TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/20/2022 | Received: 5/31/2022 | 11 Days
- ’77 Topps, ’81 Fleer (2), ’82 Fleer
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Dave McKay is a name synonymous with passion, consistency, and longevity in the world of baseball. From his playing days as a versatile infielder to his decades-long career as a respected coach, McKay’s impact on the game extends far beyond the field. His career is a testament to his dedication and love for baseball, making him a cherished figure in the sport.
David Lawrence McKay was born on March 14, 1950, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in British Columbia, McKay developed a passion for baseball, which was not as popular in Canada as hockey. Despite the challenges, McKay excelled, eventually earning a scholarship to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. McKay’s performance at Creighton caught the attention of Major League scouts, and he was signed as an amateur free agent by the Minnesota Twins in 1971.
McKay made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins on August 22, 1975. As a utility infielder, he quickly demonstrated his ability to play multiple positions, providing depth to the team. While he wasn’t known for his offensive prowess, his defensive versatility made him a valuable asset.
In 1977, McKay became a part of history when he was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the expansion draft. As a member of the inaugural Blue Jays team, McKay played a crucial role in establishing the franchise. He hit the first triple in team history and was a reliable presence on the field during the team’s formative years.
McKay joined the Oakland Athletics in 1980, where he played his final three seasons. His steady glove and leadership were assets to the team, even as his playing time began to decrease. He retired as a player after the 1982 season, having appeared in 645 MLB games with a .229 batting average, 21 home runs, and 170 RBI.
After retiring as a player, McKay transitioned seamlessly into coaching, where he found his true calling. Known for his attention to detail and ability to connect with players, he became one of the most respected coaches in the game.
Some of his coaching highlights include:
• Oakland Athletics: McKay began his coaching career with the Athletics, working alongside legendary manager Tony La Russa. He was instrumental in helping the A’s win three consecutive American League pennants (1988–1990) and the 1989 World Series.
• St. Louis Cardinals: When La Russa moved to the Cardinals, McKay followed, serving as the team’s first base coach. His tenure with the Cardinals included two World Series championships (2006 and 2011) and solidified his reputation as an elite coach.
• Arizona Diamondbacks: McKay joined the Diamondbacks as their first base coach in 2014, bringing his wealth of experience and passion for player development to the organization.
Throughout his coaching career, McKay became known for his expertise in baserunning and defensive positioning. He also gained recognition for his work with outfielders, helping players maximize their potential.
Dave McKay’s contributions to baseball extend beyond the wins and championships. His mentorship and ability to inspire players have left a lasting legacy in every organization he’s been a part of. Off the field, McKay has remained connected to his Canadian roots and has been an advocate for the growth of baseball in Canada. He has been involved in various initiatives to promote the sport and has been a role model for aspiring Canadian players.
Dave McKay’s journey through baseball is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. From his humble beginnings in Vancouver to his influential coaching roles in the major leagues, McKay has left an indelible mark on the sport.
As a player, coach, and mentor, he exemplifies what it means to dedicate one’s life to the game. His story is a reminder of the enduring power of passion and the impact one individual can have on an entire sport.
The Score on Dave McKay – 7.0
Dave has a pretty solid signature. I think I would say there’s some “space” to it. I guess I mean that it is not super-defined. But that said, I think you can recognize it as his. The best one of these for me is the 1977 Topps card because the blue marker works well and the signature gets to show off. The 1982 Fleer card didn’t come out well though.
Thanks Mr. McKay! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first successful return, check out my post from November 2020.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.