Sandy Koufax Is Almost 90, But Most Fans Have No Clue About This Side of Him
Sandy Koufax dominated baseball like no other player. He won three Cy Young Awards and led the Dodgers to four World Series titles. In 1966, chronic arthritis forced him to retire at 30, but he stayed influential in baseball and beyond and never stopped making an impact.
Here’s everything you need to know about this outstanding athlete and how his values and influence still shape the game today.
Career in Broadcasting
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Koufax signed a 10-year deal with NBC in 1966 to broadcast Saturday Game of the Week. He struggled with the role because he disliked public speaking, and his quiet nature made it hard to deliver engaging commentary. He only lasted in this alternate career for six years.
Coaching Baseball’s Future Athletes
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In 1979, Koufax became a minor league pitching coach for the Dodgers and mentored future stars like Orel Hershiser and Pedro Martínez. He left his formal role in 1990 but still attended spring training and went on to inspire a generation of pitchers even after his official coaching days ended.
Role of a Dodgers Advisor
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Koufax became a special advisor to Dodgers chairman Mark Walter in 2013. He worked with pitchers during spring training and provided insight throughout the season before stepping down before the 2016 season. His presence gave the organization a trusted voice from one of baseball’s greatest pitchers.
Helping Former Players in Need
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Koufax has worked with the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) to help former players facing financial and medical hardships. He has served on advisory boards and attended fundraising events. His involvement ensures struggling players receive aid for better performance.
Fitness and Golf
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Since fitness was always a part of his passion, Koufax took up running in his forties and competed in marathons worldwide. He stayed active through golf and became a part of amateur tournaments and charity pro-am events.
Faith Over the World Series
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The former athlete refused to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur. His decision resonated within the Jewish community and showed his dedication to his beliefs.
Business Beyond Baseball
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Outside baseball, Koufax proved that athletes could build lasting businesses while managing their post-career finances. He invested in the Tropicana Motor Inn in West Hollywood during the 1960s and founded KNJO, a radio station in Thousand Oaks, California.
Look Into His Own Life
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Koufax co-wrote his autobiography ‘Koufax with Ed Linn’. The book detailed his playing career and life after baseball. It gave fans a rare glimpse into his experiences and remains one of the most in-depth accounts of his time in the sport.
Statue in His Honor
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In 2022, the Dodgers honored Koufax by erecting a statue outside Dodger Stadium. The statue recognizes his contributions to the team and his lasting impact on the franchise, and it is a permanent tribute to his career.
Sharing His Knowledge in Lectures
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Koufax has spoken at select events about perseverance and his baseball journey. He rarely seeks the spotlight but has participated in guest lectures and discussions where his insights provide value to young athletes and fans.
Private but Meaningful Media Presence
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While Koufax avoids unnecessary publicity, he chooses media projects carefully. He has participated in interviews and documentaries that align with his values. His words carry weight when he does speak publicly.
Career Cut Short by Injury
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Sandy Koufax retired at just 30 years old due to severe arthritis in his left elbow, an injury that had been troubling him for years. Despite being at the peak of his career—coming off a 27-win season in 1966, earning his third Cy Young Award, and leading the league in ERA for the fifth straight year—his condition had deteriorated to the point where he required constant cortisone shots and painkillers just to pitch.
Temporary Rift with the Dodgers
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Due to a personal conflict, Sandy Koufax distanced himself from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002. The issue stemmed from a New York Post article that speculated about his private life. Since the newspaper was owned by News Corp., which also owned the Dodgers at the time, Koufax took offense and cut ties with the organization. However, when News Corp. sold the Dodgers to Frank McCourt in 2004, Koufax returned to the team in an advisory role.
Mentor to the Next Generation
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Sandy Koufax has mentored several pitchers over the years. One of the most notable beneficiaries of his wisdom is Al Leiter, who has openly credited Koufax for giving him crucial advice that helped refine his mechanics and mental approach to the game. Beyond Leiter, Koufax has also worked with several Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers during spring training, including Clayton Kershaw, a fellow left-hander often compared to Koufax for his dominant pitching style.