Office Hours | Cy Young Award Cards

Masters of the Mound and their Cards

Date: Nov 5, 2025

Author: Dr. Pratt

Topics: Baseball, Cards and Culture, Cy Young, Office Hours

Length: 1095 Words

Reading Time: ~6 Minutes

The Cy Young Award was first given in 1956, and since 1967, the top pitcher in each league has been honored. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America votes on the award using a weighted points system, so the outcome is never quite certain.

The award only measures one season’s performance, so a few flashes in the pan have won the award over the years. At the same time, some of baseball’s greatest pitchers, including Nolan Ryan, Curt Schilling, and Bert Blyleven, never won the Cy Young Award.

Sometimes the stars align, and a Hall of Fame pitcher puts together the best season of his career. Let’s look at some of the most important cards for those superstar athletes who won the award by making the most of the mound.

Cy Young Winners and Their Cards

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Sandy Koufax – 1963 Topps Baseball #210

No list of Cy Young winners would be complete without Sandy Koufax, who “left-handedly” revolutionized the art of pitching. In 1963, Koufax captured his first Cy Young Award, dominating hitters with his lethal fastball and legendary curveball.

His 1963 Topps card (#210) is one of the most iconic in The Hobby, capturing Koufax in two different pitching positions in his classic Dodgers uniform. The clean design and vibrant colors make this card a prized piece for any collector.

Beyond its beauty, this card serves as a reminder of Koufax’s incredible achievements, including his record-breaking 382 strikeouts in a single season and four no-hitters, including a perfect game.

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Bob Gibson – 1969 Topps Baseball #200

Bob Gibson was known for his fierce competitive nature and explosive fastball. In 1968, he put together one of the greatest pitching seasons in baseball history. Winning the Cy Young that year with a stunning 1.12 ERA, Gibson’s dominance on the mound led to a historic change in MLB, with the pitcher’s mound being lowered the following season.

His 1969 Topps card (#200) captures Gibson’s intensity with a classic close-up shot that showcases his focus and determination. Collectors value this card not only for Gibson’s accomplishments, but also for the historical significance tied to his 1968 performance.

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Tom Seaver – 1973 Topps Baseball #350

“Tom Terrific,” as he was affectionately called, was a key player for the New York Mets and a true icon of the game. Seaver won three Cy Young Awards during his storied career and was known for his impeccable control and consistency.

His 1973 Topps card (#350) commemorates his dominant 1972 season, which earned him his third Cy Young Award. The card features a posed shot of Seaver winding up, and its clean, classic design has made it a fan favorite. As a beloved Mets legend and Hall of Famer, Seaver’s cards remain essential in any serious baseball card collection.

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Steve Carlton – 1972 Topps Baseball #420

Steve Carlton’s 1972 season for the Philadelphia Phillies was nothing short of extraordinary. He won the Cy Young Award that year with an impressive 27-10 record, accounting for nearly half of his team’s wins.

His 1972 Topps card (#420) features a close-up of Carlton with the Cardinals logo prominently displayed. It’s an important card that reminds collectors of Carlton’s historic year and his impact on the game.

With a career spanning over 300 wins and four Cy Young Awards, Carlton’s cards remain popular among those who appreciate both perseverance and peak performance.

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Greg Maddux – 1993 Topps Finest Baseball #85 Refractor

Greg Maddux was known for his precision and masterful control rather than overwhelming speed, making his achievements all the more impressive. Maddux won four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995, a feat that speaks to his exceptional skill and intelligence on the mound.

His 1993 Topps Finest Refractor card (#85) shows him in his early days with the Braves, symbolizing the start of a dominant stretch that would define his career. This card is essential in the Maddux catalog, and Maddux’s legacy as one of the game’s most baffling pitchers remains unrivaled.

Randy Johnson – 2014 Topps Dynasty Baseball #APRJ01 Autographed Patch /10

Known as “The Big Unit,” Randy Johnson’s imposing 6’10” frame and devastating fastball made him one of the most intimidating pitchers in MLB history. With five Cy Young Awards and over 300 career wins, Johnson’s impact on the game was monumental.

Among his many collectible cards, this 2014 Topps Dynasty Autographed Patch card stands out as a high-end tribute to his legacy. The card features an on-card autograph and a game-worn jersey patch, combining rarity and aesthetic appeal in a single stunning piece. The luxurious design, combined with its thick cardstock and high-end finishes, makes it a prized addition to any serious collection.

This 2014 Topps Dynasty card encapsulates the intensity and excellence Johnson brought to the mound and remains a standout piece for collectors of modern-era legends.

Pedro Martinez – 1998 Bowman Chrome Baseball Golden Anniversary #234

Few pitchers have been as electric as Pedro Martinez. With his fiery competitive spirit and exceptional ability to overpower batters, Martinez won three Cy Young Awards during his Hall of Fame career.

His 1998 Bowman Chrome Golden Anniversary card (#234) captures him in his Red Sox uniform, a period when he was emerging as a dominant force. This card holds a special place for collectors who followed Pedro’s journey from Montreal to Boston, where he reached the peak of his career.

For Martinez fans, it’s a must-have that celebrates Pedro’s brilliance and charisma on the mound.

Clayton Kershaw – 2011 Topps Baseball Update Series Diamond Anniversary #US140

Clayton Kershaw’s place among the all-time greats is secure, thanks in part to his three Cy Young-winning seasons. Known for his devastating curveball and unparalleled consistency, Kershaw’s 2011 Topps Update Series Diamond Anniversary card (#US140) is a prized piece, marking the start of his ascent to superstardom.

This card resonates with fans of modern baseball and represents the generational talent of Kershaw. For collectors, it’s a reminder of the dominance he’s displayed over the last decade. Plan on seeing Kershaw elected to the Hall of Fame on his first ballot.

Legacies in Pitching

These cards capture the essence of the Cy Young Award’s legacy, showcasing some of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game. For collectors, each card offers a unique story and a piece of history, celebrating the superstars who made pitching an art form.

Whether you’re drawn to Koufax’s vintage magic or Kershaw’s modern mastery, Cy Young Award winner cards are a window into the legacy of baseball’s most exceptional arms.