Tim McCarver
From BR Bullpen
James Timothy McCarver
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 195 lb.
- High School Christian Brothers High School
- Debut September 10, 1959
- Final Game October 5, 1980
- Born October 16, 1941 in Memphis, TN USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Tim McCarver had a 21-year career as a catcher in the major leagues, finishing second in the MVP voting in 1967. He is one of the few players to play in the major leagues in four different decades. After his playing days he became a long-time broadcaster. He has been an analyst for 16 World Series, a record for American television.
He was a high school teammate of Phil Gagliano at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, TN.
McCarver signed a unique contract after the 1976 season. He was offered a job as broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Philadelphia Phillies countered with an offer to stay on as a player then have two years as a broadcaster after the 1977 season. McCarver stayed on the field through 1979 before moving to the booth but was also activated as a player at the end of 1980 in order to allow him to become a four-decade player. With the Phillies he was the personal catcher of future Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton (whom McCarver also caught as the starting catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1960's), while serving as a pinch-hitter on his days off from catching. McCarver also played for the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox. He served two stints each with the Cardinals and Phillies.
McCarver has the 9th most passed balls in the Modern Era, tied with Darrell Porter at 132.
He was a television broadcaster for the Phillies from 1980 to 1982, the New York Mets from 1983 to 1998, and the New York Yankees from 1999 to 2001.
- First Baseball Card appearance 1962 Topps
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2-time NL All-Star (1966 & 1967)
- NL Triples Leader (1966)
- Won two World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals (1964 & 1967)
