A "dandy" whose impeccable grooming and well-waxed mustache earned for him the nickname of "The Count," Tony Mullane won 285 major league games. But the handsome Mullane was equally adept at pitching woo: his drawing power among females is credited with initiating the practice of Ladies Day.

Mullane won 30, 35 and 36 games in the American Association in 1882, 1883 and 1884. A fastballer durable enough to pitch 400 innings a season, Mullane possessed one other ability that set him apart from other hurlers: He was ambidextrous. Pitching for Louisville against Baltimore Sept. 11, 1882, Mullane showed off that ability to its fullest advantage, alternately working right or left handed depending on which batter the Orioles sent to the plate.

While it would make a nice story to report that Mullane shut out his foes that day, the facts are otherwise. Baltimore beat Louisville 9-8.

ELSEWHERE IN BASEBALL

Troy defeats Worcester 4-1 Sept. 28 before an audience of 6; both teams are dropped from the league at season's end.

IN THE WORLD

On March 16, The United States Senate ratifies the Geneva Convention.