Sale pitched for the Loggers during the summer of 2008
Rochester, Minn. – Chris Sale, a former standout for the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League, has been named the 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner. This prestigious honor follows a dominant season with the Atlanta Braves, where Sale proved once again why he is one of the game’s all-time greats.
Sale’s 2024 season was a masterclass in pitching. The left-hander finished with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, and an astounding 225 strikeouts over 177.2 innings pitched. Sale led the National League in all three categories, winning the pitching triple-crown. His 1.013 WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) further underscored his dominance, as he consistently stifled opposing hitters and delivered in high-pressure situations. This is the first Cy Young Award of Sale’s career, highlighting his remarkable longevity and elite talent.
Long before his MLB success, Sale began making waves in the Northwoods League with the La Crosse Loggers during the 2008 summer season. As a young left-hander, he compiled a 3.23 ERA over 53.0 innings, striking out 74 batters. His standout performance not only impressed scouts but also set the stage for his eventual ascent to professional baseball stardom.
“Chris Sale’s journey from the Northwoods League to winning his first Cy Young Award is a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless work ethic,” said Ryan Voz, President/Commissioner of the Northwoods League. “The La Crosse Loggers and the entire league are proud to have been a part of his early development. His success inspires current players chasing their own baseball dreams.”
During his MLB career, Sale has amassed a stellar resume, with over 2,400 strikeouts, a career 3.04 ERA, and a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors on the mound. Known for his unrelenting precision and devastating slider, Sale has been an eight-time All-Star and played a key role in his teams’ success, including helping the Boston Red Sox win the 2018 World Series.
As fans and teammates celebrate his 2024 Cy Young win, Chris Sale’s legacy as one of the sport’s most remarkable pitchers continues to grow.
Highlights of Sale’s 2024 Cy Young season can be found here: 12 Minutes of Chris Sale Strikeouts
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 370 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network.