1887 OLD JUDGE AL MAYS
Another summer spent, I invite you to stare into the pensive eyes of Al Mays.
Mays is a Mets pitcher from another time and another place…
The New York Metropolitans were founded as an independent team in 1880, and joined the fledgling American Association in 1883. The franchise had some initial success, even playing in an early version of the World Series in 1884 against the Providence Grays of the more-established National League.
The team bounced around Manhattan looking for a home and an identity, before finally folding its tent following the 1887 season.
Mays posted some awesome, awful numbers during that last campaign.
The Mets finished the year 44-89, and Mays contributed a 17-34 record to the ledger. He pitched a total of 441 innings, riding 551 hits and 136 walks to a 4.73 ERA.
Mays lasted in organized ball until 1890– he made one ugly start that year for the Columbus Solons, and then retired at the age of 25. Sadly, he died in 1905, victim of an accidental drowning in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
In his wide collar and cravat, Mays looks at us from across the years on this 1887 Old Judge tobacco card, with all the time in the world for one more game…
Whoa! Talk about an innings eater…
Thanks for this post. I never knew there was an earlier version of the NY Metropolitans, but looking at their record you can tell they were related.
He looks like Raymond’s older brother (the police officer).