Mr. McGwire

William "Billy" or "Bill" McGwire signed with the Toledo Tigers in 1960. Scrawny and lacking power, McGwire struggled through four minor league seasons, including three at AAA Omaha, before getting a call to the show in September 1962. Despite a penchant for little power, McGwire slugged a home run in his first two at bats and seemed to understand big league pitching. From '63 through '68, McGwire played first base for the Tigers and played it well. His 23 homers and 105 RBI in 1966 set the tone for his enormous fan base in Toledo. A great trade offer from Boston after the '68 season, though, was too much for the Tigers to turn down. McGwire became a former Tiger and had some decent years in Boston. The Detroit Autos acquired McGwire during the '73 season, one in which McGwire struggled and suffered his first injury. In '74, McGwire hit 20 homers and knocked in 78 runs, while hitting .304. In '75, he knocked in 100 runs. That may sound like no big deal, but it was the first time in 10 seasons he crossed the century mark in RBI. 1976 would be his final season in Detroit, though. Following the season, he signed a free agent contract to return to the team who signed him, Toledo. He was older, grayer, and not as strong, but he hoped to be a valuable addition to the Tigers.