This summer, the Crime Dog will take a bite out of Cooperstown. In July, Fred McGriff will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He’s the latest slugging first baseman to earn election.
McGriff was born in Tampa in 1963. At that time, the only professional baseball in that part of the country was minor leagues or spring training competition. But, by the time McGriff had become a home run champion and All-Star in Major League Baseball, pro ball was in his hometown.
In 1998, McGriff signed with the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The 34-year old was easily the most famous and established player on the roster that season. Though he had a difficult first season in Tampa, McGriff produced a few memorable moments.
The video below shows McGriff’s first home run for the Devil Rays, as they were known at the time.
Share your memories of McGriff in the comments section below. You can also see where we have Fred McGriff ranked in our Top 100 First Basemen of All-Time.
