A debate; underrated outfielder or a disappointment…maybe
some both however still played 14 years with a couple solid but unspectacular
seasons…great speed but didn’t steal a lot of bases and struggled to gain
regular status…1964: broke in with the Dodger at an incredibly young age; 18
years and one month…for the next four year alternated cups of coffee while
climbing up the Dodger chain…Despite appearing in only 52 regular season games most as
a defensive outfielder, Willie was on the 1965 WS series roster…got a hit in
two at bats…Started to stay with the regular club in next three years…results
were OK but nothing special…First move towards a toward regular work was 1971
were he hit .281…after a return to the mediocre in1972 he was able to hit .295
for 1973 and 74 and gathering 14 and 11 Hrs respectively….Dodger abandoned the
can’t miss project and the traded to Cardinals for 1976 …responded by career best
.304 in 120 games…despite the good numbers, acquired by Houston where he did
not meet expectations…traded to the horrific, post free agency Oakland A’s mid
season…was not able to hit his weight…granted free agency and tried to latch on
with LA for 1978 but could not make the spring training cut…Died in 2004 in Los
Angeles.
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