Dave Windfield is a former African American Major League Baseball player. Born in 1951 in Minnesota, Winfield alongside his brother developed their athletic skills in their youth an eventually earned him a full scholarship to the University of Minnesota when he graduated highschool. During his time there, Winfield played on both the university’s baseball and basketball teams. His skill eventually got him voted MVP of the College World Series in 1973.

 

Winfield began his professional career with the San Diego Padres following the 1973 MLB draft. Winfield played with the team for several years until 1980, honing his skills at batting. 

 

He left the team to become a free agent and was eventually offered a $23 million contract by the New York Yankees in 1981. Windfield’s time with the Yankees was a contentious one, with his contract feud with then Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and various injuries. Eventually he was traded to the California Angels in 1990, and played with the team for one year.

 

Winfield then signed on to the Toronto Blue Jays for a single year, gaining back the love of fans when he helped with the World Series Championship for the team. Windfield’s last years professionally were spent with the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians. At that time, he was the oldest MLB player at 41 years old.

 

Following his retirement in 1996, Windfield was inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame, San Diego Hall of Champions, and the San Padres Hall of Fame in the early 2000s. 

 

Now, Windfield is known for his philanthropy and his work as the special assistant to the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association.