On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox announced that 1983 American League Cy Young Award winner and former White Sox hurler LaMarr Hoyt passed away. After battling cancer, the pitcher died Monday in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. He was 66 years old.
Over his eight-year career in the major leagues, Hoyt posted a 98-68 record and a 3.99 ERA. Not only that, he accumulated 48 career-complete games, which included eight shutouts and ten saves.
In addition, Hoyt, who stood at 6-foot-3, was named MVP of the 1985 MLB All-Star Game. He pitched a stellar three innings in this game and gave up a lone run to the American League. During that time, Hoyt was with the San Diego Padres. It was the only All-Star selection of his career.
Hoyt’s major league career began in 1973 when the New York Yankees selected him in the fifth round of the 1973 amateur draft. He never ended up playing for New York and was traded to the Chicago White Sox in April of 1977.
Two years later, Hoyt made his MLB debut and pitched two scoreless relief innings for the south side of Chicago. By 1982, he moved out of the bullpen and became an essential piece of the White Sox starting rotation. That year, he led the AL in wins, as he posted a 19-15 record and a 3.53 ERA across a total of 39 games, 32 of which he started.
After the 1982 season, Hoyt went on to have the best year of his entire career in 1983. That season he went 24-10 and posted a 3.66 ERA in over 36 starts with the south side. He also guided the team to the division title and won the prestigious AL Cy Young award.
After the 1984 season, Hoyt was traded to the San Diego Padres in a multiplayer deal that brought Ozzie Guillen to the White Sox. Hoyt played two seasons with the Padres, 1985 and 1986, before retiring.
