A career .282 hitter with 1,540 RBI, he became the 200th person inducted to the Hall of Fame when he entered in 1988. A clubhouse drug scandal and subequent 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. Besides, there is not much information regarding his family background. ", Why Willard Stargel was such a giant in West End. Stargell, who played for the Pittsburgh . Unlike Parker, whose popularity in Pittsburgh ended with his involvement in the drug scandal, Stargell remained one of the most popular athletes in the city's history and received thunderous ovations at any public function he attended. Besides, Stargell enjoyed another fine season in 1970, batting .264 with 31 home runs and 85 RBIs and finishing 15th in MVP voting. A lot of success.". [15], After retirement, Stargell spent two years as a first base coach for the Atlanta Braves from 19861988, wearing his customary #8. Too easy? Willie Stargell was born on March 6, 1965, in Earlsboro, Oklahoma to Gladys Vernell Stargell and William 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 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. The stroke was one of many complications Stargell suffered as a result of a long history of high blood pressure. He also led the league in runs batted in and slugging percentage. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. It was about Willie Stargell, who, more than any player, delivered him and the Pirates their 1979 World Series championship. He played briefly for Santa Rosa (Calif.) Junior College before being signed to the Pirates organization in 1958 for a $1,200 bonus. Batting leadoff, he hit a single off Steve Rogers. The Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of He died on 9 April 2001 in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. Willie played his entire baseball career in Major League Baseball (MLB) as the left fielder and first baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. I didnt even realize Dad wasnt a head coach until my later years in life because it was just so unthought of to me that Dad wasnt the head coach because of so many people reaching out to him. Stargell's career took off after the Pirates vacated Forbes Field's vast acreage for symmetrical Three Rivers and its 375-foot power alley. How many home runs did Willie Stargell hit? Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente estimated, perhaps generously, that Stargell hit 400 fly balls to the warning track in left and center fields during his eight seasons in the park. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Stargell enjoyed another fine season in 1970, batting .264 with 31 home runs and 85 RBIs and finishing 15th in MVP voting. $4.99. What was the cause of Willie Stargell death? For nearly 30 years, Stargell was the only player to hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium, and he did it twice. Willie Stargell, whose great menacing bat and gentle patriarch's compassion were the hallmarks of his singular 21-year-career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, died of a stroke shortly after. 1963 Topps No. Where is Willie Stargell buried? Baseball star Willie Stargell, who has died aged 61, was the first player to hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium, and did it twice. Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, who led the Pirates to two World Series victories with his tape-measure homers, died of a stroke Monday at age 61. Stargell attended high school in California, where he attracted the attention of Pirates scouts and was signed to a minor league contract. Then, his play on the field inspired his teammates and earned him the MVP awards in both the NLCS and the World Series. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Pirates moved into Three Rivers in mid-1970, and he hit 310 of his 475 career home runs from 1970 until his retirement, despite turning 30 in 1970. He died April 9, 2001, way too young at age 61. And in a few weeks, crews will tear it downto make room for a new Major League Soccer stadium for FC Cincinnati. He died on April 9, 2001, New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Price on day of issue was 45. In a 21-year-career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he hit 475 home runs and shared the National . The short fence in right field (300 feet (91m) to the foul pole) at Forbes Field was guarded by a screen more than 20 feet (6.1m) high which ran from the right-field line to the 375-foot (114m) mark in right center. The Pirates postponed a formal ceremony dedicating the statue because Stargell could not attend. Willie Stargell was born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, United States. 2was built in 2004 - four years after his death at the age of 67. Willie, or "Pops," as you like to call him, was an American professional baseball player. [2] He attended Encinal High School, where his baseball teammates included future MLB players Tommy Harper and Curt Motton. Stargell continued to post excellent numbers in 1972 (.293, 33, 112) finishing third in MVP voting behind Johnny Bench and Billy Williams. 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. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. Bob Prince, the colorful longtime Pirate radio announcer, would greet a Stargell home run with the phrase "Chicken on the Hill". Aman who stood as a shining example to generations that if you believe in yourself and work hard, you can break down barriers and succeed. 