Blake Snell's Cy Young Season: A 2017 Throwback

Hey baseball fans! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit Blake Snell's incredible 2017 season. You know, that year when he really started to show everyone what he was capable of? The year where he started to establish himself as one of the premier pitchers in the game, with his nasty stuff on full display. We are diving deep into what made his performance so special and why it remains a memorable chapter in his career.

The Rise of a Star

Blake Snell's journey to stardom wasn't an overnight success. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011, he spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues. The buzz around Snell had been building for a while, with scouts raving about his electric arm and potential to dominate. After battling through some early inconsistencies, Snell finally found his groove in 2017. It was more than just a good season; it was a breakout that signaled the arrival of a potential ace. Entering the 2017 season, there were expectations, sure, but few could have predicted the level of dominance Snell would ultimately achieve. He demonstrated that he could compete with the best in the league, game after game, and the numbers were certainly there to back it up, as we will see. It wasn't just about throwing hard; it was about pitching smart. He began commanding the strike zone more effectively, mixing his pitches with greater precision, and learning how to read hitters. He was evolving into a complete pitcher right before our eyes, and it was a sight to behold. The coaches and mentors who worked with Snell played a crucial role in his development. They helped him refine his mechanics, improve his pitch selection, and develop the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level.

Unpacking the 2017 Season

In 2017, Snell pitched his way into the hearts of Rays fans and the minds of baseball enthusiasts everywhere. Let’s break down the numbers. He posted a 16-8 record with a 4.04 ERA across 29 starts. While the ERA might not scream Cy Young, it's important to consider the context. The Rays played in a tough division, and Snell often faced some of the league’s most potent offenses. Beyond the surface stats, Snell's underlying metrics told an even more compelling story. His strikeout rate soared, his walk rate decreased, and he demonstrated a newfound ability to limit hard contact. This wasn't just luck; it was the result of improved command, better pitch selection, and a more aggressive approach on the mound. Snell's fastball had serious zip, but it was his breaking ball that truly set him apart. He could snap it off for a strike, bury it in the dirt to induce a swing-and-miss, or use it to set up his other pitches. Hitters simply couldn't sit on anything against him, which made him incredibly difficult to face. He wasn't afraid to challenge hitters, and he had the stuff to back it up. This confidence and aggressiveness made him even more effective, especially in crucial situations. He seemed to thrive under pressure, which is a hallmark of any great pitcher. In several of his starts, Snell exhibited a level of poise and control that belied his relative youth. He made adjustments on the fly, learned from his mistakes, and never let a bad inning derail his entire outing.

Key Moments and Memorable Games

Throughout that 2017 season, Blake Snell had several standout performances. These games weren’t just wins; they were statements. Games where he showed, “Hey, I’m here, and I’m here to dominate.” There was that one game against the Yankees where he struck out 10 and allowed only one run. And who could forget the complete-game shutout against the Mariners? Those were the moments that cemented his status as a top-tier pitcher. Each of these games showcased Snell's ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when his team needed him most. He wasn't just going through the motions; he was competing with every fiber of his being. He pitched with passion, determination, and a relentless desire to win. And that's what made him so fun to watch. The energy he brought to the mound was infectious, and it lifted the entire team. But it wasn't just about the strikeouts and the low ERAs. It was about the way he carried himself on the mound. He exuded confidence, and he made his teammates believe that anything was possible. He became a leader, both on and off the field, and his impact extended far beyond the box score. He showed glimpses of brilliance, moments where he looked virtually unhittable. These were the times when you could see the full potential of what he could become. It was clear that he was on the verge of something special, and the 2017 season was just the beginning.

The Cy Young Conversation

As the 2017 season progressed, the Cy Young conversation started to heat up. While other pitchers also had stellar years, Snell's overall body of work put him squarely in the mix. Guys were debating: Did he have the stats? Did he have the impact? He certainly had the momentum. Although he didn't win the award that year, finishing in the top tier of voting, it was a clear indication that he was on the cusp of greatness. The recognition he received during the Cy Young voting process served as validation for all the hard work he had put in. It proved that he was capable of competing with the best pitchers in the game, and it gave him the confidence to continue striving for excellence. It fueled his desire to get even better, to push himself to new heights, and to ultimately achieve his goal of winning a Cy Young Award. The fact that he was even in the conversation at such a young age was a testament to his talent and potential. It showed that he had the ability to become one of the game's elite pitchers, and it set the stage for what would ultimately be a Cy Young-winning season a year later. It was a sign that he was on the right track, and it motivated him to stay focused and dedicated to his craft.

Impact and Legacy

So, what’s the legacy of Blake Snell's 2017 season? It was more than just a good year; it was the launching pad for his career. It showed everyone what he could do and set the stage for future success, most notably his Cy Young Award in 2018. It solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the league. That season also inspired a new generation of pitchers, showing them what’s possible with hard work and dedication. He showed that anything is possible with the right mindset and work ethic. His story became an inspiration to young players everywhere, proving that dreams can come true with enough dedication and perseverance. His impact extended beyond the baseball field, as he became a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. He demonstrated the importance of hard work, determination, and never giving up on your goals. He showed that success is not just about talent; it's about character and the willingness to put in the necessary effort. And that's a legacy that will last for years to come.

Where is Blake Snell now?

After his time with the Tampa Bay Rays, Blake Snell has continued to evolve as a pitcher. He's now showcasing his talents and his insane pitching arsenal with the San Diego Padres, where he still flashes glimpses of the dominant form we saw back in 2017 and 2018. Although he has battled injuries and inconsistencies, Snell remains a captivating player to watch, as he continues to show the flashes of what he is capable of. Wherever his career takes him, that 2017 season will always be remembered as the year Blake Snell truly arrived. He’s a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and believing in yourself. So here's to you, Blake Snell, and that unforgettable 2017 season! His journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but he has never lost his passion for the game. He continues to strive for excellence, and he remains committed to his craft. His story is a reminder that success is not always linear, and that setbacks are inevitable. But it's how you respond to those setbacks that ultimately defines you. And Blake Snell has shown time and time again that he has the resilience and determination to overcome any obstacle. And that's what makes him such a special player.