Cardinals History: St. Louis nabs Willie McGee from Yankees in franchise-altering move

It’s flashback season in the Lou, and on this day, in 1981, the Redbirds nabbed franchise icon Willie McGee from the New York Yankees. 

The Chicago White Sox originally drafted McGee in 1976. He didn’t sign, and eventually landed in the Bronx as a first-rounder the next year. 

The Cardinals collected the speedster for the mere price of pitcher Bob Sykes. 

Willie McGee became a Cardinals legend during his time in St. Louis

McGee, then 22, became a Red Jacket Redbird and was among the best “Whitey Ball” players to ever wear the Birds on the Bat. 

In his rookie year, Willie finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting and hit .292. The fleet-footed outfielder also gave fans a glimpse of his baserunning prowess with 29 swipes. 

McGee steadily improved in his second and third seasons, but it wasn’t until 1985 that he ascended from local legend to the national stage. 

His 1984 season was nothing to shrug at. Willie tossed up a 4.2 bWAR season with 43 steals like it was nothing. If a present-day Cardinal did the same, fans would riot for a contract extension. 

But in ‘85, Willie got tired of running. He dug into the batter's box and got comfortable. Always a solemn soul, McGee led the Cardinals by example as few could. 

In the 80s, Everyone Wanted to rule the World, but only one speedy outfielder could fit baseball’s individual throne. 

McGee earned an MVP award in 1985 by slashing an astounding .353/.384/.503. His OPS jumped from .719 the year before to .887, and he earned 8.2 bWAR. 

One of the greatest seasons in Cardinals’ history granted not only an MVP, but also an All-Star appearance, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and an NL pennant. 

McGee’s never been the type to play his own song. He dances down the first-base line and lets the fans do the cheering. And then, before you can grab a hot dog, Willie’s standing on third. 

The recent Cardinals fell out of their savvy ways, losing legitimate steps in the draft and development departments. That coincides with their sneaky trades that netted them countless franchise fixtures–including Willie.  

McGee’s career accolades ended up in a remarkable place: MVP (1985), 4x All-Star, 1982 World Series, 3x Gold Glove, 2x Batting Title, Silver Slugger. 

The San Francisco, CA, native brought his laid-back West Coast vibes to a gritty Midwest baseball giant. He’s since been immortalized in Cardinal lore with a Red Jacket and a position on the Cardinal coaching staff. 

McGee continues to better St. Louis baseball, long after the Redbirds liberated him from his Bronx beginnings. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow