Dave May facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dave May |
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| Outfielder | |||
| Born: December 23, 1943 New Castle, Delaware |
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| Died: October 20, 2012 (aged 68) Bear, Delaware |
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| debut | |||
| July 28, 1967, for the Baltimore Orioles | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| October 1, 1978, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .251 | ||
| Home runs | 96 | ||
| Runs batted in | 422 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Dave May (born December 23, 1943 – died October 20, 2012) was a professional baseball player from America. He played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). His career lasted from 1967 to 1978. Dave played for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was part of the Orioles team that won the American League pennant in 1969. In 1973, he was chosen as an All-Star player while with the Brewers. Dave May was also the father of two other baseball players, David May Jr. and Derrick May.
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Early Life and Career Start
Dave May was born in New Castle, Delaware. He went to William Penn High School in his hometown. After high school, he signed with the San Francisco Giants in 1961. This was his first step into professional baseball.
He played for the Salem Rebels in 1962. During that year, he showed great skill. He led his team with a very good batting average of .379. Dave was a left-handed batter and threw with his right hand. He was about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 186 pounds.
Playing in Major League Baseball
Dave May made his big league debut with the Baltimore Orioles. This was in 1967. He played for the Orioles until 1970. During his time there, he didn't get many chances to play. His batting average stayed around .242.
Becoming a Milwaukee Brewer
In 1970, Dave was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. This move changed his career. With the Brewers, he became a much stronger hitter.
In 1971, his first full season with Milwaukee, Dave hit 16 home runs. He also had 65 RBI (runs batted in). His batting average was .277 that year.
After a slightly slower year in 1972, Dave had an amazing season in 1973. He finished eighth in the voting for the MVP Award. His batting average was .303. He hit 25 home runs and had 93 RBI. He also led the league in total bases and was second in hits. Dave May is one of only two players from Delaware to be chosen for the All-Star Game.
Later Career and Retirement
Dave's performance went down a bit in 1974. Because of this, the Brewers traded him to the Atlanta Braves. This trade was notable because the Brewers received the famous player Hank Aaron in return.
In 1976, Dave was part of a big trade. He moved from the Braves to the Texas Rangers. He was traded back to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1978. This was to help the team try to win their division. However, the Brewers didn't make it. Dave was then traded again, this time to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He finished his MLB career with the Pirates in 1978.
After his playing days, Dave May became a coach. He worked as a hitting instructor for the Atlanta Braves in 1981 and 1982.
Legacy and Passing
Dave May was honored for his contributions to sports. He was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in 1984.
Dave May passed away on October 20, 2012. He was 68 years old. He died in Bear, Delaware.
