TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/28/2021 | Received: 5/9/2022 | 311 Days
- ’16 Topps, ’16 Topps Heritage
- Address: San Francisco Giants Team Address (MLB Team Address Resource)
The Story of the Autograph
Jake McGee’s career in Major League Baseball (MLB) is a testament to consistency, adaptability, and resilience. Known for his electric fastball and calm demeanor on the mound, McGee established himself as one of the most reliable left-handed relievers of his era. Over a career that spanned more than a decade, McGee played key roles on several teams, including a World Series championship squad, leaving a lasting legacy in the game he loves.
Jacob Daniel McGee was born on August 6, 1986, in San Jose, California. Growing up, McGee displayed a natural talent for baseball, particularly as a pitcher. His combination of size, athleticism, and a powerful arm made him a standout on his high school team at Edward C. Reed High School in Sparks, Nevada.
In 2004, McGee was drafted straight out of high school in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now Rays). Opting to forgo college, he began his professional career at just 18 years old. McGee quickly climbed the ranks in Tampa Bay’s farm system, showcasing his ability to strike out batters with his blazing fastball. Initially groomed as a starting pitcher, he excelled in the minors, but injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2008, temporarily derailed his progress.
After recovering, McGee transitioned to a bullpen role, a move that would define his career. The change allowed him to maximize his fastball velocity and focus on short bursts of dominance, paving the way for his ascent to the major leagues.
McGee made his MLB debut on September 14, 2010, for the Rays. By 2012, he had secured a regular spot in the Rays’ bullpen. He quickly became a key setup man and occasional closer, known for his ability to attack hitters with a high-spin fastball that was often clocked in the mid-to-upper 90s.
One of McGee’s best seasons came in 2014, when he posted a 1.89 ERA with 90 strikeouts over 71.1 innings. He also recorded 19 saves that year, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most effective relievers.
In 2016, McGee was traded to the Colorado Rockies as part of a deal that sent Corey Dickerson to Tampa Bay. Adjusting to the challenging pitching environment of Coors Field, McGee found mixed success during his four seasons in Colorado. After a rocky 2018 campaign, he bounced back in 2019, contributing as a dependable bullpen arm. His time with the Rockies also saw him evolve as a pitcher, relying more on location and pitch variation as he began to lose some velocity on his fastball.
McGee’s career hit a high note in 2020 when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the pandemic-shortened season, he revitalized his career by embracing an analytics-driven approach, using his fastball almost exclusively and attacking hitters in the strike zone. He finished the season with a sparkling 2.66 ERA and 33 strikeouts in just 20.1 innings. More importantly, he was part of the Dodgers team that captured the 2020 World Series title, marking the pinnacle of his career.
In 2021, McGee signed with the San Francisco Giants, where he served as the team’s closer for much of the season. He recorded 31 saves and a 2.72 ERA, helping the Giants achieve a franchise-record 107 wins. His veteran presence and reliability were key components of the team’s success. McGee’s final MLB seasons included brief stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals in 2022 before retiring.
Jake McGee’s career stands out for its longevity and adaptability. Over 13 seasons, he appeared in 650 games, posting a career ERA of 3.71 with 79 saves and over 600 strikeouts. He will be remembered as a pitcher who thrived in high-leverage situations and continually adjusted his game to remain effective. His World Series title with the Dodgers and his leadership during the Giants’ 2021 season are highlights of a remarkable journey.
Since retiring, McGee has remained connected to the game, occasionally participating in youth baseball clinics and mentoring young pitchers. Known for his humility and approachable nature, he has become a positive role model for aspiring athletes. Away from baseball, McGee enjoys spending time with his family and exploring outdoor activities, a reflection of his down-to-earth personality.
Jake McGee’s baseball career is a story of perseverance, evolution, and success at the highest levels of the game. From a promising prospect to a seasoned veteran and World Series champion, McGee exemplified the qualities of resilience and adaptability that define great athletes.
His legacy as a dependable reliever and team player will endure, inspiring future generations to embrace challenges and chase their dreams with passion and determination.
The Score on Jake McGee – 6.5
When Jake signs it really only looks like he is signing “JJ”. I know that’s actually the “J” and “g” in his names, but that’s what it looks like to me. He doesn’t have much to his signature but he does sign pretty big. One thing I like about these is that he used the same marker, but it looks blue on one and almost purple on the other, perfect for those team colors.
Thanks Mr. McGee! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
This is my third successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.