Nov. 9, 1964 - Dean Chance, a 23‐year‐old righthander who was a big factor in helping the Los Angeles Angels move into the American League’s first division last season, was named today the winner of the 1964 Cy Young Award as the major leagues’ most valuable pitcher.
Chance, involved in more close games than any pitcher in the last 31 years, received 17 of the 20 votes cast by a special committee of the Baseball Writers Association of America. Six of Dean’s nine defeats were by a single run.
Chance, who had a 20‐9 record, a sparkling 1.65 ERA, and who led both leagues in shutouts with 11, learned of his victory at his home in Wooster, Ohio. He had recently returned from Hollywood, where he has been making a movie.
Larry Jackson of the Chicago Cubs, the major leagues’ top winner with a 24‐11 record, received two votes, while the other vote went to the 1963 selection, Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers, for his 19‐5 record.
Chance saved his best for the perennial league champion Yankees, beating them four times without a loss, three by shutouts. The only run he allowed the New Yorkers in 50 innings came on a Mickey Mantle homer.
“I’m really happy about the honor,” Chance said today. “Pitching in the Los Angeles park has been helpful. It’s much easier than in most cities, where it’s hot and sweltry. We have no humidity like they do in the East. Baltimore beat me three times and roughed me up the most. Al Kaline has been the toughest guy for me to get out. Lu Clinton was in that same category, but he’s on my side now.” On June 4, Clinton was traded from the Red Sox to the Angles for Lee Thomas.
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