Mays (207-126 win-loss record in his career) 0 2.92 earned run average and has surrendered 8.7 0. He has a K/BB ratio of 1.17 and he has gone up against 12,352 opposing batters in his MLB career. In his MLB career, Mays has surrendered 2,912 base hits while he has earned 862 K’s in 3,021 innings pitched. He has allowed 979 earned runs while earning a WHIP of 1.207 and being the owner of a FIP of 2.9.
Carl Mays was a Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher whose career spanned from 1915 to 1929. Known for his unique underhanded pitching style, Mays left an indelible mark on the sport during his time. While he was a successful pitcher, his career is often remembered for a tragic incident involving a fellow player. Let’s delve into the life and career of Carl Mays to better understand his contributions to baseball and the events that defined his legacy.
Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Carl William Mays was born on November 12, 1891, in Liberty, Kentucky. Growing up in a rural area, Mays developed a strong work ethic and a love for sports. As a young man, he moved with his family to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he began playing semi-professional baseball. His performance caught the attention of scouts, and in 1912, he joined the Boise Irrigators, a minor league team in the Northwestern League.
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Hit by Pitch: Ray Chapman, Carl Mays and the Fatal Fastball |
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The Pitch That Killed: Carl Mays, Ray Chapman and the Pennant Race of 1920 | $5.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Rise to the Major Leagues
Mays’s talent quickly became evident, and by 1915, he made his debut in the MLB with the Boston Red Sox. His unorthodox underhand delivery confused hitters and gave him a competitive edge on the mound. Mays quickly established himself as an effective pitcher, contributing to the Red Sox’s success during the late 1910s.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Success with the Boston Red Sox
During his tenure with the Red Sox, Mays was instrumental in helping the team secure World Series championships in 1916 and 1918. His pitching prowess, characterized by a combination of speed and deception, made him a formidable opponent. In the 1918 season, Mays posted an impressive 21-13 record, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top pitchers.
Transition to the New York Yankees
In 1919, Mays requested a trade and was subsequently acquired by the New York Yankees. His time with the Yankees was marked by continued success on the mound. Over the next few years, Mays consistently ranked among the league leaders in wins, complete games, and earned run average (ERA). He helped the Yankees secure their first American League pennant in 1921.
Notable Achievements
- Career Wins: Mays achieved a total of 207 career wins, placing him among the top pitchers of his era.
- Complete Games: He pitched 297 complete games, showcasing his durability and stamina.
- Career ERA: Mays maintained a career ERA of 2.92, reflecting his effectiveness as a pitcher.
The Tragic Incident of 1920
Despite his successes, Mays’s career is often overshadowed by a tragic event that occurred on August 16, 1920. During a game between the Yankees and the Cleveland Indians, Mays’s pitch struck Indians shortstop Ray Chapman in the head. Chapman, a beloved player, suffered a fractured skull and died the following day. This incident remains the only fatality in MLB history resulting from an on-field injury.
Aftermath and Public Perception
The tragedy cast a long shadow over Mays’s career. Many fans and players questioned the safety of his underhanded pitching style. Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Mays faced significant backlash from the public and media. The incident also led to changes in MLB rules, including the mandatory use of helmets and the banning of certain types of pitches.
Life After Baseball
After retiring from professional baseball in 1929, Carl Mays remained involved in the sport as a coach and scout. He spent time with various minor league teams, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players. Mays’s passion for baseball endured throughout his life, and he remained a respected figure in the baseball community until his death in 1971.
Legacy and Impact
Carl Mays’s legacy is a complex one. On the one hand, he was a highly successful pitcher whose achievements on the field earned him a place among baseball’s notable players. On the other hand, the tragic incident involving Ray Chapman forever altered the course of his career and public perception.
Contributions to Baseball
Mays’s contributions to baseball extend beyond his pitching statistics. His unique underhanded delivery influenced future generations of pitchers who sought to emulate his style. Additionally, the changes in MLB safety regulations following the Chapman incident underscored the importance of player safety and led to increased awareness of the risks associated with the sport.
Remembering Carl Mays
Today, Carl Mays is remembered as a talented, albeit controversial, figure in baseball history. While the Chapman incident remains a significant part of his story, it is essential to recognize Mays’s contributions to the game and his impact on the evolution of pitching techniques.
Conclusion
Carl Mays was a remarkable MLB pitcher whose career was marked by both extraordinary achievements and profound tragedy. His underhanded pitching style and competitive spirit made him one of the most successful pitchers of his time. Despite the controversy surrounding his career, Mays’s influence on baseball endures, reminding us of the complexities and challenges faced by players in the early 20th century.
In reflecting on Carl Mays’s legacy, it is important to acknowledge both his accomplishments and the lessons learned from the events that shaped his career. His story serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of baseball and the enduring impact of its players.