. "I was like a kid on Christmas Eve who couldn't wait to open his presents," Stargell said of the mid-1970 move into Three Rivers. Beginning in 1975, after years of experimenting at the position, Stargell moved permanently to first base. Stargell. While standing in the batter's box, he would windmill his bat until the pitcher started his windup. He died on April 9, 2001, New Hanover Regional Medical Center. A 12 foot bronze statue of Stargell was erected in front of the Pirates PNC Park to honor one of the town's true sports legends. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987. Mr. Stargell said he opted to take the field. The former TaftStadium, completed in 1986, was renamed in Stargels honor. Thats part of the reason people were so upset when they first learned FC Cincinnati wanted to bulldoze Stargel Stadium and replace it with a new $250 million soccer stadium. Birthday: March 6, 1940. Updates? $5.85 shipping. He was 61. #inline-recirc-item--id-a4809f9c-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-a4809f9c-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { Stargell had more than 40 of each; he was the first player to chalk up this 40-40 accomplishment since Hank Greenberg in 1940; other players have done so since (notably Albert Belle, the only 50-50 player). In 1979 he won the regular season, NL championship series, and World Series Most Valuable Player awards en route to a second World Series championship. Stargell remains the oldest player to win an MVP award. Thats not enough to reopenher business somewhere else, she said. Besides, Willie's 19-year old daughter, Kelli filed a lawsuit against her father asking the court to continue the financial support even after her 21st birthday. No one disagreed over the name, but there was some disagreement over how to pronounce it, Jason said. Stargell reluctantly became the Pirates' leader upon Clemente's death in a Dec. 31, 1972, plane crash, saying, "There's a time in a man's life when he has to decide if he's going to be a man.". Stargell had been in failing health for several years due to a kidney disorder, according to officials at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C., where he died. Stargell was a seven-time All-Star and two-time NL home run leader. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 6 March. He stayed active in baseball by performing various coaching duties for the Pirates and for the Atlanta Braves. He remains the oldest player to win an MVP award. Willie Stargell, Pittsburgh Pirates Slugger, Dies at 61, https://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/09/obituaries/willie-stargell-pittsburgh-pirates-slugger-dies-at-61.html. Starting in 1981, sickle cell awareness and fundraising was gradually being assumed by The Sickle Cell Society Inc. At age 31, he won the first of his two home-run titles in 1971; his 48 edged out Hank Aaron's 47 on the final week of the season and, to date, trail only Ralph Kiner's 54 and 51 in 1949 and 1947, respectively, for most by a Pirate in one season. After hitting 32 homers uring a memorable regular season, Stargell had two more during an NL playoffs sweep of Cincinnati. Stargell continued to post excellent numbers in 1972 (.293, 33, 112) finishing third in MVP voting behind Johnny Bench and Billy Williams. No bother: I named Willie Stargell, Manny Sanguillen and Danny Murtaugh. Just as Clemente mentored him, Mr. Stargell said he tried to mentor other players. [1], Stargell was born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, but later moved to Florida with an aunt after his parents divorced. If you took the approach that is currently being taken regarding the use of steroids, these players were all cheaters as well. He also worked as a special baseball adviser to Pirates owner Kevin McClatchy, who called Stargell "the ultimate class act". Stargell enjoyed another fine season in 1970, batting .264 with 31 home runs and 85 RBIs and finishing 15th in MVP voting. "We molded together dozens of different individuals into one working force. He didnt hold a lot of resentment.. One day it was Willie Stargell. Born in Oklahoma on March 6, 1940, of African-American and Seminole Indian descent, Stargell himself listed the date as March 7, 1941. Also in the stands was 74-year-old Carl Ward, a Taft football legend and one of four players from the great 1960 team that went on to playin the NFL. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. They supported me when I was here, so I owe it to them to support them, said Ward, an All-American at Michigan and three-year pro. Willie Stargell had a career batting average of 0.282. [11] He retired with 475 home runs despite playing much of his career at Forbes Field, whose center field distance was 457 feet (139m). We were products of different races, were raised in different income brackets, but in the clubhouse and on the field we were one.". Stargell promptly did, the chicken was distributed - and Stargell sent Prince the bill. "We won, we lived and we enjoyed as one," Stargell said. Stargell never hit more than 33 homers in Forbes Field, but hit 48 in his first full season in Three Rivers in 1971 and had 125 from 1971-73 until knee and elbow injuries cut into his production. His 1963 rookie season was lackluster, but he enjoyed much more success the following season, his first as an everyday player. I guess it was the best part of my younger life - good teachers, good coaches and,most of all, good students. In the same game, teammate Bob Robertson also collected five hits, including a home run; not until Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones in 2012 would two Pirates collect five hits in the same game. Lodging for black players was located in the poor black areas of those towns. "We fought for those stars," former teammate Bill Robinson said Monday. [26], List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders, List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle, List of Major League Baseball home run records, List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders, List of Major League Baseball career total bases leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders, List of Major League Baseball players who spent their entire career with one franchise, "Willie Stargell at the Baseball Hall of Fame", "Biography: Stargell, Wilver Dornell (Willie, Pops)", "Obituary: Willie Stargell: Numbers couldn't measure the man", April 17, 1964 Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets Play by Play and Box Score, "September 30, 1978 Philadelphia Phillies at Pittsburgh Pirates Box Score and Play by Play", "Montreal Expos at Pittsburgh Pirates Box Score, October 3, 1982 | Baseball-Reference.com", "June 25, 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates at Philadelphia Phillies Box Score and Play by Play", "Stargell's star a lasting tribute; Blast is marking point for all hitters", "Stargell was Pirates' inspirational leader in '70s", "In a time of upheaval, a constant remains Chipper Jones", "Willie Stargell Gave Out Amphetamines, Dale Berra Testifies", "Stargell hospitalized, undergoing treatment", "100 Greatest Baseball Players by the Sporting News: A Legendary List by Baseball Almanac", "Willie Stargell: Numbers couldn't measure the man", "Sickle Cell Society Inc/Murray Irvis Genetic Disease Center: A History of Care", "The Williie Stargell Foundation Website", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Willie_Stargell&oldid=1132452504, September 16,1962,for thePittsburgh Pirates, October 3,1982,for thePittsburgh Pirates, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 8 January 2023, at 23:36. A lot of success.". Stargell reluctantly became the Pirates' leader upon Clemente's death in a Dec. 31, 1972, plane crash, saying, "There's a time in a man's life when he has to decide if he's going to be a man.". The season was scheduled to end in a dramatic, four-game showdown against the Phillies in Pittsburgh, in which the Pirates had to win all four games to claim the title. That was Stargel Stadium No. After hitting 32 homers during a memorable regular season, he had two more during an NL playoff sweep of Cincinnati. Terms of Use, Willie Stargell with his first wife and son. Stargell had been in failing health for several years due to a kidney disorder, according to officials at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C., where he died. Stargell's last game was on October 3, 1982 at Three Rivers Stadium against the Montreal Expos. 13 Copy quote. The stroke was one of many complications Stargell suffered as a result of a long history of high blood pressure. Despite being overshadowed at times by more prolific home run hitters Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, and by his own Hall of Fame teammate, Roberto Clemente, Stargell's sheer power was unrivaled. Wilver was 61 years old at the time of death. FC Cincinnati leadership saidthey're working with Williams and others about how to move forward. There's nothing I value more than the closeness of friends and family, a smile as I pass someone on the street. He hit the first home run at Shea Stadium in the first game played in that stadium on April 17, 1964. A disease doctors call the silent killer was ultimately responsible for the death of baseball great Willie Stargell. Despite playing the front half of his career in Forbes Field, a graveyard for left-handed hitters with a right-field power alley of 436 feet, Stargell averaged 24 homers from 1963-69. We can't be judged inadequate, he said, referring to racial prejudices. 11 Copy quote. He had problems with his kidneys for several years before his death. In addition to his NLCS and World Series MVP awards, Stargell finally took home the elusive MVP award (as co-winner along with St. Louis' Keith Hernandez) at the age of 39. "November the 19th. To get those stars from your leade and captain, that was special.". Years later, he said the nickname bestowed on that team -- the Family, from the Sister Sledge song, "We Are Family" -- wasn't a misnomer. [15], After retirement, Stargell spent two years as a first base coach for the Atlanta Braves from 19861988, wearing his customary #8. He never made anybody look bad and he never said anything bad about anybody. Chapman, a 5-3, 120-pound running back when he started playing football at Taft, said he earned a football scholarship at Northern Illinois thanks to Stargel. "My heart has not changed. He was born on March 6, 1940 Facts Top Questions Where was Willie Stargell born? