Anthony Young, a former pitcher for the New York Mets, tragically passed away at the age of 51 in Houston, Texas. Young was known for his resilience and determination on the mound, particularly during his time with the Mets in the early 1990s. He gained notoriety for a record-setting losing streak, where he lost 27 consecutive decisions between 1992 and 1993. This streak, while painful for Young, became a significant part of his legacy, showcasing his ability to face adversity.
Young’s career began when he was drafted by the Mets in 1987. He made his Major League debut in 1991 and quickly became a reliable member of the pitching staff. His determination and work ethic earned him respect from teammates and fans alike, despite the struggles he faced on the field. After his time with the Mets, Young played for several other teams, including the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros, before ultimately retiring from professional baseball.
Off the field, Young was remembered for his warm personality and generosity. He remained connected to the baseball community, often sharing his experiences and offering encouragement to young athletes. His journey, marked by both challenges and triumphs, served as an inspiration to many.
Young’s passing is a significant loss for the baseball world. He leaves behind a legacy not just as a pitcher but as a symbol of perseverance and dedication. Fans and former teammates have shared their memories and condolences, reflecting on his impact both on and off the field. The Mets organization also released a statement honoring his contributions and expressing sorrow over his untimely death.
As the baseball community mourns, Young’s story will undoubtedly continue to resonate, reminding us of the ultimate spirit of sportsmanship and the importance of resilience in the face of hardship.
Former New York Mets pitcher Anthony Young passed away yesterday at the age of 51 in Houston, TX.
Young was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in January of this year, he underwent chemotherapy to help shrink it. Young slipped into a coma on Monday and eventually passed the next day.
A.Y., as his teammates called him, was best known for two things his great sense of humor and his major league record of losing 27 consecutive decisions.
Young was not as bad as his record might indicate. He just had some tough luck as a member of the 1993 Mets that lost 103 games.
On July 28, 1993 A.Y. came into the game in the 9th inning and gave up a run to break a 3–3 tie, which set him up for an all too familiar outcome. This time things would be different, his teammates rallied for two runs in the bottom of the 9th and a 5–4 win over Florida. Young got his first win in his last 28 decisions. He was mobbed by his teammates they celebrated like it was a postseason win. Young said of the moment, “That wasn’t even a big monkey on my back, it was a zoo.”
A.Y. was a guest on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on August 9, 1993 to talk about finally breaking his unwanted streak of unfortunate luck.
A member of the Mets from 1991–1993 Young made many friends. An active member of the Mets alumni group, Young, would participate in Mets Fantasy Camp every year.
“A.Y. took a lot of kidding about his losing records,” said Doug Flynn, a fellow Mets player and fantasy coach. “But he was the victim of some bad luck during the streak. He knew inside that he was a better pitcher than his numbers.”
Former Mets pitcher Turk Wendell met Young at Mets Fantasy Camp where they were both instructors. Wendell said, “Anthony was a true gentleman,” and added, “At this year’s fantasy camp, he told us he had a brain tumor. That was Anthony. He never ran away from anything.”
Former friends and teammates took to Twitter to share their feelings about Young.
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