Canadian Dave McKay was the Blue Jays' starting third baseman in their first-ever
game in 1977. McKay was a dependable fielder at second, third, or shortstop, and
at the time of his retirement held Blue Jay records for putouts, assists, and chances in a game for a second baseman.
In 1978 McKay had a (since broken) team-record hitting streak of 16 games. He was
a switch hitter without much power or speed, and finished the 1980s as a coach for
Oakland. In February 2001 he was elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
(TF)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»August 22, 1975: The Twins Dave McKay homers in his first ML at bat during an 8–4 win over the Tigers.
»June 26, 1978: Toronto's Dave McKay and Otto Velez each hit two doubles in one inning during a 24–10 rout of Baltimore. With the score 19–6 following a homer by Lee May, Earl Weaver tosses OF Larry Harlow to the Blue Jay. Harlow gets two batters out in the 5th, then walks three in a row and hurls a wild pitch. He then allows a single, a walk, and a grand slam by John Mayberry makes the score 24–6. Bullpen catcher Ellie Hendricks then relieves Harlow and gives up just a walk and no runs in 2-1/3 innings. Closer Don Stanhouse takes over in the 8th.
»May 8, 1981: Oakland's Steve McCatty beats the Brewers, 2–0. Dwayne Murphy supplies a solo home run and Dave McKay swipes home for the other score. McKay also stole home last September.
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