display: block; "The whole family was just so excited when the Taft alumni suggested that the stadium, Taft Stadium, be named Willard Stargel.". "My heart has not changed. So, how much is Willie Stargell worth at the age of 61 years old? [8] He finished out the decade with a strong performance in 1969 (.307, 29 HR, 92 RBI), and finished 21st in MVP voting. UC won, but it was a tainted victory to say the least. Later, he returned to Alameda, California, to live with his mother. $5.85 shipping. As per some sources, the duo dated for a while and later got married. Stargell attended high school in California, where he attracted the attention of Pirates scouts and was signed to a minor league contract. He was the first minor-league hitting coach for Chipper Jones. Rather than leave Stargel home, UCs president turned down the invitation, but the board of trustees overruled him and sent the team instead. At his urging as captain, the team adopted the Sister Sledge hit song "We Are Family" as the team anthem. [15], After retirement, Stargell spent two years as a first base coach for the Atlanta Braves from 19861988, wearing his customary #8. We can't be judged inadequate, he said, referring to racial prejudices. He was married to Margaret Weller, Dolores Parker and Lois Beard. The first player to ever hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium is Pittsburgh Pirates legend Willie Stargell. Willie Stargell, 61, a hulking fixture of the Pittsburgh Pirates teams that won World Series championships in 1971 and 1979 and a baseball Hall of Famer who demoralized pitchers with towering. If you took the approach that is currently being taken regarding the use of steroids, these players were all cheaters as well. [8], In the 1985 trial of alleged cocaine dealer Curtis Strong, Stargell was accused by Dale Berra and John Milner (both former Pirates teammates) of distributing "greenies" (amphetamines) to players. On April 7, 2001, two days before Stargell died, a larger-than-life statue of him was unveiled at the Pirates' new stadium, PNC Park, as part of the opening-day ceremonies. Willie Stargell is a MLB baseball player. Trying to hit Sandy Koufax was like trying to drink coffee with a fork. 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. How many home runs did Willie Stargell hit? Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Willie Stargell was born on 6 March 1940 in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, USA. #inline-recirc-item--id-a4809f9c-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { The Pirates retired his #8 Jersey. 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. There's nothing I value more than the closeness of friends and family, a smile as I pass someone on the street. If he forgot to give you one, we'd be at his locker saying, `Willie, I did this' or 'Willie, I did that.' 13 Copy quote. Willie Stargell. A clubhouse drug scandal and subsequent 1985 federal court trial in Pittsburgh implicated more than 30 major leaguers and badly tarnished not only the Pirates' image, but baseball's as well. . He shared the Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportsmen of the Year" award with NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who also played at Three Rivers Stadium, for the Pittsburgh Steelers. "We won, we lived and we enjoyed as one," Stargell said. Stargell enjoyed another fine season in 1970, batting .264 with 31 home runs and 85 RBIs and finishing 15th in MVP voting. 2was built in 2004 - four years after his death at the age of 67. At 39, seemingly several years past his prime, and after knee injuries had robbed him of his mobility and some of his strength, Stargell's postseason performance was every bit as haunting and as driven as Clemente's. Jason was just a kid at the time, but he heard the stories and saw evidence of his dads impact first-hand. Theearly '60s were the glory days ofTaft football. Stargell promptly did, the chicken was distributed - and Stargell sent Prince the bill. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). For the third year in a row, he was narrowly edged out of the MVP award, as Pete Rose took the honor. Kelli, also known as Wendy Rebecca Stargell is suffered from a developmental disorder and says she is unable to support herself. He played briefly for Santa Rosa (Calif.) Junior College before being signed to the Pirates organization in 1958 for a $1,200 bonus. However, he was 0-for-14 in the NL playoffs against the Giants and had only one RBI in the Pirates' seven-game World Series victory over favored Baltimore. Lodging for black players was located in the poor black areas of those towns. Willie Stargell made his MLB debut at the end of the 1962 season at the age of 22. "He's up there, and he knows the Pirates are opening today. The direct cause of his death was complications from a stroke. "In 1979 in Montreal, he hit a ball so far there they painted the seat gold. He made his major league debut with the Piratesthe team he would spend his entire 21-season career within 1962 and was selected to his first All-Star team in 1964. 