NEW YORK (AP) - Gil McDougald, an All-Star infielder who helped the New York Yankees win five World Series championships during the 1950s, has died. He was 82.
McDougald died Sunday of prostate cancer at his home in Wall Township, N.J., the Yankees said in a statement Monday night.
McDougald spent his entire 10-year major league career with the Yankees and played a key role on one of baseball's greatest dynasties.
He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1951 and teamed with Hall of Famers such as Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford and manager Casey Stengel to lead New York to eight American League pennants from 1951-60.
"Gil was a great guy, well-liked by the team and a hell of a ballplayer. He was a good fielder and was always a fierce competitor," Ford said in a Yankees statement.
A versatile infielder who played second base, third base and shortstop, McDougald batted .276 with 112 home runs and 576 RBIs during his career. He e clipsed .300 twice, in 1951 and '56, and had a career-high 83 RBIs in 1953, when the Yankees won the last of five consecutive World Series titles.
Three times, McDougald finished in the top 10 in AL MVP voting (1951, 1956, 1957). He was selected to six All-Star games, including both contests in 1959. He singled home the decisive run for the American League in the sixth inning of the 1958 game at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium.
"Before I was traded to the Yankees, Gil and I played against each other in the minors in the Texas League. He was always one of the most serious guys out there, and he loved to win. But Gil was also a person who got along well with everyone. He was always in good spirits," former Yankees pitcher Bob Turley said.
Born in San Francisco, McDougald is survived by his wife, Lucille, their seven children, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Private funeral services will be held Friday in New Jersey, the Yankees said.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
I loved in the same neighborhood as Mr. McDougall and I got to have his daughter's bed, we didn't have one because the doctor said Mom couldn't have any more, so the have all our baby stuff away. I feel so honored to have that spot in my life. RIP Sir.
Donna Tanner Durst
July 13, 2024 | Friend
I was a dodger fan well I remember you well. You are one heck of a ball player. You never stop being a ball player.
I was a dodger fan well I remember you well. You are one heck of a ball pla
July 20, 2021
Just thinking about the old days.
RIP Gil . One of my boyhood heroes.
Mike Dacus
July 15, 2016 | Stephenville, TX
R.i.p ...never met you but heard great things... got to see you a little bit on tape. .
andy mcdougall
January 06, 2014 | Branson, MO
My last name is mcdougall..my dad use gill to get a wkend off from the army said that they were related. .my dad told me the story when I was a kid iam 52 now..so I have been a fan since..I got a ball sign 8 by ten also and a card..which I could of met him rest in peace gil...... .andy mcdougall
andy mcdougall
January 06, 2014 | Branson, MO
I remember Gil and his wife many years ago while they lived in Belleville NJ and attended St. Peters RC church.... Also remember that my friend and I were fortunate enough to have the privilege of babysitting for their children a couple of times.
July 10, 2012
Hi my name is donald michaelson jr my dad spoke highly of Gil .
Our deepest sympathyes the michaellson familey
December 30, 2011
Auntie Babe,
So sorry to hear of Uncle Gil's passing. He will be missed. There are a lot of memories that can't and won't be forgotten. We send our love and deepest sympathy. God bless you all,
Bill and Cheryl McDougald, Belle Plaine, MN
December 08, 2011
Mrs. McDougald:
Words can not due justice to the sadness I feel with the loss of Gil. As a kid he was my favorite ballplayer and I finally had the chance to meet him. A picture of Gil and myself hangs on the wall in my office. My prayers go out to you and your family.
joe giudice
May 04, 2011 | Coram, NY