R.A. DICKEY NAMED NATIONAL LEAGUE CY YOUNG AWARD WINNER
FLUSHING, N.Y., November 14, 2012 – New York Mets righthanded pitcher R.A. Dickey tonight was named the 2012 National League Cy Young Award recipient by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).
Dickey, who received 209 points, including 27 first place votes, joins Tom Seaver (1969, 1973 and 1975) and Dwight Gooden (1985) as the only pitchers in team history to earn the NL Cy Young Award. He finished tied for second in the majors with 20 wins, led the NL in strikeouts (230) and was second in the NL in ERA (2.73). Dickey recorded 27 quality starts in 2012 to lead the majors and became the sixth 20-game winner in franchise history.
“I want to thank the BBWAA for this prestigious award,” said Dickey, who became the first knuckleballer to win the Cy Young Award. “I owe so much to my teammates for their support during the year, especially Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas, who did such a great job behind the plate all season. I’d like to thank the fans. They stood behind me every time I took the mound. I wouldn’t have won this award without them. To have my name linked to Tom Seaver and Dwight Gooden is quite humbling.”
Dickey was named to his first All-Star team in 2012 and established a franchise record with 32.2 consecutive scoreless innings from May 22-June 13. Dickey became the first NL pitcher since 1944 to toss back-to-back one-hitters when he one-hit the Rays on June 13 and the Orioles on June 18.
“All of us here at the Mets congratulate R.A. on winning the Cy Young Award,” said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon. “R.A.’s tremendous accomplishments this season were a thrill for everyone in the organization and our fans. This recognition is a tribute to his hard work and determination.”
Dickey also led the National League in innings pitched (233.2), shutouts (three) and complete games (five).
“This is fitting recognition for a remarkable season,” said Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson. “We are very proud of R.A. and what he achieved in 2012.”
“It was an honor to work with R.A. throughout the year and have a front-row seat to his historic season,” said Mets Manager Terry Collins. “R.A. is a great teammate, fierce competitor and even a better human being. No one deserves this award more than him.”
Tom Seaver and Doc Gooden weigh in on RA Dickey
Tom Seaver won three Cy Young Awards with the New York Mets (1969, 1973 and 1975). Dwight Gooden won the honor in 1985.
TOM SEAVER
“My hat’s off to Mr. Dickey. I watched one of his outings when I was in town and I was amazed by his control. I was always looking for new ammunition to bring to the mound so I attempted the knuckleball. It’s a very difficult pitch to throw and needless to say, I never mastered it. I congratulate him on his tenacity not only to succeed against all odds but to excel and achieve this very high honor. I look forward to congratulating him personally.”
DWIGHT GOODEN
“I saw R.A. pitch at least 10 times this year. I’m really amazed how he was able to remake his career. I never even thought about throwing a knuckleball. To win the Cy Young Award at his age is more incredible than when I won at age 20.”
