I’ve been a Cardinals fan since the day I was born on September 22nd 1982. Obviously Willies rookie year. He’s been my favorite player my entire life and still is to this day! There will never be another player to wear the Birds on the Bat like Willie McGee! I don’t know why I watch this because every single time I do I start to cry. I know he will never see this, but I love you Willie McGee!!! You’re the best! ❤️⚾️❤️⚾️❤️⚾️❤️⚾️❤️⚾️
Love ya Willie you are a true gentle spirit. One of the best attitudes an athlete can have. Thanks for your friendship, and the tickets to see you play in the World Series championship 1982' Love ya friend, Carla White
The thing I always remembered about McGee was his walk back to the dugout whenever he struck out. Head down, not a word to the umpire, he seemed genuinely discouraged that he struck out, almost like a little leaguer. That told me he cared about each at bat and wanted to do what he could every time at the plate.
What a great Cardinal. He gave everything he could to the ballclub and if he wasn't 100% genuine, the city wouldn't have loved him so much. There's an entire generation of Cards fans for whom he will always be our favorite Cardinal.
Yes...Amen to Willie McGee#51. I remembered ripping open a pack of cards as a kid in the early 80s.. and getting his card...exciting times! All hustle and humbleness! Guys today...?? Hardly ever see it. Sad. Really sad. Lord...bring back to the great game...guys like Willie McGee. We need them!! Thank you....
They don't win the championship in 1982 without Willie. He is arguably the best player in that entire series. It was a pleasure watching him play and when he was traded in 1990 I was shocked but was glad to see him return to the Cardinals in 1996. What a career Willie McGee had.
The first " official " and " authentic " jersey that I ever owned is #51 McGee . That was many years ago and I still wear it to this day . A bit of a good luck charm I suppose . I was at this final game and at a Willie McGee day a few years later at the old Busch Stadium . There have been at least two Willie McGee celebrations since at the new stadium and he still elicits genuine love , respect , and admiration from Cardinal Nation . Only Jack Buck and Stan Musial received that much love .
Willie McGee is a really cool person he's not stuck up or conceded like most players he went to my job bought some things and when i asked for a autograph he smiled and said no problem .. It said (god luck god bless willie McGee)
Back when I was growing up, Willie McGee was my baseball idol...he was a special player, terrific CF, electrifying speed, good switch hitter...at the very least, should be in Cardinals Hall of Fame, his #51 should be retired, and given more consideration for baseball Hall of Fame
When one considers all of the great players that spent most of their career playing for the Redbirds, Willie McGee is one of the most beloved. As a rookie he was a major contributor as the Cardinals went on to beat the Brewers in the 7 game 1982 World Series. If one was never fortunate enough to watch Willie leg out a triple all this fan can say is that it was a feat of beauty.
I remember how he swung at everything, never worked the count, chased every pitch... and still hit and got on more than most players. He had a humble body language. he was always hungry as he stole bases and made outstanding catches with lightening speed. But, somehow he seemed apologetic as he did it, respecting his opponents, respecting the game. He rarely, if ever, made enemies or lost his temper.
The Lord blessed me to be able to watch Willie's very first major league at bat, his entire career and his final at bat as well. He will always be my favorite Cardinal, and there may never be another ball player who wears the birds on the bat better than Willie did.
My first trip to Busch Stadium as a liflelong fan was in '82 when the Cards were playing Atlanta in the playoffs..McGee hit a triple and I never saw a guy get to third as fast as Willie did! He was very humble and kind. These kind of players are rare.
the greatest Harry Ells high school alumni, he was couple years ahead of me but I'd see him all the time, his mom lived right around the corner from my house in Richmond Ca.
I remember crying like a baby when he got traded to the Athletics. it gives me goosebumps now just thinking about it. My mom was watching me with a WTF look on her face. Goosebumps
Andrew West well....they were really good in the 80s. They were running and hitting everybody it seems. I actually met Daryl Strawberry in an Applebees here in St Louis about 4 years ago. Pretty nice guy.
lifelong Cardinals fan. to this day I cannot understand why #51 isnt on the outfield wall with the rest of the retired numbers. i cant imagine them reissuing it - it would cause riots. pay Willie his due respect already and RETIRE 51!
