Mike Scott NL Cy Young (1986)
The Scorpion strikes: Mike Scott's dominant 1986 season secures the Astros' first Cy Young.
In the annals of Houston Astros history, few individual achievements shine as brightly as Mike Scott's 1986 National League Cy Young Award season. As the ace of a club that finally reached the World Series after decades of struggle, Scott provided the pitching dominance required to carry the team through the regular season and into October. His performance remains a benchmark for excellence in the franchise's past.
- Player
- Mike Scott
- Team
- Houston Astros
- Year
- 1986
- Award
- NL Cy Young Award
- Record
- 19-7
- ERA
- 2.02
- Status
- Franchise Legend
Lore & Background
The crowning jewel of his campaign was not just the regular season stats, but his postseason heroics. In Game 3 of the NLCS against the New York Mets, Scott threw a no-hitter, one of only two in MLB playoff history at that time. Although the Astros ultimately fell to the Boston Red Sox in the World Series, Scott's individual accolade stands as the first Cy Young Award ever won by an Astro pitcher, cementing his legacy.
In Their Own Story
The Astrodome hummed with a low vibration, the artificial turf cool under cleats. It was October 1986, and Mike Scott stood on the mound, adjusting his cap. The lights above cast long shadows across the diamond as he wound up for the final pitch of his no-hitter against the Mets. For a moment, the noise faded; there was only the crack of the bat or the sound of the mitt snapping shut. He knew history was being written in that dome.
Reader's Guide
1986 NL Cy Young Award: Mike Scott secured this prestigious honor after leading the National League in ERA (2.02) and posting a 19-7 win-loss record. This victory marked the first time an Astros pitcher had ever won the award, signifying a new era of pitching excellence for Houston. 1986 NLCS No-Hitter: During Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, Scott threw a perfect no-hitter to help force a Game 7. This performance remains one of the most iconic moments in Astros playoff history and showcased his ability under immense pressure.
Did You Know?
- Mike Scott was nicknamed "The Scorpion" because of his distinctive side-arm delivery that scurched across the plate.
- His 1986 NLCS no-hitter is one of only two no-hitters ever thrown in a playoff series before the 2000s.
- Scott remains the only pitcher to win a Cy Young Award while playing for the Houston Astros.