Hal McRae
Freed from a logjam on the Cincinnati Reds bench, Hal McRae found a home with the Kansas City Royals. He became the first player to make a career out of being a full-time designated hitter, and retired with nearly every record for that position. He passed his aggressive baserunning on to George Brett and others on the Royals, and helped the team to seven post-season appearances, six division titles, two pennants, and their only World Series title. He paced the American League in doubles and RBI in 1982. He graduated from clubhouse leader to team manager: guiding the Royals for parts of four seasons in the early 1990s with mixed success.
Played For
Cincinnati Reds (1968-1972)
Kansas City Royals (1973-1987)
Managed
Kansas City Royals (1991-1994)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2001-2002)
All-Time Rankings
Hal McRae ranks #7 among the Top 50 all-time at DH. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1982
Born
Harold Abraham McRae was born on July 10, 1945, in Avon Park, FL.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: DH
Primary Team: KCA
College: Florida A&M
Major League Debut
July 11, 1968
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1968
Ted Simmons
Al Oliver
Hal McRae
Dusty Baker
Richie Hebner
Bobby Bonds
Rollie Fingers
Andy Messersmith
Freddie Patek
Family Tree
His son, Brian McRae played for him in Kansas City. Brian didn't have the power or batting ability of his father, but was faster and a better defensive outfielder.
Related Players
George Brett, Brian McRae
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1993 |
BBWAA |
0 |
% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1970 World Series
1970 National League Championship Series
1972 World Series
1972 National League Championship Series
1976 American League Championship Series
1977 American League Championship Series
1978 American League Championship Series
1980 American League Championship Series
1980 World Series
1981 American League Division Playoffs
1984 American League Championship Series
1985 American League Championship Series
1985 World Series
All-Star Selections
1975 AL
1976 AL
1982 AL
Learn More about Hal McRae
Search Amazon.com for Books about Hal McRae ⇒
Search for Hal McRae at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
