20 Facts About Willie McGee

1.

Willie Dean McGee was born on November 2,1958 and is an American professional baseball coach and former outfielder who is an assistant coach for the St Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball .

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2.

Willie McGee primarily played center and right field, winning three Gold Glove Awards for defensive excellence.

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3.

Willie McGee spent the majority of his 18-year career playing for the Cardinals, helping them win the 1982 World Series with his outstanding performance in Game 3.

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4.

Hurdice did not want his son to play any organized sports on Sundays, so Willie McGee slipped out of the house on Sunday afternoons to pursue his passion for sports.

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5.

Much later, Willie McGee learned that his father knew that he was sneaking out to play baseball but decided to let him go anyway.

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6.

Willie McGee declined the White Sox contract offer and opted instead to attend Diablo Valley Community College.

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7.

From 1977 through 1981, Willie McGee played in the Yankees' minor league farm system, ascending to the Class AA level during that time.

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8.

Willie McGee was acquired by the St Louis Cardinals from the Yankees' farm system on October 21,1981, in a trade for pitcher Bob Sykes.

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9.

Willie McGee became the third rookie to hit two home runs in a World Series game, joining two New York Yankees: Charlie Keller and one of the announcers for the 1982 Series, Tony Kubek.

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10.

Willie McGee hit for the cycle on June 23,1984, in a classic Cardinals vs Cubs matchup at Wrigley Field.

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11.

Willie McGee's efforts helped propel the Cardinals into the postseason, where St Louis defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.

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12.

Willie McGee responded well to the move and drove in a career-high 105 runs.

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13.

Again, Willie McGee was a key component to the Cardinals' success as they enjoyed another fine season finishing as Eastern Division champs.

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14.

Willie McGee himself made the last out of the seventh game of the series, grounding out to third base.

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15.

Willie McGee's accomplishment marked an odd first in major league history, in which the batting champion for one league ended the season as a member of the other league.

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16.

On December 3,1990, Willie McGee signed a multi-year contract with the San Francisco Giants.

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17.

Willie McGee had one hit in four at-bats in the Cleveland Indians' Division Series sweep of Boston.

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18.

Willie McGee played his final game on October 3,1999, at age 40 and as the third-oldest player in the majors.

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19.

Season after his retirement as player, Willie McGee was honored with a special ceremony at Busch Memorial Stadium.

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20.

Willie McGee was inducted into the St Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame on August 16,2014.

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