Frederick Stanley McGriff (born October 31, 1963) is a former American first baseman who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1986 to 2004 for six teams. Nicknamed “Crime Dog”, he was a top power hitter of the 1990s, with 80+ RBIs each season from 1988 to 2002.
He led both the AL (1989) and NL (1992) in home runs. A five-time All-Star, he won 1994 All-Star MVP with a game-tying pinch-hit homer. From 1989 to 1994, he ranked top ten in MVP voting yearly.
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Fred McGriff Net Worth
Fred McGriff has a net worth of $20 million and played for six MLB teams during his career. At his Baseball Hall of Fame press conference, McGriff recalled playing winter baseball in the Dominican Republic around his 1986 debut with the Toronto Blue Jays.
He called it the best decision of his career, gaining valuable at-bats against top pitchers like José Rijo and Mario Soto. McGriff encouraged young players to play winter ball, emphasizing its intensity and developmental value.
Early Life
McGriff was born in Tampa, Florida. His mother, Eliza, was a schoolteacher, and his father, Earl, was an electronics repairman. As a child, he spent time at Al Lopez Field during Cincinnati Reds spring training and worked as a vendor at Tampa Stadium.
He tried out for the Jefferson High School baseball team as a sophomore but was cut, later making the team after a growth spurt. He played alongside Al Pardo and gained attention by homering off Dwight Gooden of Hillsborough High with scouts watching. McGriff accepted a scholarship to play for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Career
McGriff signed with the New York Yankees after being selected in the 9th round of the 1981 amateur draft, receiving a $20,000 signing bonus. In 1982, the Yankees traded McGriff, Dave Collins, and Mike Morgan to the Toronto Blue Jays for Dale Murray and Tom Dodd. The deal is now seen as one of baseball’s most lopsided trades. In 2006, Rob Neyer noted its rarity, as few players of McGriff’s caliber are dealt before reaching the majors.
At the time, Don Mattingly blocked McGriff at first base, but the Yankees received little in return: Murray won just three games, and Dodd was released after the season. Before reaching the majors, Ted Williams noticed McGriff’s power during a spring training batting practice, impressed by the sound of the ball off his bat.
Personal life
McGriff married Veronica in 1988, and the couple raised two children. He lived in a custom-built home in Tampa from the mid-1990s until it was sold in 2019.
His father, Earl, died of cancer in November 1999, and his mother passed away in 2017.
In 1991, McGriff appeared in Tom Emanski’s Baseball Fundamentals commercials. The ads ran for over a decade on ESPN, becoming the longest-running sports infomercial on television.
Did Fred McGriff Win a Gold Glove?
While McGriff’s defensive skills were notable, he did not win a Gold Glove award. However, his career was marked by other significant achievements, including being a seven-time All-Star and winning a World Series championship.
Conclusion
Fred McGriff’s legacy in baseball is not just limited to his achievements on the field but also extends to his financial success it. With a net worth of $30 million, McGriff’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and strategic financial planning, making him a role model for aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
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FAQs about Fred McGriff
- What is Fred McGriff’s net worth?
Fred McGriff boasts a net worth of $30 million, accrued from his baseball career and subsequent ventures. - How many home runs did Fred McGriff hit in his career?
McGriff ended his career just 7 homers short of the 500 home run club, showcasing his power-hitting capabilities. - What teams did Fred McGriff play for?
McGriff played for several teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, and Chicago Cubs, among others. - What post-retirement roles has Fred McGriff undertaken?
Post-retirement, McGriff has served as an advisor for the Tampa Bay Rays and a co-host of The Baysball Show. - How did Fred McGriff earn the nickname “Crime Dog”?
McGriff’s nickname, “Crime Dog,” was inspired by his work in raising children’s awareness on crime prevention, paralleling the cartoon character McGruff.
