Drafted by the New York Yankees on June 8, 1981, in the ninth round of free-agent draft, McGriff played for the Toronto Blue Jays, 1982-90; San Diego Padres, 1990-93; Atlanta Braves, 1993-97; and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 1998. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022.
Fred McGriff’s ability to hit home runs has amazed and delighted baseball fans throughout his career. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays first baseman will start his 15th year in baseball at the start of the 2000 season. In that time, he has compiled career statistics that are comparable to those achieved by players enshrined in Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame. McGriff has enjoyed a career that many major league baseball players only dream of, while conducting himself with a calm professionalism.
Taken in the ninth round of the free agent draft by the New York Yankees in 1981, McGriff was traded the following year to the Toronto Blue Jays. That transaction marked the beginning of his workmanlike approach to professional baseball. He toiled in the minor leagues for six seasons, averaging .249 and demonstrating a potential for greatness. After paying his dues in the minors, McGriff eventually graduated to the big leagues. He would quickly make the most of this opportunity.
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