Carl Mays

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

Born in Liberty, Kentucky, Mays was a notorious submarine ball pitcher (he was nicknamed "Sub"). 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 shutouts, 862 strikeout,s and a 3.48 ERA.

Mays enjoyed his best season in 1921, when he led the American League in wins (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 runs, 110 RBI, and a lifetime .268 batting average --a number which is unusually high for a pitcher.

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