Mike Tiernan

Michael Joseph Tiernan (January 21, 1867 – November 7, 1918), nicknamed "Silent Mike", was an American professional baseball right fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB), exclusively for the New York Giants, from 1887 to 1899.

Early life A native of Trenton, New Jersey, Tiernan was born across the street from Trenton State Prison, and he participated in ice skating and track as a young man. Beginning in 1884, Tiernan played town baseball in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The 17-year-old attracted attention with his success in exhibitions against major league clubs, once striking out 15 in a game against the Providence Grays.

Career Tiernan's debut major league game was on April 30, 1887. On June 15 of that season, he scored six runs in a single game, and is one of only a handful of major league players to have accomplished that feat. Tiernan was nicknamed "Silent Mike" because he generally avoided the press and did not protest when umpires made questionable calls.