Scott McGregor – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Scott McGregor wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1988 after 13 seasons as a steady lefty for the Baltimore Orioles. Born January 18, 1954, in Inglewood, California, McGregor became one of the most dependable starters in Orioles history during the team’s strong run in the late 1970s and 1980s.

McGregor put together a career record of 138 wins and 108 losses, spending his whole MLB career with Baltimore from 1976 to 1988. He leaned on changing speeds and keeping hitters guessing, not just blowing them away with heat. That style brought him plenty of success, including a 20-win season in 1980 and an All-Star nod in 1981.

His career peaked during Baltimore’s 1983 World Series championship run. He tossed a complete game shutout in Game 5 to clinch the title over the Philadelphia Phillies.

He started out as a high school standout, even playing with future Hall of Famer George Brett. Eventually, McGregor became a key part of one of baseball’s most successful franchises. It’s a story that really shows what individual achievement and team chemistry can do during a golden era for the Orioles.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Scott Houston McGregor was born January 18, 1954, in Inglewood, California. He grew up in southern California while the Dodgers were the talk of the town.

His high school days at El Segundo High School featured some standout pitching and a pretty famous teammate who’d go on to make his own mark in baseball.

Family Background and Childhood

Scott Houston McGregor was the son of John and Frances (Smith) McGregor in Inglewood, California. His dad, John, moved from Kirriemuir, Scotland as a child and played high school baseball and basketball in Denver. Later, John served in the Navy.

After leaving the Navy, John married Frances, who came from Ohio and moved to California as a teen. John worked as an accountant for Computax, while Frances worked as a secretary.

They had three kids—Scott had an older brother, Bob, and later a little sister, Jeanne.

Growing up in the South Bay, Scott found himself surrounded by baseball greatness. “I grew up with Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale,” McGregor once said. “I’d watch them all the time.”

His dad played a huge part in his early development. When five-year-old Scott threw baseballs with both hands from a mound John built in their backyard, his dad nudged him to stick with his left. Later, John even coached Scott’s El Segundo Little League team. He admitted he had a “sneaking feeling that his son was going to be a major leaguer.”

El Segundo High School Achievements

At El Segundo High, McGregor quickly became one of California’s top prep pitchers. He lettered in baseball, basketball, and football, but baseball was his ticket to the school’s Hall of Fame.

As a sophomore in 1970, McGregor stayed unbeaten until the California Interscholastic Federation AAA championship game at Anaheim Stadium. Lompoc, who hadn’t lost all year and had future big leaguers Roy Howell and Dave Stegman, ended his streak.

His junior year in 1971 went even better. McGregor went 18-1 and took home AAA MVP honors. He led El Segundo to a championship rematch win over Lompoc, outdueling their ace Roy Thomas.

McGregor’s senior season in 1972 turned into legend. He threw back-to-back no-hitters and finished 18-2 with a 0.28 ERA. When he wasn’t pitching, he played outfield and hit .390 with four homers and 27 RBIs in 32 games.

He grabbed MVP honors again, even though his Eagles lost 2-0 in the semifinals.

Relationship with George Brett

One of the coolest parts of McGregor’s high school years was playing with future Hall of Famer George Brett. Brett played shortstop and hit ahead of McGregor in the lineup.

Back then, McGregor was a switch-hitter and usually batted cleanup behind Brett. The talent at El Segundo during those early ’70s years was really something.

Both guys developed their skills side by side. McGregor shined on the mound, while Brett provided plenty of offense from shortstop.

Their partnership helped put El Segundo on the map as a southern California baseball powerhouse.

Both eventually made it to the majors. Brett ended up in the Hall of Fame, and their high school connection stayed a fun footnote in their baseball stories.

1972 Major League Baseball Draft

The New York Yankees picked McGregor in the first round of the 1972 June Amateur Draft, 14th overall. Even so, McGregor had already signed a letter of intent to go to the University of Southern California.

His family weighed in on the contract talks. “When it came to talking contract with the Yanks,” McGregor said, “Dad and my high school coach, John Stevenson, to whom I owe a lot, felt anything over the $50,000 price tag we put on a four-year USC scholarship was gravy.”

Scout Jackie Warner got the 18-year-old southpaw to sign for a reported $80,000 bonus. That was a big deal for a high school kid in 1972.

McGregor made some smart moves with his bonus. He bought into an apartment building, 200 head of cattle, and an answering service for doctors. Not exactly what you’d expect from a teenager just getting into pro baseball.

