Blue Jays’ Hentgen Throws A.L. Cy Young Voting For A Curve
Pat Hentgen of the Toronto Blue Jays became the first player from a Canadian team to win the Cy Young Award, edging Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees on Tuesday.
In matching the second-closest vote in the history of the American League Cy Young, Hentgen, 20-10 with a 3.22 ERA, received 16 first-place votes, nine seconds and three thirds for 110 points.
“I feel honored that my name’s next to that award forever,” Hentgen said. “To be honest, I definitely prepared myself to come in second. I was a little shocked. I think I’m overwhelmed right now.”
Pettitte, 21-8 with a 3.87 ERA, was considered the favorite. He drew 11 firsts, 16 seconds and one third for 104 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
“When the season ended and I was talking to my wife, I told her Pat deserved it,” Pettitte said. “I didn’t go out and dominate games.”
Yankees set-up man Mariano Rivera earned the other first-place vote and finished third with 18 points.
The closest vote came in 1969, when Mike Cuellar and Denny McLain tied. In 1972, Gaylord Perry beat Wilbur Wood 64-58.
Hentgen, who turns 28 today, led the majors in complete games (10) and innings (265-2/3) and was second in ERA behind teammate Juan Guzman (2.93).