and then put McGee, in the prime of his career, fifth in the batting order.
McGee responded with a 105-RBI season.
After Herzog retired in 1990, the new Cardinals management traded the fan-favorite to Oakland, a move met with negative reactions. However, he did not last long in Oakland, soon going to San Francisco for the next four seasons. In that span, he notched 483 hits and a .301 batting average.
His career never wavered or declined sharply, and it was a welcomed addition in 1996 when he returned home to St. Louis, as he finished out his career with the team he began it with. The plate appearances dropped, but the heart and effort remained.
Overall in his 18-year career, McGee hit 79 home runs, 2254 hits, 350 doubles, 94 triples, 856 RBI’s, stole 352 bases, and a career average of .295.
What we’re here to find out is: should he be in Cooperstown?
His number has never been officially retired (though you can check this article I wrote regarding that issue. But when the fans had the choice of the first choice of their own into the Cardinals Hall of Fame, none other than McGee was the first choice.
If there were a record for most curtain calls in baseball, he’d definitely be in the top five. His impact on a revolutionary style of baseball was exceptional, but unfortunately for him the stats do not line up as well with his contemporaries at the same position.
It’s a tough call to make, but even if he is not Cooperstown worthy, he’s in the Cardinals Hall of Fame, and in the hearts of millions forever.