That signing launched McGregor toward the majors with the Yankees, though he’d find his real success after a trade sent him to Baltimore in 1976.

Major League Debut and Team Transitions

Scott McGregor started his pro journey with the Yankees in 1972, but his career really took off after a huge ten-player trade sent him to Baltimore in 1976. That deal kicked off his 13-year run with the Orioles, where he became a cornerstone of their pitching staff.

Joining the New York Yankees Organization

The Yankees made Scott McGregor their first-round pick in the June 1972 draft, grabbing him 14th overall.

He arrived in New York with some eye-popping high school numbers: a 51-5 record and a 0.39 ERA at El Segundo High.

His teammate back then? George Brett, who was a year older and would also become a star in the big leagues.

The Yankees liked McGregor’s potential as a lefty who could change speeds and control the strike zone. He definitely fit the bill as a top prospect.

Major Ten-Player Trade in 1976

On June 15, 1976, the Yankees and Orioles pulled off one of the biggest trades ever. Ten players swapped teams, and it really shook things up for both clubs.

The Yankees sent five players to Baltimore:

• Scott McGregor (pitcher)
• Rick Dempsey (catcher)
• Tippy Martinez (pitcher)
• Rudy May (pitcher)
• Dave Pagan (pitcher)

Baltimore sent five players to New York:

• Ken Holtzman (pitcher)
• Doyle Alexander (pitcher)
• Elrod Hendricks (catcher)
• Grant Jackson (pitcher)
• Jimmy Freeman (pitcher)

This trade completely changed both rosters. For the Orioles, it brought in young talent that would shape their future.

Baltimore Orioles Acquisition

McGregor joined the Orioles at age 22 in 1976. Baltimore had a reputation for developing pitchers and always being in the mix in the AL.

He made his big league debut on September 19, 1976, wearing the Orioles uniform. That was the start of a 13-year career spent entirely in Baltimore.

The Orioles immediately saw what McGregor could do. His mix of speeds and pinpoint location fit perfectly with their pitching philosophy.

Baltimore’s front office made the trade with an eye on the future. McGregor, Dempsey, and Martinez became building blocks for the team’s long-term plans.

Integration into Orioles’ Rotation

Earl Weaver, the Orioles’ Hall of Fame manager, noticed McGregor’s talent right away. After McGregor tossed a shutout on June 24, 1980, Weaver said, “The kid can pitch, that’s all I can say.”

That kind of praise from Weaver really validated the trade.

McGregor, Dempsey, and Martinez became the core that kept the Orioles competitive through the late ’70s and ’80s. Their impact went beyond stats—they helped with team chemistry too.

McGregor settled in as a reliable starter. His consistency and ability to eat innings made him a huge part of Baltimore’s success for years.

Pitching Career Highlights and Achievements

Scott McGregor built his reputation as one of the most reliable starters in the game during his 13 years with the Orioles. From 1979-1984, he posted a .650 winning percentage, the best in baseball. His 20-win season in 1980 and his clutch World Series performance in 1983 really stand out.

Consistent Starting Pitcher

McGregor anchored Baltimore’s rotation for years. He moved from the bullpen to a starter’s role early on and never looked back.

He racked up 138 wins and 108 losses in 357 games. His 3.99 career ERA was solid, especially considering how offense was on the rise during his era.

McGregor’s durability was impressive. He often pitched deep into games, finishing with 23 complete game shutouts. He didn’t throw the hardest, but he made up for it with smarts and control.

After some early struggles, his control got much better. He even developed a signature hesitation at the top of his delivery, which really threw hitters off.

All-Star and American League Honors

McGregor earned an American League All-Star spot during his best years with Baltimore. That selection showed just how respected he was among his peers.

His biggest moment came in the 1983 World Series. McGregor won Game 5 against the Phillies, tossing a complete game five-hitter to clinch the championship.

He also came up big in other playoff moments. McGregor pitched clinchers in both the 1979 ALCS and the 1983 World Series, showing he could handle the pressure.

His postseason heroics helped keep the Orioles at the top of the American League during that era.

Career Best Seasons

McGregor’s best year was 1980, when he went 20-8. That put him in the elite club of 20-game winners.

His 1983 season was almost as good, with an 18-7 record. He logged 260 innings and threw 12 complete games that year. That’s some serious workhorse stuff.

From 1979-1984, he put together a .650 winning percentage. That stretch really cemented him as one of the game’s most consistent starters.

He didn’t overpower hitters, but he kept them off balance with off-speed pitches and great location. Honestly, that’s what made those seasons so remarkable.

Statistical Achievements and Key Metrics

McGregor’s career numbers show steady excellence. His 138-108 record worked out to a .561 winning percentage, which is well above average.

He struck out 904 batters, averaging about 6.2 per nine innings. That might not wow anyone today, but it was solid for a finesse guy back then.

His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) sat at 1.291, showing good command. Keeping runners off base was a big part of his value.

Those 23 career shutouts? That shows he could completely shut down a lineup when he was on. Back then, starters were expected to finish games, and McGregor did his part.

Postseason and World Series Performances

Scott McGregor made a name for himself as a clutch performer in the postseason. He went 3-3 with a 1.63 ERA in six playoff appearances.

His most memorable moments came in the 1979 and 1983 postseasons, where he delivered key wins and clinched a championship for the Orioles.

1979 ALCS and World Series

McGregor played a huge role in the Orioles’ 1979 playoff run. He clinched the American League Championship Series with a complete game shutout against the California Angels in Game 4.

That win sent Baltimore to the World Series for the first time since 1971. McGregor really showed he could handle the pressure against the Angels during high-stakes moments.

In the World Series against Pittsburgh, McGregor pitched a complete game victory in Game 3. He went to Pittsburgh and delivered a strong performance, helping the Orioles grab a crucial road win.

But even after his earlier heroics, McGregor took the loss in Game 7 of the World Series. He pitched eight innings and gave up just two runs to Willie Stargell and the Pirates, yet Baltimore still fell short of the title.

1983 Postseason and World Series Victory

The 1983 postseason brought plenty of ups and downs for McGregor. He lost both Game 1 of the ALCS against the Chicago White Sox and Game 1 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, both by a tight 2-1 score.

In each opener, he allowed only two runs but got almost no run support from his teammates. Those close losses proved how well he pitched, even when the results didn’t go his way.

McGregor got his crowning moment in Game 5 of the 1983 World Series. He threw a complete game shutout against the Phillies, clinching the championship for Baltimore.

That shutout performance finished the series four games to one. This win really cemented McGregor’s postseason legacy and locked in his place in Orioles history.

Notable Games and Matchups

McGregor’s playoff career had plenty of highlights beyond just the championship clincher. His 1979 ALCS shutout over the California Angels still stands out as one of his biggest wins.

His complete game victory in Pittsburgh during the 1979 World Series showed he could handle pitching in tough, hostile ballparks. He really kept his cool on baseball’s biggest stage.

Even in the Game 7 loss in 1979, McGregor showed off his grit and stamina. Pitching eight innings and allowing only two runs in a deciding game said a lot about his mental toughness.

McGregor finished his postseason career with a 1.63 ERA over six appearances. He struck out 26 batters and kept his control sharp throughout the playoffs.

Key Opponents Faced

Willie Stargell and the Pittsburgh Pirates gave McGregor his toughest test during the 1979 World Series. The Hall of Famer and his teammates ended up winning the seven-game battle.

The Chicago White Sox beat McGregor in the 1983 ALCS opener. Even though he pitched well, the White Sox scraped together two runs and took the first game.

The Philadelphia Phillies faced McGregor twice in the 1983 World Series. After they edged him 2-1 in Game 1, he came back and shut them out in Game 5 to seal the championship.

The California Angels couldn’t solve McGregor in the 1979 ALCS. His shutout there ended their season and punched Baltimore’s ticket to the World Series.

Retirement and Post-Playing Roles

Scott McGregor moved from pitching to coaching roles, staying committed to baseball and player development. He took on several coaching jobs and got involved in the community, keeping his baseball impact going after his playing days.

Final Season and Release in 1988

McGregor’s last season with the Orioles came in 1988, wrapping up a 13-year MLB career. By then, he’d racked up 138 wins and had become one of Baltimore’s most dependable starters in the late ’70s and ’80s.

That 1988 season was a tough one for the veteran lefty. Age and a drop in velocity started to catch up with him on the mound. He struggled to keep up the level that made him a staple of Baltimore’s rotation during their glory years.

The Orioles released him at the end of the 1988 season. After spending his entire MLB career in Baltimore, McGregor had to face the end of his playing days. That decision closed a chapter for both him and the team that brought him over in the big 1976 trade with the Yankees.

Coaching Career After MLB

After retiring, McGregor jumped into coaching in pro baseball. He brought all his experience as a major league pitcher to help younger players. The Aberdeen IronBirds, a minor league affiliate, became his main coaching home.

McGregor worked as the pitching coach for the Aberdeen IronBirds. He got to work right alongside young prospects in the Orioles’ farm system, teaching pitching mechanics and the mental side of the game.

Coaching the IronBirds felt like a natural next step for McGregor. He already knew the Orioles’ pitching philosophy and had learned from greats like George Bamberger and Earl Weaver, making him a great fit for player development.

Roles as Pitching and Bullpen Coach

McGregor’s coaching went beyond just the IronBirds. He also worked as both a pitching coach and bullpen coach in different roles after retiring. Each job needed different skills and let him help pitchers in unique ways.

As a bullpen coach, McGregor focused on relief pitchers. He managed warm-ups, gave in-game advice, and helped relievers handle the unique pressures of their job. Having pitched as both a starter and reliever himself, he really got what those guys needed.

Switching between coaching roles showed how versatile McGregor was and how much he understood pitching from all angles. He worked with both starters and relievers, making him a valuable part of any staff. He often teamed up with other coaches, including working with Bill Castro in different roles.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Off the field, McGregor got involved in community and religious work. His Christian faith, which became a big part of his life while playing, shaped what he did after baseball. He served as a youth pastor, working with young people in his area.

That faith-driven involvement reflected how much McGregor had changed since his playing days. As a youth pastor, he mentored kids and made a difference beyond baseball. It was a way to use his leadership skills to help others.

McGregor never really left Baltimore or the Orioles behind. He kept going to games and stayed connected with the team when he could. That lasting relationship with the franchise showed the mutual respect between him and the organization that defined his whole MLB career.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Scott McGregor left a real mark on Major League Baseball during his 13 years with the Orioles, becoming one of the most reliable left-handed pitchers of his time. His influence went beyond stats and helped shape the Orioles’ championship culture, earning him respect across the baseball world.

Lifetime Achievements

McGregor put up strong career numbers that secured his spot in baseball history. He finished with a 138-108 record and a .561 winning percentage over 356 games. His 3.99 ERA and 23 shutouts showed he could shut down hitters regularly.

His best years came between 1979 and 1984, when he posted the top winning percentage (.650) in the majors. That six-year run really highlighted his consistency and durability as a starter.

The 1980 season was his best, with a 20-8 record, putting him among the rare 20-game winners. He earned All-Star honors and became a key piece of Baltimore’s championship-level rotation.

McGregor’s playoff success added to his legacy. He pitched in big games in both the 1979 ALCS and the 1983 World Series, including a dominant 5-0 shutout in Game 5 of the 1983 World Series against the Phillies.

Impact on the Baltimore Orioles

McGregor became almost synonymous with the Orioles’ success in the late ’70s and ’80s. The 1976 trade that brought him from the Yankees turned out to be one of the best moves in team history.

He joined Baltimore’s strong pitching rotation alongside Jim Palmer and other talented arms. McGregor’s steady presence helped the Orioles stay competitive through several playoff runs.

His 13 complete games in 1978 showed off the workhorse mentality that defined Orioles pitching back then. McGregor’s durability and reliability made him a true anchor in the rotation.

Thanks to his efforts, Baltimore reached the playoffs multiple times and won the 1983 World Series. McGregor’s clutch pitching in elimination games proved he could handle the biggest moments.

He kept giving back to the Orioles even after his playing days, serving as pitching coach for the Aberdeen IronBirds and keeping his connection to the organization alive.

Reputation Among Peers and Fans

People around baseball respected McGregor for his professional attitude and sharp pitching mind. His strong Christian faith and character honestly made him stand out in clubhouses and communities.

Players and coaches often pointed out how well he could change speeds and stay cool when the pressure cranked up. Manager Earl Weaver and pitching coach George Bamberger played big roles in shaping his signature mix of fastballs, curveballs, and changeups.

McGregor built his reputation as a clutch performer by stepping up in the big moments. Teammates and fans really appreciated his calm style and thoughtful way of attacking hitters.

He spent his whole 13-year career with the Orioles, which created a strong connection with Baltimore fans. That kind of loyalty made him a beloved part of the city’s baseball story.