WHY I THINK MIKE TIERNAN SHOULD BE IN COOPERSTOWN

WHY I THINK MIKE TIERNAN SHOULD BE IN COOPERSTOWN

By- Damien 

Mike Tiernan was one of the best hitters of the 19th century. His lifetime batting average of .311 and adjusted OPS of 138 state his Hall of Fame case very nicely. A two time home run champion, his 106 career home runs tie him with Dan Brouthers at fourth among 19th century players. Not only was he a power hitter, but he was also a keen base thief and a fine defensive rightfielder. Mike Tiernan was originally a pitcher, and at the age of 17 he struck out 15 Providence Grays in one exhibition game. He joined the New York Giants in 1887 and wanted to play the outfield, but he still pitched five games, recording a win and a save. Tiernan batted .293 in 1888 and established himself as a genuine star in 1889, leading the NL in walks and runs scored at the age of 22. He then proceeded to lead the league in home runs in each of the next two seasons, including 16 in 1891. The mound was moved to its present distance from the plate in 1893, and Tiernan adjusted to the change very well, hitting .309 with 14 homers and 102 RBI’s. He soon became one of the best overall hitters of the 1890’s, even batting close to .350 across a three year stretch from 1895 through 1897, and became a fan favorite in New York. Tiernan had one last great season in 1898, but struggled in 1899 (.255 in 35 games). The Giants released him in midseason and he couldn’t find work with another Big League club. Mike Tiernan was a great hitter, a powerful slugger, and most importantly, a well rounded and complete player. He was far better than a great many players in the Hall of Fame today. 

LIFETIME STATISTICS 

Games career: 1,478 season high: 134 in 1891 led NL: 133 in 1896 

At Bats career: 5,915 season high: 553 in 1890 

Hits career: 1,838 season high: 192 in 1896 

Doubles career: 257 season high: 30 in 1891 

Triples career: 162 season high: 21 in 1890 and 1895 

Home Runs career: 106 season high: 16 in 1891 led NL: 13 in 1890, 16 in 1891 

Runs career: 1,316 season high: 147 in 1889 led NL: 147 in 1889 

Runs Batted In career: 853 season high: 102 in 1893 

Stolen Bases career: 428 season high: 56 in 1890 

Walks career: 748 season high: 96 in 1889 led NL: 96 in 1889 

Strikeouts career: 376 season high: 53 in 1890 

Batting Average career: .311 season high: .369 in 1896 

On Base Percentage career: .392 season high: .452 in 1896 

Slugging Percentage career: .463 season high: .527 in 1895 led NL: .495 in 1890 

Total Bases career: 2,737 season high: 274 in 1890 led NL: 274 in 1890 

Sacrifice Hits career: 28 season high: 10 in 1898 (Tiernan’s sacrifice hit information prior to 1894 is unavailable) 

Fielding Percentage career: .924 season high: .973 in 1898 led NL OF: .960 in 1888 

Double Plays career: 32 season high: 5 in 1890 

Putouts career: 2,103 season high: 213 in 1896 

Assists career: 162 season high: 19 in 1889 

DID YOU KNOW? 

-nicknamed “Silent Mike” since he rarely argued umpires’ calls 

-led the NL twice in OPS and once each in extra-base hits, times on base, and home run percentage 

-scored over 100 runs in a season seven times 

-batted .316/.416/.434 with two home runs and eight stolen bases in two postseason series (1888 and 1889), winning both 

-scored six runs in one game on June 15, 1887 

-twice hit for the cycle 

-led the NL in saves in 1887 

-hit six home runs off of Hall of Famer Kid Nichols, four off of John Clarkson, three off of Pud Galvin, two each off of Charlie Buffinton and Jack Taylor, and one each off of Hoss Radbourn, Tony Mullane, and Cy Young 

-is the Giants’ all time career leader in triples and stolen bases 

-ranks 37th in career triples 

-umpired one game in the NL