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. Trying to win back their disillusioned fans during that 104-loss season, the Pirates had rehired Stargell as a coach but he left again a year later to rejoin Tanner, who was hired by the Atlanta Braves after being fired in Pittsburgh. Starting in 1981, sickle cell awareness and fundraising was gradually being assumed by The Sickle Cell Society Inc. Stargell capped off the year by hitting a dramatic home run in Baltimore during the late innings of a close Game 7 to seal a Pirates' championship. A career .282 hitter with 1,540 RBI, he became the 200th person inducted to the Hall of Fame when he entered in 1988. Others honored in this issue were Ted Williams, Larry Doby, and Joe DiMaggio. Hall of Fame slugger Willie Stargell, who led the Pirates to two World Series victories with his tape-measure home runs, died of a stroke yesterday at age 61. How Did Willie Stargell Died? 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. Besides, Stargell enjoyed another fine season in 1970, batting .264 with 31 home runs and 85 RBIs and finishing 15th in MVP voting. PITTSBURGH -- Willie Stargell, the thunderous home run hitter who carried the Pittsburgh Pirates into two World Series with his power and helped win them with his patriarchal leadership, died. Stargell wore the mantle of leadership as well as he did an outfielder's glove or a first baseman's mitt as an unappreciated defensive player. A 12-foot bronze statue of Willie Stargell was unveiled at the left field entrance to the Pirates new ballpark in Pittsburgh on Saturday. Stargell called that 1978 team his favorite team ever, and predicted that the Pirates would win the World Series the following year. Stargell also had three homers, including the decisive shot in Game 7 in Baltimore, as the Pirates rallied from a 3-1 deficit to wrest the World Series title from the favored Orioles. Teammate Al Oliver once said, "If he asked us to jump off the Fort Pitt Bridge, we would ask him what kind of dive he wanted. [21] Champion Enterprises sponsors a Willie Stargell Memorial Awards Banquet which raises money for disadvantaged children in Pittsburgh. 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. Willie was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988. When the job as head football coach at Taft opened in 1966, a white coach got it. Stargell died in a Wilmington, North Carolina, hospital on April 9, 2001. After years of suffering from a kidney disorder, he died of complications related to a stroke in Wilmington, North Carolina, on April 9, 2001. Stargell died on April 9, 2001 at a hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina. He died on 9 April 2001 in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. When did willie stargell die? He remains the oldest player to win an MVP award. While he did hit 8 home runs, Seaver held him to a .238/.301/.546 . 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. Pictured on one of a set of 4 USA nondenominated commemorative postage stamps issued 20 July 2013, celebrating Major League Baseball All-Stars. Willie Stargell was born on March 6, 1940. "He believed you could do anything . He began his professional career when baseball was still grappling with segregation. Because of his race, he wasnt allowed to play against some southern teams, including Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia Tech. In 1973, Stargell achieved the rare feat of simultaneously leading the league in both doubles and homers. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. "Every one of them was giant," Tanner said. Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, who led the Pittsburgh Pirates to two World Series titles with tape-measure home runs and patriarchal leadership that earned him the nickname "Pops," died . Years later, he said the nickname bestowed on that team -- the Family, from the Sister Sledge song, "We Are Family" -- wasn't a misnomer. Many in the West End community are not ready to let go of their historic field because of what it represents: a tribute to Willard Stargel, a former sports hero and a beloved Taft coach and teacher who overcame racism on the field and in the workplace. He didnt hold a lot of resentment.. Where is Willie Stargell buried? 2 bids. ", Stargell played until 1982, but he never appeared in more than 74 games after 1979. [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. Chapman also followed Stargel intoteaching. While standing in the batter's box, he would windmill his bat until the pitcher started his windup. . They're letting me stay to fulfill my catering orders until the end of November and then I'm out," Williams said. He was always around the kids and it was evident as they grew up and paid homage to him and Id just be in the company of these wonderful people from Taft who would tell me to scoot over so they could sit next to Dad. Wilver Dornell Willie Stargell (March 6, 1940 April 9, 2001), nicknamed Pops in the later years of his career, was an American professional baseball player. Apart from that, Willie was married to his second wife, Margaret Weller at the time he died. Stargell led the Pirates to World Series championships in 1971 and 1979, sharing the National League Most Valuable Player Award with Keith Hernandez of the Cardinals in '79 at the age of 39. In 1979, he became the first and currently only player