрын
And Sandy was right, it's been 53 years since retirement, he's physically intact, and able to enjoy life without a crippled left arm. A great man, and a wise one too.
@gabrielbotsford791
2 жыл бұрын
My all time favorite pitcher. An I am a Giants Fan. I HATE the Dodgers. I am not even kidding, this man is greatness within and beyond sports.
@username-zj9id
2 жыл бұрын
And he made the HOF anyway. He didn't need to pitch any longer to prove his greatness. And we never had to watch him decline
@jayclarke9611
2 жыл бұрын
@@username-zj9id Had Dodgers pitching coaches been better in 55 and 56 ...They maybe win in 56 and 57 Dont leave Brooklyn! Pressure on Moses would have been severe.
@Banichi04
2 жыл бұрын
He also knew or sensed how bad cortisone shots would be for his body. I don’t know how well understood that was in that time. Short-term, it can be a miracle drug, but in the long term its systemic effects can be terrible. I was given high doses in the early ‘90s for rheumatoid arthritis and ended up with multiple stress fractures and bones that resembled Swiss cheese before I was 30. Koufax was a very smart man!
@KoolT
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing pitcher
@emptyhand777
2 жыл бұрын
"I would regret one year that was too many." Sentiment we can live by in all our endeavors.
@leifjohnson617
2 жыл бұрын
Sandy Koufax was one of the GREATEST pitchers in the HISTORY of baseball!
@billysmith8261
4 ай бұрын
Can you imagine what he would have accomplished with a healthy left arm. If there was ever any man I admired it was Sandy. I never got tired of watching his delivery. It was pure poetry.
@franvarga709
Ай бұрын
He still is! Sandy Koufax Day at Dodger Stadium, Aug. 7th 2024. Be there!!
@dorsal-qb5fr
2 жыл бұрын
I've known about Sandy Koufax all my life, but this is the first video I've watched about him. And I'm glad I did because I have even greater respect for him having watched it.
@jimcollins2059
2 жыл бұрын
What a classy and honorable baseball player!
@felixmadison5736
2 жыл бұрын
I was 17 in 1966 and in shock when I heard this. What made me idolize Koufax even more than his pitching was the fact that he is an even better human being.
@ernestkovach3305
3 жыл бұрын
31...I'm impressed by his intelligence, his poise, and his wisdom. Now well into his 80s , Koufax was right about stating that he planned on having a lot of years ahead of him ! Still alive in 2021.
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
I loved the humility of the man...exemplified when Vin Skully retired Class act !
@nagantm441
Жыл бұрын
Too bad they didn't have tommy John surgery then
@ACD1994
Жыл бұрын
@@nagantm441 Koufax had chronic arthritis...TJ surgery might not have cured his condition
@robertthacher
Жыл бұрын
@@nagantm441 That could have added ten years to his career!
@gregfrank4115
2 жыл бұрын
Koufax talked about being half-high on the mound from the painkillers. A few years later, Don Drysdale had arm issues, was on medication in order to pitch. Then, facing Roberto Clemente, he felt a tick on his ear. He thought it was a bug, but was a Clemente line drive that nicked him on the ear. He soon saw blood, and realized he barely felt it. He retired after that game. At least Koufax avoided that happening to him.
@billviola7884
2 жыл бұрын
Another ethical and very classy individual. No doubt one of the greats.
@GaryFox11000
2 жыл бұрын
Sandy Koufax was really a handsome , intelligent , fantastic left handed pitcher , incredible rising fastball , Willie Mays said I knew every pitch he was going to throw ahead of time ; I still couldn't hit his pitching ! Wow ! Sandy was one of the classiest gentlemen of all times ... 🙋♂️🏆⚾️
@coleparker
2 жыл бұрын
Sandy Koufax was my brother's favorite pitcher. Mine at that time was Whitey Ford. Fortunate for both of us, we actually got to see them play on the field.
@nicmart
2 жыл бұрын
My father woke me up just one time in my childhood to tell me shocking news: that was to tell me Koufax had retired. It meant that much.
@michaeltootikian4402
2 жыл бұрын
one of the all time greats ⚾️ Sandy Koufax was my favorite. i watched him play basketball Saturday mornings at the Hollywood High School gym 🏀
@ago7212
2 жыл бұрын
Sandy was a smart man with a good perspective on things. Better to leave early than too late. One of the best pitchers of all time!
