The Magic of Willie McGee: A Deep Dive into His Unforgettable 1985 MVP Season

In the storied annals of St. Louis Cardinals baseball, few seasons shine as brightly as Willie McGee’s 1985 MVP campaign. More than just an exceptional statistical season, McGee’s performance that year encapsulated everything that made 1980s Cardinals baseball thrilling: speed, contact hitting, electric defense, and relentless hustle.

Willie McGee hits for the cycle in 1984

A Batting Champion Emerges

Willie McGee didn’t just hit well in 1985 — he dominated the National League at the plate. He finished with a .353 batting average, the highest in all of Major League Baseball that season. This wasn’t just a career high — it was a historic performance. Among switch-hitters, McGee’s average stood as one of the best single-season marks in the modern era.

He amassed 216 hits, leading the league, and added 82 RBIs, impressive for a leadoff-type hitter without power. His 18 triples also led the majors, flashing his trademark speed and aggressive base running. In a lineup built on getting on base and manufacturing runs, McGee was the catalyst.

Key Batting Stats – 1985:

• AVG: .353 (1st NL)

• Hits: 216 (1st NL)

• Triples: 18 (1st MLB)

• Runs Scored: 114 (2nd NL)

• RBIs: 82

• OPS: .880

• Stolen Bases: 56 (4th NL)

He wasn’t a slugger — he only hit 10 home runs that year — but his .880 OPS was elite, especially for a player with such limited power. He created runs in every way imaginable, often stretching singles into doubles and putting pressure on opposing defenses.

1982 WS Gm3: Willie McGee makes AMAZING catch to rob a homer in the WORLD SERIES!

Gold Glove Defense in Center Field

McGee didn’t just dazzle with the bat and legs. He was a game-changer in center field. His glove work earned him the Gold Glove Award, his second in what would become a four-time Gold Glove career. McGee’s speed gave him tremendous range, and his reads off the bat were top-tier.

He patrolled Busch Stadium’s expansive outfield with a fluid grace — chasing down gap shots, crashing into walls, and making over-the-shoulder grabs that often turned would-be doubles into outs. His defensive WAR (Wins Above Replacement) was among the best for outfielders that season.

Redbird Reels: Willie McGee | St. Louis Cardinals

Notable Defensive Impact:

• Gold Glove Winner

• Center fielder for one of MLB’s top defensive teams

• Key late-inning catches and outfield assists in close games

A Leader in the Cardinals’ NL Pennant Run

The Cardinals finished 101-61 that season, powered by Whitey Herzog’s iconic “Whiteyball” philosophy — aggressive base running, defense, and contact hitting — and McGee was its most electrifying representative.

While stars like Ozzie Smith, Tommy Herr, and Jack Clark played big roles, McGee was the engine. His performance helped the Cardinals clinch the NL East and ultimately defeat the Dodgers in a dramatic NLCS.

Though the Cards fell to the Kansas City Royals in a heartbreaking 7-game World Series, McGee still shined, hitting .296 and making several key defensive plays.

WILLIE McGEE – St. Louis Cardinals Home Runs

Recognition and Legacy

On November 18, 1985, McGee was voted National League MVP, receiving 21 of 24 first-place votes. His season was a rare combination of excellence in contact hitting, baserunning, defense, and leadership — and it was impossible to ignore.

He also won the Silver Slugger Award, cementing his status as the top offensive center fielder in the NL.

Awards and Honors – 1985:

• NL MVP

• Batting Title Champion

• Gold Glove Winner

• Silver Slugger Winner

• NL All-Star Starter

Why It Was So Special

McGee’s 1985 season stands out not just statistically, but because of what it represented:

• He was the face of a playing style that doesn’t dominate today’s game — one built on athleticism, fundamentals, and heart.

• He wasn’t loud or flashy, but his effort and performance spoke volumes.

• He wasn’t just the best player on the team — he embodied the team’s identity.

In a season where home runs didn’t define success, Willie McGee showed that baseball brilliance could come from singles, stolen bases, and sparkling defense.

Final Words: A Season for the Ages

Willie McGee may not always come up first in lists of all-time greats, but his 1985 season is etched in Cardinals and MLB history. It was a campaign of consistency, charisma, and clutch moments — the kind that builds legends and inspires future generations.

And for fans who watched him glide across Busch Stadium’s outfield or slap another base hit into the gap, the memory of that MVP season is forever golden.