Roger Clemens, 1986

The 22-year-old fireballer's ascent to superstardom became official April 29 at Fenway, when he whiffed 20 Seattle Mariners, a record for a nine-inning game. "The Rocket" began the season 14-0 (in 15 starts), finally suffering his first loss July 7 against Toronto. He finished the season with a 24-4 record and a 2.48 ERA, earning the Cy Young Award while also becoming the first starting pitcher since Oakland's Vida Blue in 1971 to be named MVP. No starter has done it since.