Willie McGee, an extraordinary ballplayer with high speed, great fielding ability, was a two-time National League batting champ. He broke in with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982 and led all NL rookies with a .296 average. McGee was the heart of the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1980's with his speed in centerfield, aggressiveness, stealing of bases and winning leadership. In post season play of 1982, he lined two triples in a three games series and in the Cardinals World Series' win over the Brewers, McGee homered twice in Game 3 driving in 4 runs. He also flawlessly handled a record 24 chances. By 1985, Willie McGee was a major star, leading the NL in batting .353, collected 216 hits, 18 triples, stole 56 bases, scored 114 runs and was voted the NL's Most Valuable Player. His .353 batting average was the highest total in history for a switch-hitter, tying Mickey Mantle's 1956 record. Willie McGee helped the Cardinals win three pennants, 1982, 1985, 1987. He won another batting crown in 1990 by hitting .335 but was traded to Oakland in August. He was dealt to the San Francisco Giants the following season, hit .301 in 1993 and returned to the Cardinals. He might have played his final season in 1999 as a member of the St. Louis' team. Willie McGee's career: .298 BA, over 1800 hits, over 285 D's, 80 T's and over 80 HR's and has stolen over 300 career bases. Baseball Historian |