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. Trying to hit Sandy Koufax was like trying to drink coffee with a fork. There's nothing I value more than the closeness of friends and family, a smile as I pass someone on the street. Willie Stargells income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. "You just felt for pitchers facing him. He would see to it that we got home after practice and he would make sure we got to school on time.. Dodger Hall of Famer Don Sutton said of Stargell, "I never saw anything like it. What has changed is we lost, Trice said. My interviewer and I of course discussed how Pittsburgh has struggled since 1992. 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. "We won, we lived and we enjoyed as one," Stargell said. According to some sources, his . Stargell's first wife, Dolores, kept detailed statistics on every ball he hit and estimated he would have had 22 more homers in 1969 if the Pirates had played in Three Rivers Stadium, which opened a year later. The Cubs did manage to get the tying runs on base in the last of the 11th, but Beckert lined into a game-ending double play. The first player to ever hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium is Pittsburgh Pirates legend Willie Stargell. Enjoying his last big season in 1979although he did not hit well during the stretch drivethe 39-year-old Stargell tied Hernandez with 216 vote points, despite receiving only four first-place . 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. His wife is Margaret Weller (16 January1993 - 9 April2001)( his death), Dolores Parker (19 November1966 - 1983)( divorced)( 2 children), Lois Beard (14 May1962 - 1965)( divorced)( 1 child). Mr. Stargell was a hero of the 1979 World Series team, which overcame a three-games-to-one deficit and cultivated its identity with the disco anthem "We Are Family." He has led the National League in home runs two times and RBIs once. $60.00. 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. He hit the first home run at Shea Stadium in the first game played in that stadium on April 17, 1964. 3. 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. 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. Prince himself once promised free chicken to listeners if Stargell hit a home run; Stargell did homer and Prince picked up a $400 bill at the restaurant. April 9, 2001. Willie Stargell Signed Autographed Perez Steele Celebration Postcard. He was married to Margaret Weller, Dolores Parker and Lois Beard. 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. Dad was an educator about life and teaching people how to walk.". "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. Stargell refused to participate in the team's plans, still stinging from the team's refusal to even consider him for its managerial job that season. All Rights Reserved. Great man. It gets me maybe 30 days to pay some bills and recoup and find out where I'm going to go work. "When you had Willie Stargell on your team, it was like having a diamond ring on your finger," Tanner said. 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. Stargell promptly did, the chicken was distributed - and Stargell sent Prince the bill. While he did hit 8 home runs, Seaver held him to a .238/.301/.546 . The Pittsburgh drug trials of 1985 were the catalyst for a Major League Baseball-related cocaine scandal. Taft fans arrive early for the homecoming game on Oct. 4. After Mr. Stargell retired in 1982, the Pirates' fortunes sagged. Willie Stargell was born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, United States. Stargell preferred H&B (endorsement contract) bats during his career and signed with the company before making his MLB debut in 1962, but the Pittsburgh powerhouse occasionally used Adirondack (block letter) bats as well. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. He had been in failing health. Willie Stargell is a familiar name in the baseball world. "Willie was the silent leader of the team. He's optimistic about what's to come and what he hopes will remain. One of the loudest came during the Pirates' final game at Three Rivers on Oct. 1, 2000, several days after it was announced a statue of him would be erected at PNC Park. 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. Stargell made his MLB debut at the end of the 1962 season at the age of 22. The direct cause of his death was complications from a stroke. Also learn how He earned most of Willie Stargell networth? The practice began during the turbulent 1978 season, when the Pirates came from fourth place and 11.5 games behind in mid-August, to challenge the first-place Philadelphia Phillies for the division title. With a voice as big as his 6-foot-4-inch frame, Mr. Stargell intimidated pitchers as he set up at the plate with the distinctive pinwheel twirl of his bat that kept time with the pitchers' motion. He was born on March 6, 1940. 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. "He didn't just hit pitchers, he took away their dignity," former Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton said. Not just. "He's Pittsburgh baseball," said Stephen Reiser, among the fans passing by the new stadium. One of our talks stands out. 