Gil McDougald
From BR Bullpen
Gilbert James McDougald
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 180 lb.
- School University of San Francisco
- Debut April 20, 1951
- Final Game October 2, 1960
- Born May 19, 1928 in San Francisco, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
An extremely versatile player, Gil McDougald excelled defensively at second, third, and shortstop over a ten year career with the New York Yankees. Manager Casey Stengel used this versatility to plug McDougald into whatever hole in the lineup he had that season or to find the most favorable matchup among his middle infielders on a given day. Offensively, Gil was never a powerhouse player but he had no real weaknesses. He hit for a solid average, displayed good power for a middle infielder, and had a solid batting eye.
Before coming to the majors, McDougald spent three years in the minors, hitting at least .336 at each stop. He made a bang with his major league debut in 1951, winning the 1951 American League Rookie of the Year Award and finishing ninth in the MVP voting. Mickey Mantle was also a rookie on the 1951 New York Yankees, while Joe DiMaggio was in his last season in the majors.
McDougald appeared in eight World Series during his ten years with the Yankees, hitting seven home runs in Series play. The Yanks won five of the eight Series.
He was seventh in the MVP voting in 1956 and fifth in 1957. He was primarily a shortstop both seasons, after having played no shortstop previously in the majors.
He retired rather than be traded to the Washington Senators. After baseball he ran a company for over 30 years and was coach at Fordham University.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1950 MVP Texas League Beaumont Roughnecks
- 1951 AL Rookie of the Year Award
- 5-time AL All-Star (1952 & 1956-1959)
- AL Triples Leader (1957)
- Won five World Series with the New York Yankees (1951, 1952, 1953, 1956 & 1958)
| AL Rookie of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 1951 | 1952 |
| Walt Dropo | Gil McDougald | Harry Byrd |
