The award was introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford C. Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955.

[1][2] Each league's award is voted on by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).

Local BBWAA chapter chairmen in each MLB city recommend two writers to vote for each award.

[1] Originally given to the single best pitcher in the major leagues, the award changed its format over time.

In 1963, Sandy Koufax became the first pitcher to win the award in a unanimous vote; two years later he became the first multiple winner.

Roger Clemens currently holds the record for the most awards won, with seven – his first and last wins separated by eighteen years.

Greg Maddux (1992–1995) and Randy Johnson (1999–2002) share the record for the most consecutive awards won with four.

In the National League, 12 players have unanimously won the Cy Young Award, for a total of 15 wins.

In the American League, nine players have unanimously won the Cy Young Award, for a total of 13 wins.