Of all the players that have yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, former Cincinnati Reds ace Tony Mullane ranks fourth in wins. He may have been inducted, and reached the 300 win plateau, had he not been suspended for the 1885 season on this day.
During the 1880’s, few pitchers were in the same class as Tony Mullane. One of the true workhorses of the decade, Mullane was also routinely amongst the league leaders in wins, with his services being in high demand. He was quite aware of his value, and, as such, would sign one year contracts and sell his services to the highest bidder.
During his first four seasons, Mullane played for four different teams. Yet, even then, there were issues. Following the 1883 season, he attempted to sign with the St. Louis Maroons of the new Union Association, but the St. Louis Browns, who he had a contract with, threatened him with banishment from the game. Mullane relented, but was sold to the expansion Toledo Blue Stockings for the 1884 season.
After the year, both the Blue Stockings and the Union Association disbanded. The Browns attempted to reclaim Mullane, but, as he was technically without a team, he signed with the Cincinnati Reds first. Given his past history, this action angered the American Association, leading to the league banning the pitcher for the 1885 season.
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While Mullane got his wish, and pitched for the Reds after that one year suspension, that year away from the game may have affected his long term legacy. With that year away coming in the midst of a streak of five consecutive seasons with 30 or more wins, it is fair to assume he would have matched that total in 1885.
Although that is purely speculative, it is fairly apparent that missing that year kept Mullane from joining the 300 win club. Considering that he finished his career with 284 wins, and was in the midst of his prime, that missed season could have been the difference between Mullane making the Hall of Fame.
Even though he pitched his last game back in 1894, Mullane has not been entirely forgotten about. He was known for being an ambidextrous pitcher, and with Greg Harris and Pat Venditte matching his ability, Mullane is occasionally referenced. Mullane was also on the 2013 pre-Intregation Hall of Fame ballot, but fell short of the votes needed for induction.
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Tony Mullane was one of the greatest pitchers of the 19th century. He also knew his value, and would look to sign for the highest paycheck. That decision to chase the money, and sign with the Cincinnati Reds, cost him the 1885 season.