On Oct. 14, 1965, Sandy Koufax led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a Game 7 victory against the Minnesota Twins in the World Series.
The performance was particularly impressive because Koufax was starting on two days of rest and making his third start in just eight days.
While the legend has it that Koufax complained of his arm being sore in the first inning, it did not seem to affect him as he tossed a complete game, three-hit shutout to lead his team to a 2-0 victory and their second World Series Championship in three years.
The World Series was Koufax’s final of three in his Hall of Fame 12-year career with the organization, but this one is remembered for different reasons than the others.
In addition to his outstanding Game 7 performance, Koufax will also be known for not pitching Game 1 of the series because it fell on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
The move was respected by many, but also criticized by some, although considering the Dodgers went on to win the series and Koufax played a big part in it, all the critics wound up being silenced.
Throughout his historic career, Koufax won three Cy Young Awards, was a seven-time All-Star, five-time ERA leader, won the 1963 National League MVP, threw one perfect game and four no-hitters.
Sandy Koufax statue
During the 2022 season, the Dodgers immortalized their dominant left-hander by unveiling a Sandy Koufax statue in the center field plaza at Dodger Stadium.
It’s positioned next to the Jackie Robinson statue, and the ceremony was attended by Joe Torre and Clayton Kershaw, among others.
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