Books and articles about Al McBean

Born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, McBean was photographing a Pirates tryout camp in 1957, tried out himself, and earned a ticket to professional baseball. He graduated to the big leagues in 1961 and fashioned Pittsburgh's second-best record (15-10) in 1962. Thin, loose-jointed, and cat-like on the mound, he found even more success as a reliever. He was TSN NL Fireman of the Year in 1964, when he had 22 saves and led the league with eight relief wins. Known for his flashy attire and expensive wardrobe, he returned to starting in 1968 and went to the Padres in the expansion draft after the season. (ME)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » May 12, 1962: At Crosley Field, the Reds' Joey Jay and the Pirates' Al McBean match goose eggs for nine innings before the Bucs push across two runs in the 10th. The Reds come back with three runs to win, 3–2. Frank Robinson drives in the winning run with a single. » October 12, 1963: In the first (and last) Hispanic American major league all-star game, the National League team beats the American League 5–2 at the Polo Grounds. The game features such names as Minnie Minoso, Tony Oliva, Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda, Julian Javier, Felipe Alou, Luis Aparicio, and Zoilo Versalles. Vic Power receives a pregame award as the number-one Latin player. NL starter Juan Marichal strikes out six in four innings, though reliever Al McBean is the winner. Pinch hitter Manny Mota drives in two against loser Pedro Ramos. » October 14, 1968: In the National League expansion draft, the Expos choose 30 players, including Maury Wills, Jim Grant, Donn Clendenon, and Manny Mota. San Diego's 30 selections include Dave Giusti, Nate Colbert, Zoilo Versalles, Al McBean, and Clarence Gaston.