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
I had the great opportunity to speak with Harmon Killebrew regarding the 7th game of the world series. Koufax pitched on 2 days rest, and threw mostly fast balls because the curve ball hurt his arm. Mr. Killebrew said it was the greatest game he ever saw pitched. I admire both of these men. I was17 years old when Sandy Koufax retired and l wept.
@jayclarke9611
2 жыл бұрын
Boggles the mind,2 days rest 9 inn shut out...and yet they'll tell u todays 5 inn KO starters are better!
@Banichi04
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome story-thanks for sharing!
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
@@Banichi04 my pleasure Robin I have a beautiful collection of Sandy Koufax cards and memorabilia,,,never for sale I dont believe we should idolize any individual, but highest respect and regards are due.
@davidlinscheid2321
2 жыл бұрын
Harmon Killebrew was my hero as a youth. Even though Mr. Koufax shutout the Twins in that game seven in 1965, after watching this video, I now have the highest regard for Sandy Koufax as well. Both among the greatest to ever play the game. Great story you have here!
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
@@davidlinscheid2321 thanks for your comment...l met Mr. Killebrew twice and he took time to speak with me,,,signed a book and a bat. He was a humble and gentle man
@mikequinlivan8842
11 ай бұрын
He’s been able to teach many a pitcher in regards to preserving their arms. That alone is worth it’s weight in gold. An amazing pitcher, an amazing human.
@jameshoran8
2 жыл бұрын
He was the best pitcher I ever saw. This from a Philadelphia Phillies fan since 1962.
@douglascarlson9006
2 жыл бұрын
Jim Bunning was not bad ...
@freeguy77
2 жыл бұрын
He was great, but only for 5 years: 1962-66. His prior 7 years were practically horrible (he did win 18 in 1961 with a 3.52 ERA, starting to "get it"), as he did not learn how to control the curve or get the command of his pitches until at least 1961. He finally "got it together" in '62 with a 2.54 ERA and a modest 14-7 W-L. Only from 1963-66 was he the dominating pitcher we remember him for today. He did win the ERA crown in those last 5 consecutive years (2.54-1.88-1.74-2.04-1.73), so that was his best. If he had only learned how to pitch as well before 1962, he could have had 9 or 10 superb seasons instead of only 5 at the most, for ERA, with his 18 wins in '61. Except for Dizzy Dean who had 150 wins (87 losses for a .644 Win%), I think Koufax had the next smallest win total 165 (87 losses, for a glittering .655 Win %) for a Hall of Fame pitcher.
@loneranger1536
2 жыл бұрын
Sandy Koufax was my favorite player growing up. I loved seeing Sandy in his Dodger uniform on the pitching mound. I'm glad that he decided to take care of his arm, and not ruin it for life.
@forthepeoplebythepeople2442
2 жыл бұрын
RESPECT!!! That takes courage to make that decision... In your prime.... And to be a 🐐
@johnevans5434
2 жыл бұрын
Pure class and one of the greatest pitchers of all time!
@beatlejim64
4 жыл бұрын
From 1961 to 1966...he MIGHT have been the best pitcher who ever lived!!!
@ernestkovach3305
3 жыл бұрын
Possibly, if and only if you keep it to only those 5 or 6 seasons.
@douglascarlson9006
2 жыл бұрын
ESPN did a piece on this topic a few years back ... they claimed Randy Johnson's numbers over a 6-year period were comparable ...
@herbertpetrillo485
2 жыл бұрын
And he pitched complete games- not like roger Clemens or pedro martinez
@tomscott4438
3 жыл бұрын
I saw him pitch against my Twins twice in 1965. I'll never forget the sound the ball made when it hit the catcher's glove. I've only been in awe of two players who played against my home team, Koufax and Bobby Orr against the old North Stars.
@jameshoran8
2 жыл бұрын
I'm from Philly and I agree with you on both selections.
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Harmon Killebrew and he called game 7, the greatest he ever saw pitched On only 2 days rest, and throwing only fast balls because his arm was too sore to throw the curveball...wow! I agree with your view about Bobby Orr too..dominated the game against the best in the world in the 76 Canada cup And a class act too.