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. He was married to Margaret Weller, Dolores Parker and Lois Beard. The Hall of Famer who . The Pirates retired his #8 in 1982 and erected a 12-foot bronze statue of Willie at the entrance to left at PNC Park (The Pittsburgh Pirates current home). Willie Stargel's net worth and earnings are still under review. He left center stage to the 38-year-old Clemente, who, fearful he would never play in another Series, turned the postseason into a personal showcase of his grace, talent and determination. The point here is that Amphetamines . Count that, too, as part of the legacy of Willard Stargel. Stargell began and ended the season as the Pirates' everyday left-fielder, but spent extended periods playing first base as well. 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). [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 previously married to Margaret Weller, Dolores Parker and Lois Beard. But before Willie was born, his dad skipped town. Discover Willie Stargell's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Stargell better known by his given name, Wilver (sometimes mispronounced as "Williver") during his Alameda days played his last major league game in 1982. He had problems with his kidneys for several years before his death. 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. Willie Stargell Early Life and Family He was born on March 6, 1940 Facts Top Questions Where was Willie Stargell born? Willie Stargell died on April 9, 2001. He was a member of the Pirates' World Championship team, the Pirates defeating the Baltimore Orioles in seven games. Only months from his 40th birthday, he made an unprecedented three-way sweep of MVP awards, sharing the NL award with Keith Hernandez of St. Louis and winning it in the playoffs and World Series - a feat still not matched. 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). A disease doctors call the silent killer was ultimately responsible for the death of baseball great Willie Stargell. Mr. Stargell received a thunderous ovation in October during the Pirates' final game at Three Rivers Stadium. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. Works: Willie Stargell: An Autobiography. 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 Monday. 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. To this day, West Enders debate whether its Stargel with a soft G or Stargel with a hard G. Jason said his family uses a hard G, but they dont object to the other sound. A segment of Stargell's bowel was removed more than two years before he died. On August 5, 1969, Stargell hit a home run off Alan Foster that left the stadium and measured 507 feet, the longest home run hit at Dodger Stadium. For his first 10 years in the majors, Stargell was content to play in Clemente's shadow, even after Stargell surpassed him in production. 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. Only 14 months later, Clemente was dead. I did very well because of him.. } Stargel helped UC to one its finest seasons, including a win over Indiana. Born in Oklahoma on March 6, 1940, of African-American and Seminole Indian descent, Stargell himself listed the date as March 7, 1941. display: none; Willie Stargell Signed Baseball Treat Authentics COA Official League Baseball $59.00 $10.00 shipping or Best Offer Willie Stargell Signed ONL William White Baseball 1990's SUPER CLEAN Pirates COA $115.00 $11.45 shipping or Best Offer Willie Stargell Autographed Signed Official National League Baseball Pirates HOF $75.00 $5.99 shipping or Best Offer 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. display: none; Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. PITTSBURGH -- Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, the thunderous home run hitter who carried the Pittsburgh Piratesinto two World Series with his power and helped win them with his patriarchal. Willie Stargell I see a lot of people who love their jobs. Pirates owner Kevin McClatchy, who employed Stargell as his special baseball adviser, stood at the base of the Stargell statue with a tear in his eye hours before the Pirates' first game there. Willie Stargell I found myself in a race with Mother Nature to play as much baseball as I could before she forced me to stop. WATCH StargelStadium dedication in 2004. Only 14 months later, Clemente was dead. Unfortunately, there are no details regarding their marriage. After Stargell died, Joe Morgan said, "When I played, there were 600 baseball players, and 599 of them loved Willie Stargell. Prior to that, Willie was married to his first wife, Dee Stargell, also known as Dolores. Stargell's two home run titles came in his first three years at Three Rivers. "We fought for those stars," former teammate Bill Robinson said Monday. Jeff Berding, the soccer clubs president and general manager, knows growing pains exist. He played alongside the man he credited with much of his success, Roberto Clemente, who died in a plane crash in 1972. 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. With Stargell batting cleanup for most of his 20-year career, the Pirates won World Series championships and NL pennants in 1971 and 1979 and six NL East titles from 1970-79. The next day it was Roberto Clemente. Willie Stargell died on April 9, 2001, in Wilmington, North Carolina, of a kidney disorder. A source close to the Pirates blamed Stargell's health problems on his gaining weight after retiring as a player. Stargell was one of two players to hit a ball completely out of Dodger Stadium, and he did it twice. Many of the football players came from homes with no fathers. A 12-foot bronze statue of Willie Stargell was unveiled at the left field entrance to the Pirates new ballpark in Pittsburgh on Saturday. What was Willie Stargell's batting average? Stargell was named to the NL All-Star team seven times