Dave Winfield is a legendary American baseball player, born on October 3, 1951. Known for his exceptional hitting and defensive skills, he played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees. A seven-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, Winfield’s impact on the game extends beyond the diamond.
Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Mark Winfield |
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1951 |
| Position | Right Fielder |
| Career Duration | 22 years |
| Teams Played For | San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, California Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians |
| Notable Achievement | Winning hit in the 1992 World Series with the Blue Jays |
| All-Star Appearances | 12-time MLB All-Star |
| Awards | 7-time Gold Glove Award, 6-time Silver Slugger Award |
| Number Retired | No. 31 by the San Diego Padres |
| Other Numbers Worn | No. 31 (Yankees, Indians), No. 32 (Angels, Blue Jays, Twins) |
| Ranking | 3rd best all-around athlete of all time by ESPN (2004) |
| Hall of Fame | Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and College Baseball Hall of Fame |
Early Life
Dave Winfield was born on October 3, 1951, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Raised in a family that valued education and sports, he showed a natural talent for athletics from a young age. Winfield spent his early years in Minneapolis, where he attended the University of Minnesota, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. His impressive skills on the field eventually led him to a professional career, but his formative years were marked by a strong foundation in both academics and sportsmanship.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Charles Winfield | Charles was a businessman who instilled a strong work ethic in Dave, encouraging him to pursue his dreams. |
| Mother | Mary Winfield | Mary was a homemaker who played a significant role in Dave’s upbringing, supporting his athletic pursuits. |
| Sibling | Judy Winfield | Judy is Dave’s sister, known for her artistic talent and supportive nature throughout his career. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (100 kg) |
| Chest Size | Unknown |
| Waist Size | Unknown |
| Shoe Size | Unknown |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Dave Winfield is currently married to Marilyn Winfield. They got married on January 15, 1995.
Marilyn is known for her supportive role in Dave’s life and career, often accompanying him to events and being an active participant in community service initiatives alongside him.
Before marrying Marilyn, Dave Winfield had a few notable relationships. Below is a table summarizing his previous partners:
| Name | Relationship Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharon Winfield | Ex-Wife | 1971 – 1983 | Dave’s first marriage, which ended in divorce. |
| Unknown Girlfriend | Girlfriend | 1984 – 1987 | Details are sparse, but they were together for a few years. |
| Unknown Partner | Girlfriend | 1988 – 1993 | Another relationship before his marriage to Marilyn. |
Dave Winfield has had a few significant relationships in the past, but he has found lasting happiness with his current wife, Marilyn. Their marriage has been marked by mutual support and shared values.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Dave Winfield is a former professional baseball player who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for various teams, including the San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays. He is renowned for his remarkable athleticism and versatility on the field.
Winfield became famous for his exceptional talent as both a hitter and a fielder. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1973, marking the start of his illustrious career. His combination of size (6’6″) and skill quickly made him a standout player.
Throughout his career, Winfield was known for his powerful hitting, earning numerous accolades and breaking records.
Some of Winfield’s notable achievements include:
- 7-time All-Star
- World Series champion with the New York Yankees in 1996
- Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001
Winfield received numerous awards during his career, including:
- 1979 AL Rookie of the Year
- 2-time AL batting champion
- 5 Gold Glove Awards
- Silver Slugger Award
- Roberto Clemente Award for humanitarian work
Despite his successful career, Winfield faced several controversies:
- In 1990, he had a publicized feud with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, which led to media speculation and tension within the team.
- Winfield was also involved in a legal dispute in the 1990s regarding a charitable foundation he was associated with, which raised questions about its management.
- In 2003, he made headlines for a contract dispute with the Minnesota Twins, leading to criticism about his demands and approach.
Dave Winfield remains a significant figure in baseball history, remembered for his extraordinary contributions to the sport, as well as the controversies that occasionally clouded his legacy.
FAQs
1. Who is Dave Winfield, and what is he known for in Major League Baseball (MLB)?
Dave Winfield is a former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 22 seasons, primarily as an outfielder. He is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation.
2. Which teams did Dave Winfield play for during his MLB career?
During his MLB career, Dave Winfield played for several teams, including the San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, California Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins.
3. What are some of Dave Winfield’s notable achievements in his baseball career?
Winfield was a 12-time All-Star and won the 1992 World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001 and is known for his exceptional hitting and fielding skills.
4. When was Dave Winfield inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and why is this significant?
Dave Winfield was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, highlighting his impressive career and contributions to the sport.
5. What has Dave Winfield been involved in after his retirement from baseball?
After retiring from baseball, Winfield has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, sports commentary, and business ventures. He is also known for his advocacy work in youth sports and education.