Former Mets hurler has inoperable brain tumor

The Mets family was dealt jarring news on Monday when it was learned former pitcher Anthony Young has an inoperable brain tumor. A source told The Record that doctors are unsure of a malignancy, but because of where the tumor is located, are unable to reach it.

Young, who played for the Mets between 1991 and 1993, will be admitted to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for treatment. The right-hander was recently an instructor at the Mets’ fantasy camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where he revealed his illness to campers. A collection was taken up for impending medical expenses.

A friend of the pitcher was told by Young that the prognosis “doesn’t look good.”

AY, as he was known during his tenure at Shea, lost 27 consecutive decisions between May 1992 and July 1993, the longest streak in major league history. Young’s losses were almost evenly divided between starting (14) and relieving (13), against a backdrop of the Mets’ own decline.

They lost 92 games in 1992, despite having acquired Eddie Murray, Bobby Bonilla and Vince Coleman that off-season. The Mets plunged to 59-103 in 1993, costing manager Jeff Torborg his job after only 28 games.

Despite the turmoil and his own struggles, Young was well-liked in the clubhouse and never let the losing streak affect an otherwise upbeat demeanor. He left the Mets with a 5-35 record and 3.82 ERA, going on to pitch for the Cubs in 1993-94 before ending his career with the Astros in 1995.

Until he became ill, Young was giving private pitching lessons through his own company, AY Enterprises.