Though he’d been pitching for the Baltimore Orioles since the mid-1960’s, the 1970’s were Jim Palmer’s decade. He began the decade by leading the team to the 1970 World Championship and then completely dominated American League batters for the next seven years. Palmer won his first Cy Young Award in 1973 when he went 22-9, and then won his second Cy Young in 1975. The next summer Palmer won another 22 games and again took home the Cy Young Award. No pitcher had turned that trick since Sandy Koufax did in 1965-66, and only seven have done so since.

This is Jim Palmer’s 1976 Award, the fruits of 22 wins, 23 complete games, six shut outs and a 2.51 ERA. The Award features a pitcher’s right hand gripping a baseball is superimposed on a diamond above which “CY YOUNG AWARD” is arched. A silver plaque below reads “PRESENTED TO JIM PALMER MOST VALUABLE PITCHER AMERICAN LEAGUE 1976.” The silver relief sculpture is mounted on a black wooden base and measures approximately 13 x 16 inches. The back of the award has a Balfour label and a brass mounting chain. The award shows light use and scuffing from display including what appears to be glue residue on the right side of the wood base. Baseballs highest pitching honor awarded to the greatest pitcher in Orioles history and it comes with an LOA from Jim Palmer.

Auction Notepad