@GenericUserNameHere
2 жыл бұрын
You’ve got a good eye. Arguably both are comparable given both had to retire at 30 but both were absolutely the best.
@robertthacher
Жыл бұрын
Bobby Orr brought my Bruins there first cup!
@big8dog887
2 жыл бұрын
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Koufax's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 50+ years as a living Hall of Famer is a record which may never be broken.
@johnnytroyano8870
2 жыл бұрын
Along with Roberto Clemente & Lou Gehrig, the classiest ballplayers of all time.
@vincentrobinson3078
2 жыл бұрын
Very well put. Question asked and answered , and great analogy Mr. Koufax !!!!!
@vestibulate
7 жыл бұрын
Quite simply the finest starting pitcher I ever saw. And you can tell by the comments from the men he faced- if video evidence isn't enough. I don't normally look back to the past for the best, but this guy was the most dominating pitcher of them all. At the very least you'd have to go back to Lefty Grove and Satchel Paige. And his humility is still appealing. Sandy Koufax, wherever you are, thank you.
@bobmoslow9554
6 жыл бұрын
When an old-timer like myself starts telling you how great someone is, the temptation is to write it off as exageration and more a longing for how it was in "the good old days". However, from my "seat" in the living room watching on the Black & White TV, from the stats on the backs of the baseball cards, and from the sick feeling I got in the pit of my stomach whenever my beloved Yankees (or other AL team had to face him in The World Series), there was no question that he was The Best. The "rising fastball" set up that curve which was the best I ever saw. It just "dropped off the table". See the clip of Pete Rose explaining it to Colin Cowherd.
@bugman9787
3 жыл бұрын
@@bobmoslow9554 I was fortunate to see him live in his prime at Dodger Stadium. Every time he pitched there was a possibility of a no hitter. He was just amazing!
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
My favorite sports figure of all time
@sadbravesfan
2 жыл бұрын
@@benjaminpease5297 must be on MLB the show because he sure isn't doing it on the IL. 🤣🤣🤣
@Legault397
Жыл бұрын
He's still in LA just chilling (with both of his arms working)
@Bob-tu8wk
5 жыл бұрын
As a Giants fan, who hated him as a 7 year old, I've come to respect and admire him probably more than any athelete ever, even my hero Willie Mays, and that's saying something!
@SwoteOffical
3 жыл бұрын
7 years old, and you write so well
@adrianojames5828
3 жыл бұрын
Lololo, growing up a Dodger fan , ironicly Willie Mays became my all time favorite because as a kid , the Dodgers "homerun " hitter was Wes Parker who might hit 10 a year , but up in candlestick, you guys had Mays, mc covey cepeda, ect... For many games I remember Sandy winning because wills would walk steal second, maybe third , then score on a fielders choice to win the game ... Sandy had terrible run support , but he was Picasso on the mound.
@bugman9787
3 жыл бұрын
Willie Mays is not my favorite player but I have learned to appreciate how great a player he was. I grew up a Dodger fan and still am, I hated him as a kid because he helped beat my Dodgers. I actually saw him drop a ball once, it was inconceivable that it could happen. I also learned the basket catch because of him. My favorite player is The Duke!
@robertthacher
Жыл бұрын
The K vs. Juan Marichal!
@golds04
2 жыл бұрын
And to hear sports figures now… mirrors society. Gentleman scholar and hell of a great athlete.
@edwardstipp8145
2 жыл бұрын
I grew up watching MLB in the late 50s into the 60s. I was a Cubbie fan back then, but my favorite pitcher was Sandy Koufax, bar none. What form...what a gentleman!
@Padoinky
2 жыл бұрын
Don’t know much about him but in this press conference, he comes across as a poised, professional, practical and intelligent individual.
@siddaviscomedy
6 жыл бұрын
Pete Rose said he was the most difficult pitcher he faced in his career. That's saying something
@markbeames7852
3 жыл бұрын
against a bookie? Or over a plate?
@douglascarlson9006
3 жыл бұрын
Rose said he hit .175 for his career against him.
@fredapeeples6619
3 жыл бұрын
Those signs in every MLB dugout forbidding gambling ... they were saying something.
@miro11912
3 жыл бұрын
@@markbeames7852 💀
@albundy6008
2 жыл бұрын
@@douglascarlson9006 listening to Pete talk about baseball is fascinating. He knows his BA against every big-name pitcher he faced, along with a mountain of other stats.
