Norm McRae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norm McRae |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: September 26, 1947 Elizabeth, New Jersey |
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| Died: July 25, 2003 (aged 55) Garland, Texas |
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| debut | |||
| September 13, 1969, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 24, 1970, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 0–0 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.15 | ||
| Innings | 34⅓ | ||
| Teams | |||
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Norm McRae was a baseball player from the United States. He was a right-handed pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers. This was in 1969 and 1970. Norm was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on September 26, 1947. He was 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 195 pounds. He passed away on July 25, 2003.
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Early Baseball Career
Norm McRae went to Elizabeth High School. After high school, he signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1966. He joined the team as a free agent. This means he was not picked in the player draft.
McRae played in the Tigers' farm system. This is where young players learn and get better. After playing four years in the minor leagues, he got a chance to play in the Major Leagues. He played three games for the Tigers at the end of the 1969 season.
Playing for the Detroit Tigers
In 1970, Norm McRae played more games for the Tigers. He was a relief pitcher. A relief pitcher comes into the game after the starting pitcher. He played in 19 games that year.
Norm did not get any wins or saves. A save is when a pitcher finishes a close game without letting the other team score. He allowed 26 hits in 31⅓ innings pitched. His earned run average (ERA) was 2.87. A low ERA is good. He walked 25 batters and struck out 16. Walking a batter means they get to first base without hitting the ball. A strikeout is when a pitcher gets three strikes on a batter.
A Big Trade
After the 1970 season, Norm McRae was part of a big trade. On October 9, 1970, he was traded to the Washington Senators. He was traded with famous pitcher Denny McLain. McLain had won the Cy Young Award before. Outfielder Elliott Maddox and third baseman Don Wert were also part of the trade.
In return, the Tigers got pitchers Joe Coleman and Jim Hannan. They also got shortstop Ed Brinkman and third baseman Aurelio Rodríguez.
Impact of the Trade
This trade was very good for the Tigers. It was not good for the Senators. Denny McLain had been a great pitcher. He helped the Tigers win the World Series in 1968. But he had some problems in 1970. His career was almost over.
In 1971, McLain lost 22 games. The Senators also lost many games. They moved their team to a new city later. Meanwhile, the players the Tigers got were very helpful. Joe Coleman won 20 games twice for the Tigers. Ed Brinkman and Aurelio Rodríguez played well for many seasons. They helped the Tigers win their division in 1972.
Norm McRae did not play any official games for the Senators. He spent the rest of his baseball career in the minor leagues. He was traded again in 1972 to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Career Totals
In his 22 Major League games, all with the Detroit Tigers, Norm McRae pitched 34⅓ innings. He allowed 28 hits and 12 earned runs. He walked 26 batters and had 19 strikeouts.
See also
- Bob Short
