Pitchers Who Won MVP Award: List of Pirates MVP Winners
by Ayisha | Updated Jul 08, 2023
MVP Award Overview
The MVP Award in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is a prestigious accolade presented annually since the 1955-56 season. It recognizes the player who demonstrates outstanding performance during the regular season.
In the 2022-23 season, the award was renamed the Michael Jordan Trophy in honor of the iconic player, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history and has won the MVP title five times.
Prior to this change, the award was known as the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, named after the NBA's first commissioner who served from 1946 to 1963. The selection process for the MVP Award has evolved over the years.
Before the 1979-80 season, NBA players themselves voted to determine the recipient. However, since the 1980-81 season, a panel comprising sportswriters and broadcasters from the United States and Canada has been responsible for the decision.
Each panel member ranks the players from first to fifth place, assigning points accordingly. A first-place vote is worth 10 points, second place receives seven points, third place receives five points, fourth place receives three points, and fifth place receives one point.
Additionally, starting in 2010, fans have been given the opportunity to cast a ballot through online voting, contributing to the final outcome. The player with the highest point total is awarded the MVP. Currently, the holder of the MVP Award is Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, as of the 2022-23 season.
Pitchers Who Won MVP Award?
Throughout the history of baseball, there have been exceptional seasons by pitchers that warranted the recognition of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. While the Cy Young Award specifically honors the best pitcher in each league, the MVP Award acknowledges the player who has made the most significant overall impact on his team's success.
This has led to ongoing debates about whether pitchers should be eligible for both awards or if they should be exclusive to position players. Let's take a closer look at some notable pitchers who have won the MVP Award.
Clayton Kershaw, LAD, 2014:
In 2014, Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers had a season for the ages. Despite missing some starts due to a back injury, Kershaw's performance was extraordinary. He pitched to a remarkable 1.77 ERA with a 197 ERA+, both of which were among the best in modern baseball history.
Kershaw went 21-3, recorded a 7.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and had a 0.857 WHIP. His dominance on the mound firmly established him as the premier pitcher of his generation, and he comfortably won the MVP Award over the runner-up, Giancarlo Stanton.
Justin Verlander, DET, 2011:
Justin Verlander's 2011 season with the Detroit Tigers was nothing short of spectacular. He achieved the pitching Triple Crown by leading the league in wins (24), strikeouts (250), and ERA (2.40).
Verlander also threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays and amassed a remarkable 8.6 WAR. His performances on the mound propelled the Tigers to success, and he received 18 out of 28 first-place votes for the MVP Award, with Jacoby Ellsbury as the runner-up.
Dennis Eckersley, OAK, 1992:
Dennis Eckersley, known for his dominant role as a reliever, had a historic season in 1992 with the Oakland Athletics. Eckersley's 51 saves ranked second-most in history at the time, and his 1.91 ERA showcased his effectiveness on the mound.
Although his numbers were not as eye-popping as some other MVP winners, his impact in the role of closer over multiple years contributed to his MVP recognition. Eckersley received 15 out of 28 first-place votes, edging out Kirby Puckett of the Minnesota Twins.
Roger Clemens, BOS, 1986:
Roger Clemens burst onto the scene in 1986 with the Boston Red Sox, delivering one of the most dominant pitching seasons in history. At just 23 years old, Clemens won 24 games, lost only four, and posted a 2.48 ERA.
He had an impressive 8.8 WAR, a 169 ERA+, and struck out 238 batters in 254 innings pitched. Clemens' remarkable performances helped the Red Sox win the American League pennant that year, and he narrowly edged out teammate Jim Rice and Don Mattingly for the MVP Award.
Willie Hernandez, DET, 1984:
Willie Hernandez played a crucial role in the success of the Detroit Tigers during their 1984 World Series-winning season. Hernandez served as their closer and recorded 32 consecutive saves without a blown save, a record at the time.
He pitched in 80 games, amassing a 1.92 ERA, 204 ERA+, and 140 1/3 innings pitched. Hernandez's remarkable durability and effectiveness in high-leverage situations earned him the MVP Award as the Tigers clinched the division, won the pennant, and eventually the Fall Classic.
Pirates MVP Winners
This compilation addresses all the accolades and honors earned by players and personnel affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates, a renowned professional baseball team.
Most Valuable Player Award
Andrew McCutchen (2013)
Barry Bonds (1990, 1992)
Willie Stargell (1979)
Dave Parker (1978)
Roberto Clemente (1966)
Dick Groat (1960)
Paul Waner (1927)
Cy Young Award
Doug Drabek (1990)
Vern Law (1960, MLB)
Rookie of the Year Award
Jason Bay (2004)
Manager of the Year Award
Clint Hurdle (2013)
Jim Leyland (1990, 1992)
Golden Gloves
Pitcher
Harvey Haddix (1959, 1960)
Bobby Shantz (1961)
Rick Reuschel (1985, 1987)
Catcher
Tony Peña (1983, 1984, 1985)
Mike LaValliere (1987)
Jacob Stallings (2021)
First base
Second base
Bill Mazeroski (1958, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967)
José Lind (1992)
Third base
Shortstop
Gene Alley (1966, 1967)
Jay Bell (1993)
Outfield
Roberto Clemente (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972)
Bill Virdon (1962)
Dave Parker (1977, 1978, 1979)
Andy Van Slyke (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
Barry Bonds (1990, 1991, 1992)
Nate McLouth (2008)
Andrew McCutchen (2012)
Starling Marte (2015, 2016)
Corey Dickerson (2018)
Pitchers Who Won MVP Award - FAQs
The MVP Award was first introduced in the NBA during the 1955-56 season.
As of the 2022-23 season, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is the current holder of the MVP Award.
Since the 2022-23 season, the MVP Award in the NBA has been renamed the Michael Jordan Trophy, honoring the five-time MVP and widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Before the 1979-80 season, the NBA players themselves voted to determine the MVP recipient.