They actually did give the number out to pitcher Bud Smith in 2001. The fan outcry was immediate and Smith switched to #52 after only a few games. No Cardinal has worn the number since.
When the DeWitt group bought the team, they decided only HOF players would get their number retired. (Boyer is the only one not in). When you have as many great players as the Cards have had, you have to draw the line somewhere. I think an exception for Willie would be warranted because he was literally loved so much by the fans. At least it appears to be "unofficially" retired. Actually Willie is wearing 51 for the Cards as a coach now. At least he was when we used to have baseball.
As a Cubs fan when I was a kid, I absolutely HATED Willie McGee, Tommy Herr and Jose Oquendo because they never gave my formerly-beloved Cubbies a break. However, when they weren't playing the Cubs, I was among their biggest fans, particularly Willie. He was just a tough player who seemed to do it all the right way. I tried to mimic his style quite often. Glad to see the Cards brought him back into the fold.
I agree. I'll never forget Game 3 of the '82 Series. I used to sit in the bleachers at Busch Stadium just to watch him patrol CF. Great player, great guy... And we stole him from the Yankees, too!
Why not HOF? He is the only player to have enough at bats in one league and get traded and still win a batting title. Got robbed of the rookie of the year. Batted 365.in 85. World Champion. All Star. Class act. HOF!
Willie got traded in August 1990 when he was leading the NL in batting. It was and still is amazing that he won the batting title that season despite the trade.
Willie's a class act and I loved him as a player, but he is a far cry from a hall of famer.... Only 1010 career runs scored...career .333 OBP and only 523 extra base hits. His 1985 MVP season was fantastic, but he never even came close in any other year. You take away 1985 from his body of work and McGee is pretty much a journeyman,
.295 career ba. That’s better the. A few HOF. Don’t forget the season he won the national league betting title AFTER he got traded to Boston. And finished top ten in American League too
A class act always
I’ve been a Cardinals fan since the day I was born on September 22nd 1982. Obviously Willies rookie year. He’s been my favorite player my entire life and still is to this day! There will never be another player to wear the Birds on the Bat like Willie McGee! I don’t know why I watch this because every single time I do I start to cry. I know he will never see this, but I love you Willie McGee!!! You’re the best! ❤️⚾️❤️⚾️❤️⚾️❤️⚾️❤️⚾️
I was 10 years old in 1982. That year Willie McGee became my favorite player of all time. Great player and a class act.
Same along w Ricky Henderson but mcgee was class!
I am a die hard Cub fan and still enjoyed Willie McGee truly a great player and classy guy.
same here. Nothing but love for McGee and Ozzie
A very humble, great player, and a good Man! Your the best Willie!!
Reds and Blue Jays fan but loved this guy. All class.
Love ya Willie you are a true gentle spirit. One of the best attitudes an athlete can have. Thanks for your friendship, and the tickets to see you play in the World Series championship 1982'
Love ya friend,
Carla White
Willie was a great human being !! So pleasant so humble !!! Sports in general need more Willie Mcgee's in their organizations !!
The thing I always remembered about McGee was his walk back to the dugout whenever he struck out. Head down, not a word to the umpire, he seemed genuinely discouraged that he struck out, almost like a little leaguer. That told me he cared about each at bat and wanted to do what he could every time at the plate.
What a great Cardinal. He gave everything he could to the ballclub and if he wasn't 100% genuine, the city wouldn't have loved him so much. There's an entire generation of Cards fans for whom he will always be our favorite Cardinal.
So many great players named Willie. McGee was definitely one of the best for sure.
Yes...Amen to Willie McGee#51. I remembered ripping open a pack of cards as a kid in the early 80s.. and getting his card...exciting times! All hustle and humbleness! Guys today...?? Hardly ever see it. Sad. Really sad. Lord...bring back to the great game...guys like Willie McGee. We need them!! Thank you....
