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New York Mets History: Anthony Young Loses 27th Consecutive Decision

By David Hill

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: A general view of the field covered with a rain tarp prior to the game between the New York Mets against the Atlanta Braves during their game at Citi Field on April 25, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: A general view of the field covered with a rain tarp prior to the game between the New York Mets against the Atlanta Braves during their game at Citi Field on April 25, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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There are positive and negative reasons to make baseball history. On this day in 1993, New York Mets pitcher Anthony Young ended up on the negative side, as he lost his 27th consecutive decision.

Sometimes, a pitcher’s won-loss record does not accurately depict their production. Pitchers that do not deserve a victory manage to survive for five innings, picking up a win because their offense bombarded the other pitcher. Other times, a pitcher will give up a single run in a complete game, but their offense cannot push a run across the plate. It is a key reason behind the “kill the win” movement.

That belief was certainly accurate when it came to Anthony Young. The New York Mets pitcher was seemingly snakebit when it came to getting a victory, as he racked up loss after loss. On this day in 1993, Young set the major league record when he lost his 27th consecutive decision, a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in ten innings.

Young, who alternated between the rotation and the bullpen, entered the game in relief, firing 2.2 innings. However, he faltered in the bottom of the tenth, allowing consecutive singles to Jody Reed and Henry Rodriguez to start the frame. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third, while an intentional walk loaded the bases. Young was then able to get Eric Davis to line out to second for the second out. However, he was unable to entirely extricate himself from trouble, as he walked Dave Hansen to force home the winning run.

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That was not the only excitement on that day. After the game, outfielder Vince Coleman threw a lit firecracker from his car into a crowd of fans. Three people, including two children, were injured when the firecracker went off. Coleman would be charged with a felony, and was sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The Mets suspended Coleman with pay, and let him go after the season.

Although Young was seemingly unable to earn a victory, he was not awful. From April 24, 1992, through this day in 1993, Young had recorded 14 saves to go along with a 4.37 ERA and a 1.424 WHiP. In his 183.1 innings, Young issued 61 walks while striking out 107 batters. Out of his 18 starts, nine were considered ‘quality,’ as he was let down by the Mets offense, or defense, several times.

Young’s nightmare finally came to an end four days later. With the Mets facing the Marlins and the score tied 3-3, Young entered the game in the top of the ninth. Somewhat predictably, he allowed an unearned run, seemingly dooming him to defeat once again. This time, the Mets offense came through, scoring two runs in the bottom of the inning to give Young his first win in over 15 months.

Next: Hindsight is 20-20 for Sandoval

Maybe Anthony Young was not amongst the best pitchers in the game, but he was not nearly as bad as his record indicated. On this day in 1993, the New York Mets pitcher set a record by dropping his 27th consecutive decision.

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