@larryjr1877
2 жыл бұрын
I'm 75 yrs old and can say the best ball player ever. I saw sandy once at the polo grounds pitch against the Mets up close.his fast ball pop,and his curve ball drop off the table so to speak. No pitcher today or ever could shine his shoes. And a classy guy. I saw sandy a lot on tv.at bat he couldn't hit a barn! But he was the man with the golden arm.heres my baseball lineup. ‐-this is for hitting and fielding. --sandy on the mound,Berra catching,Keith hernandez on first,junior Giliman on second,Louie appericio at short stop,at 3rd,clete.boyer,left field,hank arron,arrow, mays,right field clemente--relief right handed picture, Bob gibson,left handed picture Louie arroyal.manger Paul richards(Baltimore orioles) baseball announers-mel Allen and Vince scully.
@bobmalack481
2 жыл бұрын
Greatest line ever.."I would regreat living life 1 year too many." (baseball career) Robert at 67.
@us-Bahn
2 жыл бұрын
I was surprised to hear Sandy speak openly about the use of pain-killers in an organized sport. He was able to foretell the tremendous cost that cortisone shots and pills would put on the body and mind of a professional player.
@myleslong5584
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah,what a difference compared to today’s drug policies. Also,remember that starting pitchers used to regularly throw 7,8 innings or even complete games. No specialty pitchers (such as closers) back then. So,I’d bet a MLB pitcher’s arm really took a beating in those days and I can understand using the pills for pain.
@tomsmith7742
2 жыл бұрын
I have had two heroes in my life: my dad, and Sandy Koufax.
@VitalityMassage
2 жыл бұрын
Smart man. Way too many people disregard their health for a LOT of stupid reasons... money being one of them.
@williammize8270
2 жыл бұрын
He could have pitched another 1-2 yrs Drysdale did but his choice one of the greatest pitchers of all time
@adrianojames7903
2 жыл бұрын
Does anyone remember after he threw his perfect game against the Cubs , that a 45 record was sold that had Vin Scully calling the last 3 outs ? As a kid it gave me goose bumps to hear the greatest anoouncer in baseball calling the last inning of this , the greatest picture's perfect game .
@thomaswolf723
2 жыл бұрын
Koufax and Don Drysdale held out together before the 1966 season. Originally, they demanded three year contracts (which were never given during those years), but they settled for one year contracts of about $125,000 for Koufax and $110,000 for Drysdale. I wonder if Koufax would have retired after 1966 if he would have been given a three year contract. As it happened, NBC came to the rescue and gave him a 10-year contract at $100,000 a year to be a TV color man, a position he was not suited for. He was never very comfortable speaking on TV, and he voluntarily left this position after about seven years.
@joemcilnen3136
7 жыл бұрын
Not only the greatest pitcher of all time, but perhaps also the classiest person baseball has ever had.
@lawrencewright2816
4 жыл бұрын
Definitely a class act. I think Spahn is up there too.
@lawrencewright2816
4 жыл бұрын
@Wolverine Logan The topic here is not lacrosse or hockey. The topic is baseball. As far as competing against other nationalities is concerned, neither Spahn nor Koufax were involved in that decision. They just played. I don't think the politics interested them. Satchel Paige was unarguably a great pitcher. How he would have done in the major leagues we, sadly, will never know.
@douglascarlson9006
3 жыл бұрын
@@lawrencewright2816 Here's THE most mind-boggling baseball stat I've ever heard - last two years of his career - 65 and 66, collectively over those two years, 54 complete games!
@markbeames7852
3 жыл бұрын
Lou Gehrig and Moe Berg
@jeffm3163
3 жыл бұрын
I completely agree. He was a pitcher, not a thrower like most are today.
@dougbodenhamer9391
2 жыл бұрын
I've always said if I was starting a baseball team of any Era, and I could pick one lefty and one righty starting pitcher, in their prime........ Koufax would be my lefty. Bob Gibson would be my righty.
@stever1791
2 жыл бұрын
What a Wise Decision. Sandy was a smart person. He and Juan Marichal were always classic games .