He is one of my favorites of all time God bless willie mcgee
They don't win the championship in 1982 without Willie. He is arguably the best player in that entire series. It was a pleasure watching him play and when he was traded in 1990 I was shocked but was glad to see him return to the Cardinals in 1996. What a career Willie McGee had.
Absolute 100% total class.
One of my all time favorite players.
Class act!
A true gentleman .... truly!
The first " official " and " authentic " jersey that I ever owned is #51 McGee . That was many years ago and I still wear it to this day . A bit of a good luck charm I suppose .
I was at this final game and at a Willie McGee day a few years later at the old Busch Stadium . There have been at least two Willie McGee celebrations since at the new stadium and he still elicits genuine love , respect , and admiration from Cardinal Nation . Only Jack Buck and Stan Musial received that much love .
NOVEMBER 2nd 1958 A STAR WAS BORN!
Willie McGee is a really cool person he's not stuck up or conceded like most players he went to my job bought some things and when i asked for a autograph he smiled and said no problem .. It said (god luck god bless willie McGee)
thanks for putting this up. I'm a diehard Yankees fan but my favorite player of all time is Willie McGee.
So much class in one man, sorely missed in today's sports. God bless you Willie! I count it privilege to have watched you play.
I Love willie, miss you
Willie McGee was a silent leader. Damn shame at how underrated he is
McGee was one of my favorite ballplayers back in the 80’s. He wasn’t much of a power hitter , but gave you an occasional home run when needed.
Back when I was growing up, Willie McGee was my baseball idol...he was a special player, terrific CF, electrifying speed, good switch hitter...at the very least, should be in Cardinals Hall of Fame, his #51 should be retired, and given more consideration for baseball Hall of Fame
Lifelong Yankee and Cub fan that wants to give something to Mr. McGee. RESPECT.
Lifelong Met fan but much respect to Mr. McGee.
McGee=Class
Willie McGee was humble. And because of the humility there was so much space for his great character traits, talent, effort and success!
As a youngster and growing up a Cardinals fan living here in Chicago I remember listening to KMOX 1120 with my Dad cheering for Willie " Go Willie "
When one considers all of the great players that spent most of their career playing for the Redbirds, Willie McGee is one of the most beloved. As a rookie he was a major contributor as the Cardinals went on to beat the Brewers in the 7 game 1982 World Series. If one was never fortunate enough to watch Willie leg out a triple all this fan can say is that it was a feat of beauty.
Amen to this....
Never a Cards fan, but I loved Willie McGee
Willie was a great Cardinal. It all came together in 1985, MVP, batting title etc.. He will always be one of the most beloved St. Louis Cardinals.
#51 should be retired
I remember how he swung at everything, never worked the count, chased every pitch... and still hit and got on more than most players. He had a humble body language. he was always hungry as he stole bases and made outstanding catches with lightening speed. But, somehow he seemed apologetic as he did it, respecting his opponents, respecting the game. He rarely, if ever, made enemies or lost his temper.
The Lord blessed me to be able to watch Willie's very first major league at bat, his entire career and his final at bat as well. He will always be my favorite Cardinal, and there may never be another ball player who wears the birds on the bat better than Willie did.
My first trip to Busch Stadium as a liflelong fan was in '82 when the Cards were playing Atlanta in the playoffs..McGee hit a triple and I never saw a guy get to third as fast as Willie did!
He was very humble and kind. These kind of players are rare.
That was Willie ill take him on my team
Really love too see McGee play
the greatest Harry Ells high school alumni, he was couple years ahead of me but I'd see him all the time, his mom lived right around the corner from my house in Richmond Ca.
True class !
I remember crying like a baby when he got traded to the Athletics. it gives me goosebumps now just thinking about it. My mom was watching me with a WTF look on her face. Goosebumps
As a mets fan, I hated the Cardinals of the 80's...but I definitely respected their players...willie was amazing and I miss the way they played then
Andrew West well....they were really good in the 80s. They were running and hitting everybody it seems. I actually met Daryl Strawberry in an Applebees here in St Louis about 4 years ago. Pretty nice guy.
p.s. Class move by the Cubs 1st. base coach . Genuine respect .
