Which pitcher was the first to win the Cy Young in both leagues?

Gaylord Perry was the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in both the American League and the National League. He won his first award with the Cleveland Indians in 1972, leading the American League with 24 victories and a 1.92 earned-run average.

Perry completed the feat six years later with the San Diego Padres. In 1978, at age 40, he went 21–6 with a 2.73 ERA and won the National League Cy Young Award. His two victories made him the first pitcher recognized as the best in both major leagues, a distinction that became increasingly difficult after the award’s voting systems and league structures evolved.

Perry was known for his exceptional durability, varied pitch selection and reputation for throwing an illegal spitball, although he was rarely caught using one. He finished his career with 314 wins and 3,534 strikeouts. His older brother, Jim Perry, also won a Cy Young Award, making the Perry brothers the first siblings to each receive the honor. Gaylord Perry was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.