Cy Young, the man whose name is well known to major league baseball pitchers, died in 1955. He was 88.

Denton True Young was born March 29, 1867, in Gilmore, Ohio, two years before the advent of professional baseball. Young was one of the people who helped make baseball America’s pastime.

During his 22 year pitching career in baseball, Young had 511 victories, a major league record. Known for his blinding fastball (he got the nickname Cy for his reputation for throwing the ball as fast as a cyclone), Young pitched three no-hitters, and pitched one of the few perfect games in major league history.

His earned run average of 2.63 is one of the best in history, especially considering his long career, and the fact that pitchers in his day were rarely relieved.

Young was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1937. His name is probably best remembered today for the annual award bearing his name. The Cy Young Award goes each year to the men deemed the best pitchers in both the National and American Leagues.

Young died at his Newcomerstown, Ohio home on November 4, 1955.