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Willie Stargell Signed Autographed Perez Steele Celebration Postcard. Stargel finally got his first chance to teach high school when Taft opened in 1955. Too easy? In 1982, former teammate Steve Blass said of Stargell that, "Besides the records, stats and numbers, the thing that impressed me the most was that Willie conveyed to the fans how much fun he had playing the game.". Wilver Dornell Stargell (March 6, 1940 April 9, 2001), nicknamed "Pops" later in his career, was an American professional baseball left fielder and first baseman who spent all of his 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) (19621982) with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Willie Stargell, whose graceful class and towering home runs made him one of Pittsburgh's most beloved sports heroes, died early today after a long illness. Discover Willie Stargell's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. At one time, Stargell held the record for the longest home run in nearly half of the NL parks. He mistook the backfire from a car at a nearby rodeo for gunfire and his knees began to give way, he said, "But I went on to have a very good game.". He died on 9 April 2001 in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. Friday nights were our nights.. A 12-foot bronze statue of Willie Stargell was unveiled at the left field entrance to the Pirates new ballpark in Pittsburgh on Saturday. Willie Stargell's widow, Dolores, said she, her children and grandchildren were "completely blindsided'' by his second wife's decision to auction the Hall of Famer's memorabilia, including his . "I think it's an awesome tribute to Dad,"said Jason,a Cincinnati firefighter and former UC football star like his dad. He hit a second home run out of Dodger Stadium on May 8, 1973, against Andy Messersmith, measured at 470 feet (140m). Others honored in this issue were Ted Williams, Larry Doby, and Joe DiMaggio. On a minor-league assignment for a team in New Mexico, Mr. Stargell recalled that he had to sleep in a rank-smelling bait shop and miss meals that his white teammates could enjoy because of the racial climate of the time. Stargell enjoyed his best season in 1971, with 48 homers and 125 RBIs. Only 14 months later, Clemente was dead. Stargell, a beloved figure in Pittsburgh and elsewhere in baseball, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988. Nicknamed "Pops," Stargell was a dynamic leader on the field with his tape-measure shots and a fatherly yet forceful presence off it, distributing his coveted Stargell stars for extra effort to teammates who proudly attached them to their ballcaps. [7] He made his first of seven trips to the All-Star Game that year. I still miss him. Count that, too, as part of the legacy of Willard Stargel. In 1979, it was Stargell's turn to transform the World Series into a one-man act for an aging star. "When you had Willie Stargell on your team, it was like having a diamond ring on your finger," said Chuck Tanner, the Pirates' manager for Stargell's final six seasons. He didnt let it hold him down and he wouldnt allow his children or the kids under his care to fall prey to that degree that it pushes you down to where you cant overcome it.. Survivors include his wife of eight years, Margaret Weller-Stargell of Wilmington; four daughters, Precious Stargell and Dawn Stargell Moore, both of Atlanta, Wendy Stargell of Claremont, Calif., and Kelli Stargell of Herndon; a son, Wilver Jr., of Atlanta; his mother; a sister; and five grandchildren. Stargell was subjected to racism in the minor leagues, where an angry fan once confronted him with a shotgun, but quickly won them over with his power and personality. He was the 17th player voted in on the first ballot. Willie Stargell was born on 6 March 1940 in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, USA. What was Willie Stargell's batting average? Willie Stargell (Wilver Dornal Stargell) was born on 6 March, 1940 in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, USA, is an Actor. Stargell died yesterday of a stroke at age 61, and Pittsburgh mourned on a day that should have been set aside for glory, a day when the Pirates opened their new downtown ballpark featuring. "Now, every opening day at PNC Park, everybody will know this is Willie Stargell's day," said Chuck Tanner, Stargell's manager from 1977-82. "He's Pittsburgh baseball," said Stephen Reiser, among the fans passing by the new stadium. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed "We keep our fingers crossed. Willie Stargell was born on March 6, 1940. But before Willie was born, his dad skipped town. Jeff Berding, the soccer clubs president and general manager, knows growing pains exist. We have estimated In 1977, Stargell hit his 400th career home run on June 29 against the St. Louis Cardinals. I briefly described Steve Blass Disease, which I wrote about here in August, an affliction named for a Pirates starter of the early 1970s who, for no clear reason, lost his ability to pitch. "Around here in the West End, there is no other stadium except Stargel Stadium where the Blacks could look up to and say, 'Hey, I knew him, " said Sterling Trice, Taft Alumni Association president. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills at least 36, injures some 85, Garland to face Congress amid ongoing special counsel investigations, FBI chief says agency feels pandemic likely started with Chinese lab leak, House select committee hearing paints China as a strategic antagonist, JetBlue flight forced to abort landing in close call at Logan Airport, Three officers shot, standoff follows in Kansas City, Mo., police say, Vanessa Bryant, family settles claims over Kobe crash site photos for $28.5M, Bald eagle couple lays new egg after losing eaglets two years in a row, Lake Superior becomes hot spot for winter surfing. Stargell died in a Wilmington, North Carolina, hospital on April 9, 2001. But Berding saidthey're trying to retain the neighborhood's character and complexion. Later, he returned to Alameda, California, to live with his mother. Won, we lived and we enjoyed as one, '' former teammate bill said... 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