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Carl Mays




Carl William Mays ( November 12 , 1891 - April 4 , 1971 ) was one of the better right-handed Pitcher s in Major League Baseball from 1916-1926, but he is best remembered for throwing the Spitball pitch that struck Ray Chapman in the head on August 16 , 1920 , making Chapman the only on-field fatality in major league history.

Born in Liberty, Kentucky , Mays was a notorious Submarine pitcher (he was nicknamed "Sub"), although it would be more accurate to say that he threw straight underhand. In a 15-year career with the Boston Red Sox , New York Yankees , Cincinnati Reds , and New York Giants , he compiled a 207-126 record with 29 Shutout s, 862 Strikeout s and a 2.92 ERA when the league average was 3.48.

Mays enjoyed his best season in 1921, when he led the American League in Win s (27), Innings Pitched (336.2), Games Pitched (49), and Winning Percentage (.750).
He was also noted for his skills with a Bat , hitting five Home Run s, 110 RBI , and a lifetime .268 Batting Average —an unusually high number for a pitcher.

Carl Mays died in El Cajon, California , at the age of 79.


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