On October 30, 1974 — The writers select Oakland A’s hurler Catfish Hunter the 1974 American League’s Cy Young Award. He won 25 games and posted a 2.49 ERA, Due to a contract dispute with owner Charlie Finley, will be declared one of baseball’s first free-agents and will become the game’s highest-paid pitcher in baseball at the end of December when he signs a five-year contract with the Yankees for $3.75 million.