Dave Winfield, the hard-hitting, Gold Glove outfielder who put together a Hall of Fame career with the San Diego Padres, the New York Yankees, the California Angels and the Toronto Blue Jays In his career, Winfield racked up 3,110 hits, 5,221 total bases, 465 home runs, and 1,833 RBIs. It was a performance good enough to make him a first ballot Hall of Famer in 2002. As a player and now a baseball executive, Winfield is known for his charitable concerns, with his Dave Winfield Foundation dedicated to helping underprivileged children. In 1994, he won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1994 for his humanitarian activities.
Professional baseball player.
Played for the National Leagues San Diego Padres ; and for the Americal Leagues New York Yankees (1981-1990), California Angels (1990-1991), Toronto Blue Jays , Minnesota Twins (1993-1994), and Cleveland Indians.
Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, 2001.
Dave was drafted by four teams in three different sports in 1973. They were the San Diego Padres in baseball, the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA and the Utah Stars of the ABA, and the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL even though he never played college football.
12-time All-Star.
He never played in the minors.
He played primarily in right field and was known for his cannon arm.
He was unfairly dubbed by Yankee owner George Steinbrenner "Mr. May" for his poor World Series play in 1981.
He won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1994 for his humanitarian activities.
His Dave Winfield Foundation helps underprivileged kids.
In 1983, he accidentally killed a seagull with a throw in Toronto.
Master of over-the-wall catches.
One of only seven players to have 3,000 hits and 400 homers.
Seven-time Gold Glove winner.
Outfielder/Designated Hitter for the San Diego Padres , New York Yankees (1981-1988 and 1990), California Angels (1990-1991), Toronto Blue Jays , Minnesota Twins (1993-1994) and Cleveland Indians.
Highest paid player in MLB in 1985 earning $1,795,704.
2,973 Games (10th All Time), 11,003 At Bats (8th All Time), 1,669 Runs (27th All Time), 3,110 Hits (19th All Time), 5,221 Total Bases (11th All Time), 540 Doubles (22nd All Time), 465 Home Runs (25th All Time), 1,833 RBI (13th All Time), 1,216 Walks (44th All Time), 1,686 Strikeouts (18th All Time), 1,093 Extra-Base Hits (16th All Time) and 4,351 Times on Base (22nd All Time).
Finished in top 10 in voting for National League MVP in 1978-1979. Finished in top 10 for American League MVP in 1981, 1983-1984, 1988 and 1992.
Member of 1981 American League Champion New York Yankees team. Member of 1992 World Series Champion Toronto Blue Jays team. Member of 1995 American League Champion Cleveland Indians team.
Named to 4 National League All Star Teams (1977-1980) and 8 American League All Star Teams (1981-1988).
2 time National League Gold Glove Award Winner as Outfielder (1979-1980). 5 time American League Gold Glove Award Winner as Outfielder (1982-1985 and 1987).
Sued George M. Steinbrenner III for failing to pay the Winfield Foundation the $300,000 guaranteed in his contract. Steinbrenner paid Howie Spira, a gambler, $40,000 for dirt on his outfielder. On 30 July 1990, Commissioner Fay Vincent banned Steinbrenner for life from running the New York Yankees. Two years later, Vincent allowed him to return for the 1993 season.
While warming up before the 5th inning of a game at Torontos Exhibition Stadium, he accidentally killed a seagull with a thrown ball. Winfield doffed his cap in mock sorrow, and drew laughs. After the game, he was brought to the Ontario Provincial Police station on charges of cruelty to animals and was forced to post a $500 bond before being released. Quipped Yankees manager Billy Martin, "Its the first time hes hit the cutoff man." The charges were dropped the following day. "I am truly sorry that a fowl of Canada is no longer with us," Winfield told the press. (4 August 1983)
Children: twins David and Arielle with wife Tonya; Shanel by former flight attendant Sandra Renfro.
Born on the day of Bobby Thomsons famous "Shot Heard Round the World" that won the 1951 pennant for the New York Giants.
(September 2001) Executive VP for the San Diego Padres
You know what you have, you know what he has, then you try to work it,out.
I never had to cheat, I get them with what I got.
These days baseball is different. You come to spring training, you get,your legs ready, you arms loose, your agents ready, your lawyer lined,up. .
