Dave Winfield Childhood

David Mark Winfield was born on October 3, 1951 in Saint Paul, MN. He is the son of Arline and Frank Winfield. Growing up, Winfield’s athletic talents showed early on. No matter the sport he was always one of the best athletes in any game he played. But what separated Winfield from his peers was the combination of his athletic and physical gifts. He was bigger and stronger than most of the boys he played with. Winfield was a man among boys. His size, strength and athletic talent made him one of the best all-around athletes in Minnesota history. 

Dave Winfield High School Stats and Awards

Winfield attended St. Paul Central High School. He was a star athlete playing both baseball and basketball. Baseball was the sport he excelled at most. He was so good he was offered a minor league contract after high school. However Winfield would accept a sports scholarship to the University of Minnesota.

Dave Winfield College Career Stats and Notes

Dave was a two sport athlete at the University of Minnesota, playing basketball and baseball As a freshman on the diamond, it was clear he wasn’t going to be in college long. Winfield led the Golden Gophers to the 1973 College World Series tournament. Although they didn’t capture the title, Winfield earned Most Outstanding Player honors.

Dave Winfield MLB Career Stats and Notes

Winfield was selected 4th overall in the 1973 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. Winfield was good enough to skip minor league play altogether and was sent to majors immediately. He made his major league debut on June 19, 1973.  

Dave played for the San Diego Padres for eight seasons. The New York Yankees traded for Winfield in 1980, where he would play for the next decade (he did miss the entire 1989 season due to a back injury). 

During the 1990 MLB season a fallout with Yankees’ owner George Steinbrenner led to Winfield being traded midseason to the California Angels. He played two seasons for the Angels before signing with the Toronto Blue Jays for one season (1992). Although the stint was short, it was a massive success as he helped the Blue Jays win their first World Series in franchise history. 

Winfield returned home where it all began. In 1993 he signed with his hometown team the Minnesota Twins. After two years in Minnesota, Winfield signed with his final MLB team, the Cleveland Indians in 1995. After one season, Winfield retired. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. 

Dave Winfield Highlights

Winfield’s athletic ability was extraordinary. So much so he was in high demand - by multiple professional sports leagues. Winfield was drafted by four teams from four different leagues! He was drafted by the San Diego Padres (MLB), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Utah Stars (ABA) and yes the Minnesota Vikings (NFL). When you’re as athletically gifted as Winfield, you get to have plenty of options. 

List of Baseball Hall of Fame Members