The passing of former pitcher Anthony Young has inevitably led to memories of his unenviable losing streak, a streak Young handled with humor and dignity on late-night television shows. In the 1992-1993 seasons, Young, who died June 27 at age 51 after suffering an inoperable brain tumor, lost 27 consecutive decisions as a starter and reliever for the New York Mets.
His streak ended on July 28, 1993 at Shea Stadium against the Florida Marlins, who came just one out from extending the pitcher’s misery to 28 straight losses. Young earned the victory after relieving former Cy Young Award winner Bret Saberhagen, who had started the game for the Mets. Also starting for New York was future Hall of Fame first baseman Eddie Murray, who drove in the winning run with a double in the bottom of the ninth.
Young had entered the game tied 3-3 in the top of the ninth, and immediately looked like he was poised for a 28th straight loss. He gave up a single to Florida catcher Benito Santiago, and the next batter reached on. by mistake.
Former Rookie of the Year and future manager Walt Weiss then bunted to sacrifice the two runners at second and third. Another future manager, current White Sox skipper Rick Renteria, stepped up to pinch-hit with the go-ahead run ninety feet away and only one out.
The third pitch to Renteria turned out to be the one that helped Young break his dubious streak, as he drove a third home into the first double play. Unfortunately, Young allowed an RBI single to the next batter, allowing the Marlins to take a 4-3 lead and leaving Young in line to lose the game.
A pair of singles and a sacrifice bunt allowed the Mets to tie it, when Murray came to the plate with two outs. As has been so often throughout baseball history, it took a bona fide Hall of Fame slugger to end the losing streak.
Young got the win, which turned out to be his only one of the season. After losing his next three decisions, he went 1-16 and was traded to the Chicago Cubs that winter for infielder José Vizcaíno.
After two losing seasons with the Cubs, Young ended his career with one season in Houston. He endured neither a losing season nor a winning one, as he went 3-3 for the Astros before leaving the sport for good.