One of my favorite players of all time !!
McGee, Smith, and Herr! The Unforgettables!
lifelong Cardinals fan. to this day I cannot understand why #51 isnt on the outfield wall with the rest of the retired numbers. i cant imagine them reissuing it - it would cause riots. pay Willie his due respect already and RETIRE 51!
TOTALLY AGREE!!!
They actually did give the number out to pitcher Bud Smith in 2001. The fan outcry was immediate and Smith switched to #52 after only a few games. No Cardinal has worn the number since.
When the DeWitt group bought the team, they decided only HOF players would get their number retired. (Boyer is the only one not in). When you have as many great players as the Cards have had, you have to draw the line somewhere.
I think an exception for Willie would be warranted because he was literally loved so much by the fans. At least it appears to be "unofficially" retired. Actually Willie is wearing 51 for the Cards as a coach now. At least he was when we used to have baseball.
unfortunately I'm a Mets fan but I loved willie McGee back in the day
From the bay area, love ya willie!!
As a Cubs fan when I was a kid, I absolutely HATED Willie McGee, Tommy Herr and Jose Oquendo because they never gave my formerly-beloved Cubbies a break. However, when they weren't playing the Cubs, I was among their biggest fans, particularly Willie. He was just a tough player who seemed to do it all the right way. I tried to mimic his style quite often. Glad to see the Cards brought him back into the fold.
Yes he was a great one
Hall of famer. He had everything baseball wanted.Him n Vince were a weapon
I’m a Cubs fan… But I love William McGee. Great ballplayer… Borderline Hall of Famer
We need guys like Mcgee to return. Hit it the other way. you Cant use the shift on skilled contact hitters. There are so few of them today.
One of the greatest Cardinals ever.
All these years later and he's still a Cardinal, that's how it goes in Stl.
I agree. I'll never forget Game 3 of the '82 Series. I used to sit in the bleachers at Busch Stadium just to watch him patrol CF. Great player, great guy... And we stole him from the Yankees, too!
He was a great one!!!
I also is a Big time Cubs fan Wish he did play for the Cubs at one point
he so cool to me
He was a good Giant for a few years too. Class act.
Why not HOF? He is the only player to have enough at bats in one league and get traded and still win a batting title. Got robbed of the rookie of the year. Batted 365.in 85. World Champion. All Star. Class act. HOF!
Willie got traded in August 1990 when he was leading the NL in batting. It was and still is amazing that he won the batting title that season despite the trade.
i live a mile away from him.
see him catch up to many a ball i didn't think he had a shot at! from right field bleachers. thanks for the memories!
willie was an excellent ballplayer and a joy to watch
Quiet humility. The kind of guy you want your daughter to marry.
"Not a hall of famer."
... Why not? Take a look at his stats. I'd say he's pretty deserving.
Jeremy Bates he is a hall of famer now
Willie's a class act and I loved him as a player, but he is a far cry from a hall of famer....
Only 1010 career runs scored...career .333 OBP and only 523 extra base hits.
His 1985 MVP season was fantastic, but he never even came close in any other year. You take away 1985 from his body of work and McGee is pretty much a journeyman,
@@nancydenton7496 2 batting titles, 350 plus stolen bases and 1 MVP. The Hall of the very good, and one of the best men to ever play the game.
.295 career ba. That’s better the. A few HOF. Don’t forget the season he won the national league betting title AFTER he got traded to Boston. And finished top ten in American League too
My cousin Deano
Retire 51.
He's my hitting coach
Fastest ever from first to home.
Close. But the fastest runner from first to home was the other Willie. Willie Davis of the Los Angeles Dodgers. There was no one faster!
I remember those fellas turned a LOT of double plays!!
hall of famer had everything baseball wanted just to many to choose back then but he should be in the him n Vince we're a weapon
Not a hall of famer?!!
His heart is in San Francisco! Miss watching him at candlestick park. Hard worker
Workin' part time at a five-and-dime... my boss was ____
Nice
He's my coach haha
Man, this gave me a rush of feelings. 🥹