Willie McGee

About

Willie McGee was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 7th round (152nd overall) in 1976 out of Harry Ells High School in Richmond, California, but opted for Diablo Valley Community College instead. The New York Yankees selected him 15th overall in the 1977 January draft, where he played in their farm system from 1977-1981, reaching Class AA. Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Bob Sykes in October 1981, McGee briefly played for AAA Louisville Redbirds in 1982 before his MLB debut. Over 18 major league seasons (1982-1999), he accumulated 2,254 hits, won two NL batting titles, claimed the 1985 NL MVP award, and earned three Gold Glove Awards while playing primarily center and right field for the Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox. His expertise in outfield positioning and plate approach comes from a career highlighted by his legendary Game 3 performance in the 1982 World Series, where he hit two home runs and made a game-saving leaping catch to help St. Louis capture the championship.

Career