@MM-qi5mk
4 жыл бұрын
Great pitcher and an even more classy human being
@tvs3497
3 жыл бұрын
My childhood hero. I was a lefty and pitched in Little League and Babe Ruth League. Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle - when Baseball was best.
@peterterry398
2 жыл бұрын
The greatest pitcher I ever saw
@joelpeters7698
2 жыл бұрын
In his final year he won 27 games. More impressive was he pitched 27 complete games. That is a career for today's pitchers. That's an exaggeration, Ill bet it would be hard to find a pitcher in the last 5 years with 27 complete games.
@adrianojames5828
3 жыл бұрын
I was 13 when he retired , truly a sad day , what was even sadder is he had to "holdout" for 110,000 dollars , the Dodgers hot off cheap ... For me he is the greatest I ever saw pitch . And yes , truly a class act .
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed...and l wept when he retired
@dorothygale1104
2 жыл бұрын
Koufax and Drysdale both held out together prior to the 1966 season. The Dodgers won the World Series in 1965 and Koufax & Drysdale were the stars of the team makung $75,000 & $65,000, respectively. They jointly told Dodger management that they wanted $150,000, which Dodger management didn’t initially balk at because they thought that it was $150,000 split betwen the two pitchers, but when it was made clear that they wanted $150,000 each, Dodger management became enraged. Just the idea of two players teamung up against managemrnt was ynheeard if at the time and $150,000 was equally unheard of. Prior to free agency, the team told the players what they were going to be paid and there was no options other than to accept it or not play. Players back then didn’t even have agents, as there were no negotiations. Both pitchers were prepared to sit out thr season, as they were being courted by Hollywood and saw that work as a kind of leverage. Management would inly deal with the two pitchers separately to try to divide & conquer, but Koufax was adamant that he wouldn’t agree to anything unless Drysdale was happy with his salary. I believe it was well into Spring Training when there was an agreement on salaries, with Koufax getting $110,00 and Drysdale gettinh $105,000. Prior to free agency, owners had such total control of player salaries that even after winning the Series, the great Koufax & Drysdale had to hold out to get raises. It wasn’t a matter of the Dodgers in particular being cheap, as it was the exact same at every team; they all were cheap.
@robertthacher
Жыл бұрын
I was 13 as well. I remember watching the 66 WS at a friends house!
@philippeigoa7765
2 жыл бұрын
Along with Mickey Mantle, two of the coolest names in the sport, not to mention what they both accomplished. The baseball Gods got it right with these two !
@username-zj9id
2 жыл бұрын
A Jewish kid from Brooklyn who pitched for the hometown Dodgers. You couldn't write a better story
@jayclarke9611
2 жыл бұрын
@@username-zj9id Glad the Mick took him deep in Gm 4 in '63..Mantle was special too...in a different way
@freeguy77
2 жыл бұрын
@@jayclarke9611 Koufax had his sore elbow, Mantle had his sore knees. What each would have done if completely healthy is too scary to even think about!
@keithlasource4372
2 жыл бұрын
The story goes that in spring training of 1961 he received some advice from backup Dodger catcher Norm Sherry. The advice was that he didn't need to try and throw so hard. Just easing up still allowed him to overpower batters but it increased his control of the fastball and his devastating curveball. The rest is history!
@phoggknight6714
2 жыл бұрын
Sherry wasn't giving him advice to make him a better pitcher. He wanted to speed the game up in order to give his teammates a well needed rest on a hot afternoon by allowing batters to hit the ball in to play instead of giving up so many walks. The fact that it improved his game was an unintended consequence.
@Bone89
2 жыл бұрын
Thank u both for that information.
@robertthacher
Жыл бұрын
It took him a few years to become as dominant as he was. I remember being 10 years old when he beat the Yankees in the 63 Series. Mantle and Mars couldn't touch him!
@Drakub
6 жыл бұрын
I wish more athletes these days were this dignified.
@marcspardello1254
3 жыл бұрын
Dignity has become rare in the realm
@johnsmith2221
3 жыл бұрын
absolutely it’s a rarity with all people these days.
@rickzier6271
2 жыл бұрын
As a young Jewish teenager in the mid 60s he was my favorite player Managing a hotel behind Fenway Park in January of 1987, I look up and Sandy Koufax is looking to check out He had come to Boston for baseball writers award dinner Chatted for a few minutes, was as nice as could be I knew then why he was my hero
@johnschuh8616
4 ай бұрын
Is is why Hank Greenberg is now mistily forgotten?
