A Bumpy Start, A Glimpse of Greatness:
Statistically, Koufax’s rookie year wasn’t jaw-dropping. He pitched a total of 41.2 innings across 12 appearances, compiling a 2-2 win-loss record. His control needed work, with 28 walks to his name. However, there were glimpses of the brilliance to come. He struck out 30 batters and boasted a respectable 3.02 ERA.
From High School Star to Hall of Fame Pedigree:
Baseball wasn’t Koufax’s only athletic talent at Lafayette High School. He was also a standout basketball player. In high school, Koufax played first base. He didn’t take up pitching until after he graduated. After his rookie season, Koufax battled control issues and injuries. It wasn’t until the early 1960s that he harnessed his devastating fastball and curveball, becoming the dominant pitcher that earned him a place in Cooperstown.
Norm Sherry, Dodgers backup catcher, recalls telling Koufax (who couldn’t throw a strike), “take something off the ball.” And the rest is history.