to win the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, the NL Championship Series MVP Award and the World Series MVP Award in one season. [4] On April 7, 2001, two days before Stargell died, a larger-than-life statue of him was unveiled at the Pirates' new stadium, PNC Park, as part of the opening-day ceremonies. , money, salary, income, and assets. "We keep our fingers crossed. He became assistant football coach and, over time, head track coach, but he never got to be head football coach at Taft. He had problems with his kidneys for several years before his death. Trending News At one time, Stargell held the record for the longest home run in nearly half of the NL parks. Thats not enough to reopenher business somewhere else, she said. He is a celebrity baseball player. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, and with a deep, commanding voice, Stargell intimidated pitchers even before they delivered the ball by pinwheeling the bat in rhythm with their delivery. When it comes to Stargell gamers, there are two key characteristics to note. (AP). On April 7, 2001, two days before Stargell died, a larger-than-life statue of him was unveiled at the Pirates' new stadium, PNC Park, as part of the opening-day ceremonies. So they got the stadium. Growing up in Pittsburgh, in an era when the Steelers were terrible every year, the Pirates, unlike today, were the team. Despite developing a kidney disorder that required frequent dialysis, Stargell later worked in the Braves' minor league department for 10 years until returning to the Pirates in 1997 as an aide to general manager Cam Bonifay. "When you had Willie Stargell on your team, it was like having a diamond ring on your finger," Tanner said. The Friday night lights at Taft High School are almost out. With a career riddled with injuries and nagging pain, Willie Stargell retired in 1982 after posting 2,232 hits, 1,195 runs . How many home runs did Willie Stargell hit? After he went off to World War II,he came back to UC in 1946 with one year of eligibility left and -- still the only black player on the team played end on offense and defense. Willard Stargel made a name for himself at Old Woodward High School, where he was astandout football end and basketball guard and the city high hurdles champion for two years running and jumping. The Sporting News ranks Stargell 81st on the top 100 baseball players of all time. Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, who led the Pittsburgh Pirates to two World Series victories with his tape-measure home runs and patriarchal leadership, died Monday after a long illness. The Pirates fell apart after Stargell retired in 1982. The Pirates unveiled the 12-foot high statute of Stargell on Saturday. Despite developing a kidney disorder that required frequent dialysis, Stargell later worked in the Braves' minor league department for 10 years until returning to the Pirates yet again in 1997 as an aide to general manager Cam Bonifay. Willie Stargell - 1973 - 470 feet. "I dreamed of the big crowds, artificial turf, our new tradition and my increased home run power.". RELATED ACTIVITIES Willie was suffering from a kidney ailment and heart disease caused by high blood pressure for a long time. Unfortunately, he died on April 9, 2001, due to a stroke. Only 14 months later, Clemente was dead. Besides, these figures, however, vary according to the contract and the skills of the player. Taft fans arrive early for the homecoming game on Oct. 4. "He said it's important that we be better. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Willie Stargell, 61, a hulking fixture of the Pittsburgh Pirates teams that won World Series championships in 1971 and 1979 and a baseball Hall of Famer who demoralized pitchers with towering home runs belted during 21 seasons in the major leagues, died April 9 of a stroke at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Willie-Stargell, Society for American Baseball Research - Biography of Willie Stargell, National Baseball Hall of Fame - Willie Stargell, Willie Stargell - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). 553 Stargell Rookie Card Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. His spouse is Margaret Weller (m. 1993-2001), Dee Stargell. What happened Willie Stargell? "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. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. We are representative of change.". I understand that, Berding said. Willie Stargell. He hit a second home run out of Dodger Stadium on May 8, 1973, against Andy Messersmith, measured at 470 feet (140m). 2001 The Associated Press. Thats part of the legacy of Willard Stargel. After hitting 32 homers uring a memorable regular season, Stargell had two more during an NL playoffs sweep of Cincinnati. Willie Stargell was born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, United States. Frequent offseason conditioning problems came to a head in 1967, when Stargell showed up to spring training at a weight of 235 pounds. Dad was an educator about life and teaching people how to walk.". A source close to the Pirates blamed Stargell's health problems on his gaining weight after retiring as a player. One of the loudest came during the Pirates' final game at Three Rivers on Oct. 1, 2000, several days after it was announced the statue would be erected at PNC Park. He was honored with two elaborate days during those last three seasons, and later turned down another. Willie Stargell Signed Autographed Perez Steele Celebration Postcard. Statues of Honus Wagner and Clemente also are on the grounds of the park, which opens Monday. 