@TheEarlHaight
Жыл бұрын
Class act.. Him and Mays the last of the living legends
This made me recall that I have a clipping of Sandy Koufax in my youth baseball scrapbook. I recently bought a New York Yankees cap because I grew up in upstate New York and loved Mickey Mantle, Maris, Clete Boyer, Whitey Ford and the like. But I loved watching Koufax pitch and became a good pitcher myself. I think I'll buy a Dodgers cap now too.
@natkingcurrieiv1318
5 жыл бұрын
The "Gentleman of baseball "....The best I've ever seen..Subscribed..
@loverofcalifornia3619
2 жыл бұрын
I had such crush on him growing up in Souhern CA. Those were the days of Drysdale and Koufax; glory days.
@stevekimmel3841
2 жыл бұрын
Smart man.Courage to leave the game you love.
@robertstettner3664
2 жыл бұрын
In my opinion, the best pitcher in baseball history.. at least, the best peak of all time. It’s sad he left the game at that age, but he wound up being right. He knew his body
@44westwind
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing! I never heard this. Thanks for sharing
@t-squared6406
4 жыл бұрын
He really made some valid points,your health is one of the most important things,it had to be tough at some point even though he was calm at the press conference!!!
@rocknrallsoul94rockero4
4 жыл бұрын
As a kid I teared up watch this in a documentary Sandy Koufax will always be my favorite Dodger even if I didn't grew up in the 60s
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
I still get emotional watching this...my favorite sports figure...period Class and humility,,
@rocknrallsoul94rockero4
2 жыл бұрын
@@dandyer2616 same I'm only 27 but he's my hero since I was 10 also I love the era he pitched 60s the music movies style and sports
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
@@rocknrallsoul94rockero4 thanks for appreciating the era..it was amazing I feel for the young people today,,,the music is so repetitive Sports is all about egos and unbelievable money
@rocknrallsoul94rockero4
2 жыл бұрын
@@dandyer2616 and legends dying 😔
@rocknrallsoul94rockero4
2 жыл бұрын
@@dandyer2616 also I saw the Rolling Stones last year it was great RIP Charlie Watts want to upload clips but KZitem copyright claims
@mikeyposs7790
6 жыл бұрын
I don’t think many people understand part of Sandy’s greatness was leaving baseball at his best. There are zero memories of a possible declining pitcher. He is simply the best pitcher ever and remarkably classy person.
@ernestkovach3305
3 жыл бұрын
It's called the Cy Young award.
@RustyShackelfurt
2 жыл бұрын
@@ernestkovach3305 K?
@michaelmccauley648
2 жыл бұрын
Well stated, Sir.
@googoo5646
2 жыл бұрын
@@ernestkovach3305 most of not all baseball historians would tell you Cy Young wasn't even the best pitcher in his generation. That honor belongs to Walter Johnson.
@10Peter25
2 жыл бұрын
@@googoo5646 Cy Young was old enough to be Walter Johnson's father--a young father, but a father nonetheless--so it's hard to think of Young and Johnson being of the same generation.
@dorothygale1104
2 жыл бұрын
Koufax is the only Hall of Famer to retire at the very height of his career. His last 2 season were his very best and arguably the best ever: 1965: 26 - 8, 1.73 era, 382 k’s, 72 bb’s, 27 complete games!!!!! 1966: 27 - 9, 2.03 era, 315 k’s, 77 bb’s, 27 complete games!!!!
@jeffreykarp4118
2 жыл бұрын
I saw Sandy Koufax pitch in person. God the sound that his fastball made when it hit the catcher’s glove was down right scary. His curveball dropped off the table. He was the best lefty pitcher that I had the fortune to see and Bob Gibson was the best righty I have ever seen, although Tom Seaver wasn’t far behind. I know that this is a different era but I believe that one year in his prime Sandy pitched 14 shut outs and one year he struck out 382. If he were pitching today he would be paid 50 million per yr!!
@lighthouse3879
3 жыл бұрын
Like so many others here, I was lucky enough to live close the Chavez Ravine during the prime of Sandy Koufax. I think I saw most of the home games he pitched in the early/mid 60's. What a class guy. He was someone many of us wanted to emulate. I saw a lot of good players in those days and Koufax was definitely the best pitcher I ever saw. There may never be another one.
