Anthony Young, a former New York Mets pitcher who lost a major-league record 27 straight games, has died. He was 51.
Young passed away Tuesday in Houston, Texas, after battling a long illness, the Mets said.
“We are saddened by the passing of former #Mets pitcher Anthony Young. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” the team tweeted.
We are saddened by the passing of former #Mets pitcher Anthony Young. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/A938QVq7xc
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 27, 2017
Young’s death came on the anniversary of his 24th consecutive loss, which broke the record, on June 27, 1993, against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to ESPN.
Former Mets pitcher Turk Wendell said that earlier this year his ex-teammate told him he was suffering from a brain tumor. “Anthony was a true gentleman,” Wendell said. “At this year’s fantasy camp, he told us he had a brain tumor. That was Anthony. He never ran away from anything.”
After growing up in Houston, Young was drafted by the Mets in 1987. He worked his way up through their minor league system, making his major league debut on August 5, 1991.
He suffered his losing streak from ’92-93 but remained a fan favorite because of his sense of humor, even appearing on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in the middle of the drought after being the target of many monologue jokes.
Young went on to pitch with the Cubs from 1994-1995 and with the Astros in 1996. During his six seasons in the major leagues, he posted a 15-48 record and a career 3.89 ERA and recorded 20 careers saves.