Time
to go and add Pirates legend “Pops” Willie Stargell, patriarch of the
“We Are Family” champions to the ever-expanding 1975 “in-Action” thread:
Stargell was one of the heavy hitters of this era as we all know,
helping the Pirates to two championships in the decade, co-sharing the
National League MVP Award in 1979 along with St. Louis Cardinals batting
champ Keith Hernandez.
The two-time home run champ drove in over 100 runs five times in his
career, with another four 90+ RBI years with six 30+ homer campaigns as
well.
Between 1971 and 1973 he finished second, third and second respectively
in the N.L. MVP race, while making the All-Star team seven-times.
Naturally, when Cooperstown came calling in 1988, he made it in on the first try, being named to 82.4% of the ballot.
I still can’t believe it’s been 17 years since he passed away just one month after his 61st birthday.
Rest in Peace “Pops”.