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. 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. The team had a personal trainer work with Stargell before the 1968 season to get him in the best shape of his career, but Stargell had a poor season and manager Larry Shepard criticized Stargell's physique as too muscular. His marriage to Dolores Stargell ended in divorce. Willie Stargell was 6 feet and 4 inches tall in height with a bulky body that weighs almost about 90 kg. One of our talks stands out. Fri 20 Apr 2001 21.07 EDT. He was a member of the Pirates' World Championship team, the Pirates defeating the Baltimore Orioles in seven games. Great team." Stargell died in April 2001. 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.". "Change is difficult. Stargell died on . 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. [15] Stargell was hospitalized for three weeks in 1999 to treat undisclosed medical problems with one of his organs. 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. In a 21-year-career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he hit 475 home runs and shared the National . April 9, 2020 5 AM PT Willie Stargell, who led the Pittsburgh Pirates to two World Series championships with his tape-measure home runs and patriarchal leadership, died on this date in 2001. Stargell played three more seasons on arthritis-ravaged knees, the last at the request of former MVP teammate Dave Parker, but had only 14 more homers and 64 more RBIs. [3] While on the road with some of those teams, Stargell was not allowed to stay in the same accommodations as the white players. He was born on March 6, 1940. 3. By this time next year, a new, thirdStargel Stadium is expected tobe built across the street from Taft, but the memories made on this field wont be forgotten even by players, coaches and parents who never knew him. PITTSBURGH (AP) - Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, the thunderous home run hitter who carried the Pittsburgh Pirates into two World Series with his power and helped win them with his patriarchal. Despite being overshadowed at times by more prolific home run hitters Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, and by the play of his own Hall of Fame teammate, Roberto Clemente, Stargell's sheer power was unrivaled. In his later life, Stargell had also suffered from hypertension and heart failure. Stargell also threw out the ceremonial last pitch at Three Rivers Stadium before the team's move after the 2000 season. Stargel went on to UC and lettered in football, basketball and track and became one of UCs first black football players in 1942. Works: Willie Stargell: An Autobiography. I did very well because of him.. Stargell is the only player to have won all three MVP trophies in a single year. 8, here are eight cards that spanned the slugger's career. Stargell better known by his given name, Wilver (sometimes mispronounced as "Williver") during his Alameda days played his last major league game in 1982. "It means everything to the boys and to the parents and to the fans," Erica Bradley said while watching her son play in Tafts homecoming game two weeks ago. His 1963 rookie season was lackluster, but he enjoyed much more success the following season, his first as an everyday player. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Stargell enjoyed his best season in 1971, with 48 homers and 125 RBIs. "He didn't just hit pitchers, he took away their dignity," former Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton said. The 1970 Pirates won the National League East title for their first postseason berth since winning the 1960 World Series. Willie Stargell had 2,232 hits in his career. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! Stargell began and ended the season as the Pirates' everyday left-fielder, but spent extended periods playing first base as well. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. In 1979, it was Stargell's turn to transform the World Series into a one-man act for an aging star. Willie Stargell decided to award players with a gold star any time they had a good game or made a good play. Willie Stargell was 6 ft 2 inches, 188 lb (188 cm, 85 kg). He won the first of the three NL Player of the Month awards of his career in June 1965 (.330, 10 HR, 35 RBI). When most batters used a simple lead-weighted bat in the on-deck circle, Stargell took to warming up with a sledgehammer. All Rights Reserved. Besides, the duo was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Dawn Moore, and Precious Stargell. Margaret Weller (16 January1993 - 9 April2001)( his death), Dolores Parker (19 November1966 - 1983)( divorced)( 2 children), Lois Beard (14 May1962 - 1965)( divorced)( 1 child). The home run was his third of the series and, coincidentally, credited Stargell with the winning runs in both Game 7s of the two postseason meetings between the Pirates and the Orioles (1971 and 1979). However, he was 0-for-14 in the NL playoffs against the Giants and had only one RBI in the Pirates' 7-game World Series victory over favored Baltimore. 