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
You were and are blessed My favorite sports figure of all time
@klausrain111
4 жыл бұрын
I grew up in L.A. watching him pitch on TV. Dodgers had a great line-up with Sandy and Don Drysdale. Maury Wills played then, and so did Frank Howard. Great memories. Arch-rivals the Giants had Willie Mays and McCovey around the same time.
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
I had the privilege of meeting Harmon Killebrew and he spoke with great respect and admiration of Sandy Koufax. Two very classy and humble men
@fredmar6436
2 жыл бұрын
@@dandyer2616 Hey we're the same age. 2/23/49.
@nicholasschroeder3678
3 жыл бұрын
He looked like a movie star, too. Every fan should read Leavey's bio. His arm and the pain were horrific.
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
He actually used horse liniment on his elbow before he pitched. The players eyes would water if they went to talk to him on the mound...
@bronxjar8441
2 жыл бұрын
I read that book. I remember reading there was a game Koufax pitched where he threw 240 pitches and the game was a blowout.
@coopaloopmex
2 жыл бұрын
Phenom. Both phenomonal as an athlete and as a human
@Kenneth-nVA
3 жыл бұрын
I’m a Willie Stargell fan and when he was asked about hitting against Koufax he stated… “ it’s like eating soup with a fork.” Enough said
@michaelnolan743
2 жыл бұрын
Stargell actually said that about Steve Carlton...
@nala3038
2 жыл бұрын
No Steve Carlton
@albundy6008
2 жыл бұрын
Hard to believe that he actually gave up a home run to Bob Uecker.
@dandyer2616
2 жыл бұрын
And Bob Uecker can't believe it either. He said he just closed his eyes and swung,,,lol
@albundy6008
2 жыл бұрын
@@dandyer2616 he also hit home runs off Gaylord Perry and Ferguson Jenkins. For a guy who only hit 12 in his entire career, it is astounding to note that 25% of them were off future Hall of Famers.
@jimdickinson9572
2 жыл бұрын
I recall Sandy threw 313 pitches in a complete 13 inning game in 1965. If he were pitching today the manager(s) would never let him pitch past the 6th inning. He could have had the best pitchers stats in history.
@jasonleetaiwan
2 жыл бұрын
Even 150 pitches is ridiculous. They didn't protect pitches back then.
@herbertpetrillo485
2 жыл бұрын
If he was coddled like roger Clemens or pedro martinez he would probably have lost a decision
@dalethelander3781
2 жыл бұрын
There's a video here on KZitem of Sandy Koufax pitching an old-timers game in 1984. He wasn't throwing heat, there were a couple eephus balls in his repertoire, but the smile on his face during his inning pitching was priceless. Two of his eephus pitches were hit into the bleachers, one by Harmon Killebrew, but Sandy had a pleasant conversation with both hitters while they were rounding the bases. It harkened back to the days when Baseball was a gentleman's game.
@phoggknight6714
2 жыл бұрын
He played in the same era as headhunters such as Bob Gibson and teammate Don Drysdale. If you hit a home run off these guys you knew not to dig in against them your next at bat. And with guys like Pete Rose, who would run over a catcher to win an All Star game.
@thetruthfornow6045
2 жыл бұрын
People were smarter and classier back then. Sandy has the wisdom and humbleness that has long disappeared from this country. You really want to know when america was great and respected. Rewatch this video and learn.
@howie9751
2 жыл бұрын
For five years he was the greatest pitcher I ever saw., and I'm a Yankees fan. We'll never know what the rest of his career would have been like if not for the elbow problem.
@dcfunhouse
2 жыл бұрын
I was in the group behind Mr. Koufax on a golf course about 10 years ago. He was moving well, must have been in his mid-to-late seventies by then. Seemed like life worked out pretty well for him afterall.
@billmacdonald2139
2 жыл бұрын
Class act. Glad he has lived a long healthy life
@rocknroll909
3 жыл бұрын
Damn what a tough guy. He was at peace with his decision, no matter how tough the circumstances. It was the right one, too.
@dlphcoracl9645
2 жыл бұрын
Uncommon wisdom, a rare commodity in an athlete of his stature.