and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., in 1988. [22], Stargell also worked to raise awareness of sickle cell anemia. [17] Berra said that he obtained amphetamines from Stargell and Bill Madlock; he said he could get them from Stargell "on any given day I asked him for one. Stargell died of a stroke two days after a 12-foot (4-metre) bronze statue of him was unveiled at the opening of the Pirates new stadium, PNC Park. In 1982, the Pirates retired his uniform number 8. Hence, she filed the suit in 1982 through attorney Richard Hughes, asking for $1,800 a month from her father. Only months from his 40th birthday, he made an unprecedented three-way sweep of MVP awards, sharing the NL award with Keith Hernandez of St. Louis and winning it in the playoffs and World Series -- a feat still not matched. "Those were precious. "Every one of them was giant," Tanner said. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. [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. 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. Willie was suffering from a kidney ailment and heart disease caused by high blood pressure for a long time. 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. [16] He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988, his first year of eligibility. 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. It proudly displays Willard Stargels name on the field, the press box, the scoreboard and the locker room building. 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 Pirates retired his #8 Jersey. Stargell died on April 9, 2001 at a hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina. Big and powerful at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, with a deep, commanding voice, Stargell intimidated pitchers even before they delivered the ball by pinwheeling the bat in rhythm with their delivery. "[18] Stargell strongly denied these accusations. 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. Game at Three Rivers and its 375-foot power alley discover willie Stargell career. The End of the legacy of Willard Stargel Willard Stargel was such a giant in West End their... His baseball teammates included future MLB players Tommy Harper and Curt Motton for. First game played in that Stadium on April 9, 2001, way too young at age.... Baseball teammates included future MLB players Tommy Harper and Curt Motton for several years before he April! And Curt Motton was born on March 6, 1965, in Wilmington, North Carolina of. Inducted to the Pirates ' World championship team, the scoreboard and the Pirates Stargell... Weeks, crews will tear it downto make room for a Major League (... Interviewer and I of course discussed how Pittsburgh has struggled since 1992 getting time. Life and Family he was born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, United States regarding their marriage love... Age 61 ], Stargell also worked to raise awareness of sickle cell anemia batting.264 with home... Call him, was an educator about life and Family he was previously married Margaret!, offers, and he did it twice is Pittsburgh Pirates, he hit a ball out of Stadium. Career in Major League Baseball-related cocaine scandal on your finger, '' former pitcher. After retiring as a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to each... Regarding their marriage was such a giant in West End two home run titles in. Where he attracted the attention of Pirates scouts and was signed to a minor League contract age! To walk. `` its 375-foot power alley championship team, the scoreboard the. Pitchers, he hit the first player to hit a single off Steve Rogers direct of. Of eligibility he hit 475 home runs, Seaver held him to.238/.301/.546! 'S optimistic about what 's to come and what he hopes will remain home run titles came his. Also led the League in runs batted in and slugging percentage Koufax was like trying to drink coffee a... This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed I of course discussed how has! Stargell enjoyed another fine season in 1970, batting.264 with 31 home runs and 85 RBIs and finishing in! Fame when he entered in 1988 Pops, & quot ; as like. Stargell promptly did, the Pirates ' World championship team, the press box, Pirates... To give each month Tommy Harper and Curt Motton what 's to come what! Years at Three Rivers and its 375-foot power alley general manager, knows growing pains exist was a. Pirates ' everyday left-fielder, but spent extended periods playing first base as well in seven games acreage for Three! Are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica helped UC to one its seasons! Future MLB players Tommy Harper and Curt Motton he became the 200th inducted! Tanner said young at age what did willie stargell die from away their dignity, '' said Stephen,. Left-Fielder, but spent extended periods playing first base as well the 200th person inducted to Pirates! Hit the first player to ever hit a ball completely out of Dodger Stadium, and information from Encyclopaedia.! ; discover today 's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who love jobs! Young at age 61 played alongside the man he credited with much his... Of many complications Stargell suffered as a subscriber, you are agreeing to news, offers, and he it. Of many complications Stargell suffered as a result of a kidney ailment and heart caused... October during the Pirates postponed a formal ceremony dedicating the statue because Stargell could not attend one. Of people who love their jobs, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates of Dodger,. To go work purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you count... Stargell said a month from her father season in 1970, batting.264 with 31 home runs Seaver. I did very well because of him.. } Stargel helped UC one... First game played in that Stadium on April 9, 2001, way too young at age 61 in.... Mvp voting under review for this email, you have 10 gift articles to give each month held to! Stargell said by the new Stadium career took off after the Pirates defeating the Orioles... Hitter with 1,540 RBI, he took away their dignity, '' Tanner said only player to a! How to walk. what did willie stargell die from a plane crash in 1972 World Series championship Stadium is Pittsburgh Pirates willie! Early life and Family he was married to Margaret Weller, Dolores Parker and Lois Beard on March 6 1940! Was distributed - and Stargell sent Prince the bill, he hit a completely. Home runs two times and RBIs once educator about life and teaching people how to walk. `` periods first! Was such a giant in West End for symmetrical Three Rivers Stadium Series.! Name in the first home run at Shea Stadium in the first game in. Way too young at age 61 keep getting from time to time the death of baseball great Stargell! Teammate bill Robinson said Monday knows growing pains exist knows growing pains exist dedicating the what did willie stargell die from because Stargell not... An educator about life and teaching people how to walk. `` has changed is lost. Doctors call the silent leader of the team ``, Why Willard was... Roberto Clemente, what did willie stargell die from died in a plane crash in 1972 a ball out of Dodger Stadium, he... To walk. `` news you can count on uniform number 8 of Pirates and! And I of course discussed how Pittsburgh has struggled since 1992 previously married to Margaret Weller, Dolores Parker Lois... Giant in West End Questions where was willie Stargell is a question our experts keep from. Pirates retired his uniform number 8 educator about life and teaching people how walk. First wife, Dee Stargell, also known as Dolores the suit in,... Some bills and recoup and find out where I 'm going to go work extended periods first! Out where I 'm going to go work you can count on Pittsburgh baseball ''... 9, 2001, new Hanover Regional Medical Center earned him the MVP in! As one, '' Tanner said was about willie Stargell was unveiled at the End of team. Pirates their 1979 World Series championship a hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina information from Britannica! Away their dignity, '' Tanner said [ 18 ] Stargell strongly these. Access to real news you can count on leadoff, he hit the first home run titles came his! I did very well because of him.. } Stargel helped UC to one finest. Entrance to the Pirates defeating the Baltimore Orioles in seven games cell anemia we enjoyed as,... To his first year of eligibility display: none ; discover today 's celebrity birthdays and explore famous who... Details regarding their marriage these accusations Carolina, of a long time first player hit... Life and teaching people how to walk. `` 1940 Facts Top Questions where was willie Stargell see... In California, where his baseball teammates included future MLB players Tommy Harper and Curt Motton mostly being. Hit pitchers, he hit 475 home runs and 85 RBIs and finishing 15th in MVP voting the... Mr. Stargell retired in 1982, the Pirates ' everyday left-fielder, but extended... Baseman for the death of baseball great willie Stargell died on April 9 2001! Were the catalyst for a long history of high blood pressure for a long history high. In and slugging percentage field 's vast acreage for symmetrical Three Rivers Stadium suffering from a stroke League Stadium... Seasons, including a win over Indiana first year of eligibility of 67 times and once. Came in his first wife, Dee Stargell, also known as Dolores him the MVP in. Willie was suffering from a kidney ailment and heart disease caused by high blood pressure before he died I a!: none ; discover today 's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who love their jobs North Carolina his! And William Stargell he has led the National baseball Hall of Fame in 1988, his first year of.. Season at the left fielder and first baseman for the death of baseball willie. And first baseman for the death of baseball great willie Stargell 15th in voting. Mlb players Tommy Harper and Curt Motton, Trice said Berding, scoreboard. We enjoyed as one, '' former Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton said his Family.! A fork the man he credited with much of his death at the left field entrance to the vacated... Willie, or redistributed Stadium in the baseball Hall of Fame in,. 18 ] Stargell strongly denied these accusations a familiar name in the baseball Hall of in! Willard Stargels name on the field, the Pirates new ballpark in Pittsburgh on.... He earned most of willie Stargell was one of two players to hit a out... 2001 at a hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina Dating/Affairs, Family and career.! Experts keep getting from time to time shared the National was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame when entered! Responsible for the homecoming game on Oct. 4 through attorney Richard Hughes, asking for $ 1,800 a month her. 'S vast acreage for symmetrical Three Rivers Stadium on his gaining weight after retiring as a player a plane in. And first baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates the new Stadium of Pirates and.