Who Is Willie Stargell? Age, Biography and Wiki
Willie Stargell was born on March 6, 1940, and is recognized as one of the greatest baseball players in American history. He passed away on April 9, 2001, but his legacy continues to resonate in the world of baseball and beyond. Stargell played his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he made a significant impact as a powerful slugger and a charismatic leader. His contributions to the sport were honored with numerous awards, including the MVP award in both the National League and the World Series.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1940 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Earlsboro, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 9 April, 2001 |
| Died Place | Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S. |
Popularity
Willie Stargell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Willie Stargell stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighed around 210 pounds (95 kg) during his playing days. His robust physique was an asset as he displayed remarkable power on the field, highlighted by his ability to hit home runs. His athletic build was a crucial element of his playing style, making him a formidable presence both in the outfield and at the plate.
Frequent offseason conditioning problems came to a head in 1967, when Stargell showed up to spring training at a weight of 235 pounds. The team mandated that he diet to get down to a weight of 215 pounds.
His batting average dropped more than 40 points that season from .315 in 1966 to .271 in 1967; his home run total was reduced from 33 in 1966 to 20 in 1967.
The team had a personal trainer work with Stargell before the 1968 season to get him in the best shape of his career, but Stargell had a poor season and manager Larry Shepard criticized Stargell's physique as too muscular. He finished out the decade with a strong performance in 1969 (.307, 29 HRs, 92 RBIs), and finished 21st in MVP voting.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, posthumous examinations of Willie Stargell's life reveal he was married twice: first to his high school sweetheart, and then to his second wife, Margaret. Throughout his life, Starrgell was a family man, emphasizing the importance of connection and support. His legacy continues through his children and grandchildren, who remember him fondly not only for his accomplishments on the field but also as a loving father.
Later, he returned to Alameda, California, to live with his mother. He attended Encinal High School, where his baseball teammates included future MLB players Tommy Harper and Curt Motton. Stargell signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and entered minor league baseball in 1959.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Willie Stargell's estimated net worth was around $10 million. This wealth was accumulated during his playing career, endorsements, and later business ventures. His salary history reflects the significant contracts signed during the 1970s and early 1980s, a time when salaries in Major League Baseball began to rise sharply. His financial acumen also led him to invest in various business opportunities, securing his financial future beyond baseball.
Career, Business and Investments
Willie Stargell's baseball career is storied, with his time in MLB from 1962 to 1982 with the Pirates. He hit 475 home runs over his career and was crucial in leading his team to two World Series championships in 1971 and 1979. After retiring from baseball, Stargell ventured into several successful business initiatives, ranging from sports management to restaurant ownership. His impact extended beyond baseball as he engaged in philanthropic efforts and community service.
Wilver Dornell Stargell (March 6, 1940 – April 9, 2001), nicknamed "Pops" later in his career, was an American professional baseball left fielder and first baseman who spent all of his 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) (1962–1982) with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Among the most feared power hitters in baseball history, Stargell had the most home runs (296) of any player in the 1970s decade.
During his career, he batted .282 with 2,232 hits, 1,194 runs, 423 doubles, 475 home runs, and 1,540 runs batted in, helping his team win six National League (NL) East division titles, two NL pennants, and two World Series championships in 1971 and 1979, both over the Baltimore Orioles.
Stargell was a seven-time All-Star and two-time NL home run leader. In 1979, at the age of 39, he became the first and currently only player to win the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, the NL Championship Series MVP Award and the World Series MVP Award in one season. In 1982, the Pirates retired his uniform number 8.
He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988 in his first year of eligibility.
Social Network
While Willie Stargell is no longer with us, his legends continue on various social networks through fan accounts and tributes. His legacy lives on with numerous fan pages dedicated to celebrating his career, sharing memorable moments, and educating younger generations about his contributions to the sport. Fans and former teammates often share memories, stories, and videos, ensuring that the spirit of Willie Stargell remains alive in the hearts of many.
In addition to his NLCS and World Series MVP awards, Stargell finally took home the elusive MVP award (as co-winner along with St. Louis' Keith Hernandez) at the age of 39. Stargell is the only player to have won all three MVP trophies in a single year.
He shared the Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportsmen of the Year" award with NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who also played at Three Rivers Stadium, for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pirates manager Chuck Tanner said of Stargell, "Having him on your ball club is like having a diamond ring on your finger." Teammate Al Oliver once said, "If he asked us to jump off the Fort Pitt Bridge, we would ask him what kind of dive he wanted. That's how much respect we have for the man."
Education
Willie Stargell graduated from Encinal High School in Alameda, California, before being drafted into the Major Leagues. He showed potential in baseball from a young age and was a standout athlete in high school. While he did not pursue higher education in the traditional sense, his experiences on and off the field served as a formidable education, influencing his career decisions and investments later in life.
