The Left Hand of God: Sandy Koufax

No thread--have to have one.

Retired 55 years ago today. I've seen this before--it's great, especially the way he handles the "loss of income" question. Looks most elegant at 85. I always say that if I could have seen anyone ever in person, it would have been Koufax pitching at home during the summer of '65 (preferably against Gibson or Marichal).

Today In 1966: Choosing his health over the money, Los Angeles #Dodgers superstar pitcher Sandy Koufax shocks the baseball world by announcing his retirement at the age of 30! #MLB #Legend #Baseball #History pic.twitter.com/yTmChEwSZe

— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) November 18, 2021

koufax vs gibson would be a dream matchup of mine as well. gibson vs pretty much anyone in the world of his era, i think it would have to koufax

i haven't seen much footage of koufax and haven't paid much attention to any mystery/enigma stuff that went on with him over the years. in that clip he seems wise far beyond his years.

His honesty about being high during games, that was pretty audacious. Should have added a couple more things to my dream game: under the lights, lots of movie stars everywhere. Checked Koufax's '65 game log to see if he'd faced Gibson at home, and--even though the Cards faced him three times at Chez Ravine--Gibson never started.

Here you go: Koufax beats Gibson 4-2 at home, 1966.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN196604260.shtml

Eric Stephen
‪ericstephen.bsky.social‬

Today is the 89th birthday of Sandy Koufax, who has been a living Hall of Famer for going on 53 years, longer than anyone in baseball history