Why Was Sandy Koufax So Good? The Legend Explained

Sandy Koufax was an absolute force on the mound. His blazing fastball and plummeting curveball made him a nightmare for hitters. It’s important to note that this was before the mound was lowered in 1969, which made pitching even more challenging for hitters. Koufax’s dominance is reflected in his consistent performance. He finished in the top 10 in the National League in strikeouts for every season from 1957 to 1966. He even finished in the top three seven times during that period!

But it wasn’t just about the raw power of his pitches. Koufax had exceptional control and pinpoint accuracy. He could locate his fastball on the inside and outside corners, making it incredibly difficult for hitters to square up. And then there was the curveball, a devastating pitch that dropped sharply and late, leaving hitters completely off balance. The combination of speed, movement, and control made Koufax one of the most feared pitchers in baseball history. It’s no surprise that he became a legend, and his impact on the game is still felt today.