The night the losing streak ended, in memory of New York pitcher Anthony Young

The passing of former pitcher Anthony Young has inevitably led to memories of his unenviable losing streak, a streak that 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 from an inoperable brain tumor, lost 27 straight 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 away from extending the pitcher’s misery to 28 straight losses. Young got the win 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 inning.

Young had entered the game with the score tied 3-3 in the top of the ninth, and it 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 base. by mistake.

Former Rookie of the Year and future manager Walt Weiss then bunted to sacrifice the two runners to 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 to home plate for 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 out. As has been so often throughout baseball history, it took a genuine 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 finished his career with one season in Houston. He endured neither a losing nor a winning season, as he ended up going 3-3 for the Astros before leaving the sport for good.