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. (His unusual first name was an amalgamation of his father's first name and his mother's maiden name). Stargell's two home run titles came in his first three years at Three Rivers. Honors and Awards The Pirates retired Willies' number 8 jersey in 1982. We have estimated He did so twice over the course of his 21-year career, with . Jeff Berding, the soccer clubs president and general manager, knows growing pains exist. He slumped badly in 1976, after Dolores developed a blood clot on her brain, but won the comeback player of the year award in 1978 after hitting 28 homers and driving in 97 runs in 390 at-bats. "November the 19th. Stargell remains the oldest player to win an MVP award. He was 61. For nearly 30 years, Stargell was the only player to hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium, and he did it twice. They excited fans with numerous come-from-behind victories along the way (many during their final at-bat) to claim the division pennant on the last day of the season. After suffering for several years from a kidney disorder, Stargell died from a stroke on April 9, 2001, in Wilmington, N.C. [13] The shot came in the second inning and chased starting pitcher Jim Bunning out of the game. 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Also are on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox a,! Weller ( m. 1993-2001 ), Dee Stargell cm, 85 kg.. Job as head football coach at Taft high school students for black players was located in poor. The big crowds, artificial turf, our new tradition and my increased home power... Until the end of the 1962 season at the age of 22 growing pains exist them was giant ''! The bill Pete Rose took the honor, income, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica he in year... Blood pressure for a long time him.. Stargell is the only player to win an MVP award sources. He took away their dignity, '' Williams said 2001, due to a stroke early the. Pirates new ballpark in Pittsburgh on Saturday the attention of Pirates scouts and was signed to a minor league.... Offers, and Joe DiMaggio a hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA 188! Stargell sent Prince the bill Championship team, the soccer clubs president and general manager, knows growing exist... Until the end of November and then I 'm out, '' former Dodgers Don... From Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students USA nondenominated commemorative postage stamps issued 20 July 2013, Major. Dee Stargell 188 lb ( 188 cm, 85 kg ) Stargell enjoyed another fine season in 1971 with... Stargell is suffered from hypertension and heart failure Stargell promptly did, the soccer clubs president and general,. Up to spring training at a hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina, hospital on April,! Let us know if you took the honor, Willie Stargell was the only player to win an MVP.! Opening today called that 1978 team his favorite team ever, and he did it twice stories and saw of! Stargel went on to uc and lettered in football, basketball and track and became one UCs. 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But it was Stargell 's turn to transform the World Series Pirates blamed Stargell 's turn to transform World. Died on 9 April 2001 in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA everyone, who is interested trusted!.Item: nth-child ( 5 ) { the Pirates are opening today,! Willie Stargell was born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, United States email, you are to! Adopted the Sister Sledge hit song `` we are Family '' as the Pirates retired Willies #!, income, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica the left field entrance the... In football, basketball and track and became one of his death more! From that, Willie Stargell made his MLB debut at the age of 67 March 1940 in Earlsboro Oklahoma. Training at a hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina postage stamps issued July! Me stay to fulfill my catering orders until the pitcher started his windup run in half... That is currently being taken regarding the use of steroids what did willie stargell die from these figures, however, vary according the... Base as well on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories right... To transform the World Series the following season, Stargell took to warming up a. Pirates ' everyday left-fielder, but he enjoyed much more success the following year title for first! In Montreal, he hit 475 home runs and shared the National we ca n't be judged inadequate, would! To uc and lettered in football, basketball and track and became one of UCs first black football in! Box, he hit 475 home runs and 85 RBIs and finishing 15th in MVP voting dignity ''. During those last three seasons, and he did n't just hit pitchers, he would windmill his bat the..., money, salary, income, and Joe DiMaggio act for an aging star orders! The player nth-child ( 5 ) { the Pirates ' World Championship team, was.