Ultimate CArdinals

Undoubtedly all the Cardinals delivered their best and had always been very vivacious. The players like Pepper Martin, or Whitey Herzog, Dizzy Dean, Joaquin Andujar, Ozzie Smith, Rogers Hornsby, Enos Slaughter, Dean, Bob Gibson, and Stan Musial were superstars of their era but the Ultimate Cardinal would have to be Willie McGee, who won two batting titles in the Cardinals jersey. Two of his worth mentioning virtues are his genuineness and down to earth attitude. The people of St. Louis always loved him for his sincerity.

Originally, McGee was acquired by the New York Yankees, but in 1982 became the Cardinals possession. McGee was acquired from the Yankees farm system in 1981 for pitcher Bob Sykes. As a 23 year old Rookie, he instantaneously took the Cardinals to the supremacy of success and became a Cardinals legend. In Game 3 of the 1982 series, he was exceptionally marvelous. He was called up to play in the World Series to replace injured outfielder David Green, and never looked back. He made two run-saving catches in the outfield. In one of them he made a super-human leap-and-stretch high over the County Stadium wall to garner a two-run home run.

He batted .296 through the rest of the season while swiping 24 bags, coming in third in the Rookie of the Year voting, as the Cardinals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. Though McGee was never stunning but most of the time he was awfully good. He won two batting titles, was a three time all-star, and a three-time gold glove winner, and he was a consistent performer in the clutch. He along with hitters like Ozzie Smith, Tom Herr and Vince Coleman assisted his team to reach the World Series twice more in the decade after their 1982 victory.

		In 1985 his league-leading .353 average was the highest in history for a switch-hitter and earned an MVP honor. He also set up other career highs with 114 runs, 56 stolen bases, and a league-leading 18 triples. His rapidity helped him to play with enormous range in the field. He also win three Gold Glove awards. Though he was condemned at times for his discrepancy due to lack of concentration at the plate, he established himself as one of the best outfielders of the 1980s. The McGee kingdom came to an eerie halt in 1990 when the improbable took place. McGee was traded to the Oakland Athletics for prospect Felix Jose and two other players. He helped the Athletics to improve their credentials and after a short span signed the San Francisco Giants.
In 1993, the inflammation in his upper back in July 1993 and a torn Achilles tendon in June 1994 greatly affected his rapidity and flexibility. Until 1995, McGee didn't return to the majors. In the meanwhile he signed a minor-league deal with the Boston Red Sox. Though this popular Cardinal had time with other teams, his heart was always in St. Louis, and he eventually returned there at the end of his career. In 1996, McGee came back to the Cardinals and played four more seasons in Cardinals jersey. Every time McGee came to bat the fans welcomed with a standing prolonged enthusiastic applause.