@ryanscardcorner2936
5 жыл бұрын
Obviously one of the greatest pitchers ever but the grace he handles early retirement with puts him in another league!
@sandyfader4649
2 жыл бұрын
Gotta thank my mom for naming her newborn son Sandy. Followed his career from the day I joined Little League till he retired. Lifelong Dodgers fan. My hero.
@mattwatters5702
2 жыл бұрын
Such a gentleman and well-spoken. Pure class that today's thugs will never have.
@TopWorldTalentHD
2 жыл бұрын
What a great guy and way ahead of his time.
@kevinbergin9971
2 жыл бұрын
Didn't start to follow baseball, or play Little League, until '67. So sorry I missed him.
@chrisweidner4768
2 жыл бұрын
This brilliant pitcher. All respect to Sandy. 11 shutouts. Still under Gibby’s 13.
@russscott552
2 жыл бұрын
The greatest complete pitcher I ever saw, I believe there ever was or ever will be . He played on my field of dreams long ago. As a right handed throwing right I hurt my arm throwing then curve . I was happy to see his in the 60's. Not everyone can be a hall of fame, but we can try to be the kind of man and person he is.
@philtaylor2387
Жыл бұрын
A man of great integrity and comiitment. He refused to pitch on Jewish holidays and didnt care about the repurcussions. He had great respect and love for the game of baseball. His 6 year stretch was amongst the greatest ever. The bigger the game the better he played. My dad said he and mickey mantle were the two greatest players he saw play.
@richstex4736
Жыл бұрын
Sandy my GOAT. The only time I ever saw big, grown men cry publicly was the day Mickey Mantle died.
@tomitstube
4 жыл бұрын
koufax knew at the rate he was being "used", his left arm would just stop working, and he'd be impaired. cortisone doesn't "treat" the ailment, it just blocks the pain, sandy probably knew he wasn't far away from a career ending injury. as someone who tore a rotator cuff, i can tell you it's been a life long issue.
@dorothygale1104
2 жыл бұрын
In Koufax’s last two seasons (‘65 & ‘66) his record was 26 -8 with a 1.73 era and 27-9 with a 2.03 era. Both seasons he pitched 27 COMPLETE GAMES!!!! No that wasn’t a typo. He completed more games than he won, meaning he pitched a complete game loss. Unbelievable.
@tomitstube
2 жыл бұрын
@@dorothygale1104 ikr? today's pitchers go 5 innings, and you know they don't throw harder than koufax did.
@depaola63
2 жыл бұрын
Pure class 💎💪
@brianarbenz7206
3 жыл бұрын
Smartest decision ever made in sports. The ranks of former players are filled with people disabled for life because they stayed in the game even just one year too long. Sandy had great class and personal priorities.
@robertshelton1667
3 жыл бұрын
When Sandy and Don held out after the 1965 world series they were seeking a 3-year contract. Al Campanis refused as it was the Dodger's policy at the time to only go 1-year on all ballplayer contracts. That means Sandy was prepared to pitch in 1966, 67, and 68 as late as the spring of 1966. It seems to me that frustration with Dodger management played a large part in his retirement.
@wedgenstein
2 жыл бұрын
Maybe because he saw what he was truly worth to them, despite giving it his all, to the point of risking long term debilitation... Just pump him up with cortizone and painkillers and squeeze every last dime out of him was probably how he saw himself being treated, if I can be so bold to say that...
@frederickrapp5396
5 жыл бұрын
I don’t blame the man one second for quitting when he did. From 1961-66 he was the greatest pitcher in baseball. If he would have been able to have a longer career, he would have had a chance to have been the GOAT.
@jamesburgmann977
2 жыл бұрын
Greatest pitcher ever!
@robinrodriguez480
4 жыл бұрын
WOW!! That was a great answer!!👍👍
@TRRyan
2 жыл бұрын
Koufax had 11 shutouts in 1963, not his retirement year of 1966. I saw him pitch at Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, in 1956.
@Jim-du5yp
5 ай бұрын
The gentleman of baseball...Best I ever saw...
@ffcorona
3 жыл бұрын
1966 - Class act then, 2021 - class act now.
@darrylking2500
4 жыл бұрын
Pete Rose Said He could throw a ball through a Car wash an it wouldn't get wet 😂
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