Special Sub-Topic: MLB Firsts: Part 2 Click Here To Play: MLB Firsts: Part 2

Who is the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award without winning 20+ games?

Tom Seaver. In the 1973 season with the New York Mets, starting pitcher Tom Seaver went 19-10 with a 2.08 ERA, and had 251 K's winning the Cy Young Award. Seaver's '73 Cy Young Award was the second of three he won in his career. The other two awards came in 1968 and 1975 both with the New York Mets.

Who was the first player to win the American League MVP and Rookie of the Year Awards in the same season?

Fred Lynn. Fred Lynn of the Boston Red Sox did this in 1975. Lynn also won a Gold Glove. Rightfielder Ichiro Suzuki was the recipient of both the AL MVP and AL Rookie of the Year Awards in 2001.

Who was the first pitcher to defeat all 30 Major League teams?

Al Leiter. On April 30, 2002, the New York Mets defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-1. New York Mets starting pitcher Al Leiter got the win making him the first to defeat all 30 teams. Al Leiter was 36 years old and in his 16th Major League season at the time of his accomplishment.

Who was the first player to hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same inning?

Carlos Baerga. Second baseman Carlos Baerga hit a home run from both sides of the plate on April 8, 1993, with the Cleveland Indians. The Indians beat the New York Yankees 15-5 that day. Baerga was a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2004 season.

Who was the first pitcher to record 50+ saves in a single season?

Bobby Thigpen. In 1990 with the Chicago White Sox, Bobby Thigpen saved an amazing 57 games. The White Sox finished the 1990 season with a record of 94-68. Thigpen finished his nine year career with the Seattle Mariners after the 1994 players strike began. He saved a total of 201 games in his career.

Who was the first player in history to join the 3,000 hit club with a home run?

Wade Boggs. Third baseman Wade Boggs hit a home run on August 7, 1999, playing for the Tampa Devil Rays for his 3000th career hit. Wade Boggs had 3,010 hits in his career. The Devil Rays lost that game to the Cleveland Indians 15-10.

Who was the first National League player to strike out 20 batters in one game?

Kerry Wood. Chicago Cub rookie pitcher Kerry Wood mowed down 20 hitters on May 6, 1998, as the Cubs shut out the Houston Astros 2-0. Kerry Wood went on to win the Rookie of the Year Award for the 1998 season with a 13-6 record, 3.40 ERA and 233 K's.

Who was the first second baseman to hit 30+ home runs in consecutive seasons?

Ryne Sandberg. Ryne Sandberg reached this mark by hitting his 30th home run on August 28, 1990. Sandberg hit 30 during the 1989 season and finished the 1990 season with his career high of 40 home runs. Sandberg was with the Cubs through both of these seasons, as he was most of his Major League career.

Who was the first pitcher to need more than 20 seasons to reach 300 wins?

Don Sutton. Don Sutton won his 300th game with the California Angels in 1986. '86 was his 21st Major League season making him the first to need more than 20 seasons. Sutton ended his 23 year career in 1988 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He had a career record of 324-256.

Who was the first player to win a league MVP Award being on a last place team?

Andre Dawson. Andre Dawson with a .287 batting average, 49 home runs, and 137 RBIs, won the National League MVP Award in 1987 as the rightfielder for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs went 76-85 in 1987 putting them last in their NL Division.