Cal McLish – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish had one of the most unforgettable names in baseball. His dad, who had a creative streak and deep Native American roots, came up with it. Born in Oklahoma in 1925, Cal’s path through pro baseball was anything but straight. He started as a teenager with the Brooklyn Dodgers and kept going until his last pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies nearly twenty years later.

McLish retired from Major League Baseball in July 1964 at 38, wrapping up a career that spanned seven teams and 368 games, with a 92-92 record. He bounced around the majors, served in the military, and even found a second wind in his thirties, making the All-Star team for the Cleveland Indians in 1959.

Teammates called him “Bus,” and after he hung up his glove, he didn’t miss a beat. He jumped right into coaching with the Phillies. His story’s full of the ups and downs of post-war baseball, the grind of a journeyman pitcher, and a guy who actually peaked when most players were fading out.

Early Life and Background

Cal McLish grew up in rural Oklahoma in the mid-1920s, and his name alone turned heads. Life in a small farming town shaped his early days, long before anyone thought he’d play in the majors.

Family Origins and Heritage

Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish was born December 1, 1925, in Anadarko, Oklahoma. He was the seventh of eight kids in the McLish family.

His dad, John, farmed for a living and was part Choctaw. His mom, Lulu, was part Cherokee. Cal’s Native American heritage tied him to Oklahoma’s indigenous history.

The McLish family lived in a tight-knit farming community. John McLish, for whatever reason, never got to name his earlier children.

When Cal arrived, John finally got his chance. Cal used to joke that his dad might’ve been “into the firewater” when he chose that wild name.

Growing Up in Anadarko, Oklahoma

Cal spent his childhood in Anadarko, a tiny farm town in southwest Oklahoma. The Great Depression made things tough, but that was just part of growing up there.

With seven siblings, Cal had to fight for his share of everything. That big family probably made him pretty competitive from the start.

Eventually, he moved to Oklahoma City and went to Central High School. He mostly played shortstop back then, not pitcher. High school was where his athletic talent really started to shine.

Moving from little Anadarko to the city meant he faced tougher competition. That move turned out to be a big deal for his baseball future.

The Origin of Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish

Cal’s name became a legend on its own. His dad John, after missing out on naming his first six children, went all out for Cal.

Calvin Coolidge was for the 30th U.S. president. Funny enough, John was a die-hard Democrat, and Coolidge was a Republican from Vermont.

No one, not even Cal, ever figured out the reason for Julius Caesar. His dad just liked the sound, maybe?

Tuskahoma means “red warrior” in Choctaw. It’s also the name of a little town in southeast Oklahoma, tying back to his dad’s roots.

Cal took pride in his presidential name, even if the politics didn’t line up. That name stuck with him everywhere, making sure he stood out to fans and teammates.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Cal McLish pitched for 15 seasons with seven teams, from 1944 to 1964. He finished with a 92-92 record and a 4.01 ERA. He started early with Brooklyn, lost time to the military, had his best years in Cleveland, and wrapped things up in Philadelphia.

MLB Debut With Brooklyn Dodgers

McLish broke into the majors on May 13, 1944, with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was just 18. Scout Tom Greenwade signed him for a $1,500 bonus and $150 a month.

He skipped the minors and jumped straight to the big leagues, thanks to World War II’s player shortage. On May 31, he notched his first win, beating the Pirates 8-4, and even hit a double with an RBI.

Then the draft came calling. On August 21, 1944, he left for military service with a 3-10 record and a 7.82 ERA. He served in Europe in the 3rd Infantry Division, picked up two battle stars, and came back to baseball in 1946.

Notable Years With Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians picked him up from the San Diego Padres in 1956. He really found his groove in Cleveland from 1958 to 1959 with manager Joe Gordon.

In 1958, McLish went 16-8 with a 2.99 ERA. He led the team in wins, innings, and complete games—13 of them. He credited Gordon for trusting him and giving him regular starts.

The next year, 1959, was his best ever. He went 19-8 and made the All-Star Game. In the All-Star Game, he tossed two hitless innings and got the save in a 5-3 American League win.

1959 Season Highlights:

• 19 wins (career best)
• All-Star nod
• Led Cleveland’s staff
• Helped the Indians finish second behind the White Sox

Final Seasons and Retirement With Philadelphia Phillies

McLish finished up with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1963 and 1964. By then, he didn’t see much action.

He pitched just twice in 1964 before the Phillies let him go in July. That was it for his 20-year pro career.

Manager Gene Mauch hired him as the Phillies’ pitching coach right away, taking over for Al Widmar. That move showed how much respect McLish had earned. He stayed with the Phillies as a coach through 1966, then moved on to coaching and scouting gigs with other teams.

Team Transitions and Playing Highlights

McLish bounced around both the National and American Leagues, but really shined with the Cleveland Indians. He spent time with the Chicago Cubs and made short stops with other teams, showing he could handle both starting and relief roles.

Trading Between National and American Leagues

Teams traded McLish back and forth between leagues a lot. After his military stint, the Brooklyn Dodgers traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a huge five-for-one deal that included Al Gionfriddo and $100,000.

The Pirates, following the rules for returning servicemen, kept him on the roster for one year. He pitched just one inning on May 25, 1947, against the Cardinals and gave up two runs.

After that year, Pittsburgh sent him to the Kansas City Blues in the American Association, tied to a deal for pitcher Mel Queen. This started a long stretch in the minors, but it helped him develop.

In December 1948, Pittsburgh traded him to the Chicago Cubs. That meant another league, another city, and another chance to find his place.

Stints With the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds

McLish’s time with the Cubs was a mix of learning and frustration. In 1949, he barely pitched—just 23 innings and a 1-1 record—spending most of his time with the Los Angeles Angels, their top farm team.

He had control issues, walking more than six batters per game in 1949. But by 1950, he improved, cut his walks, and went 20-11 with a 3.60 ERA over 260 innings.

He joined the Cubs’ starting rotation in 1951, even though the team finished last (62-92). On May 5, he pitched a shutout against Johnny Sain and the Boston Braves, allowing just five singles and two walks.

The Cubs sent him back to Triple-A in 1952. He kept working on his control, finishing 10-15 but lowering his walks to 2.7 per game. That set him up for later success.

Role With Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates

After his Cleveland run, the Chicago White Sox traded for McLish in 1961. The team was a contender, having won the pennant two years before.

He served mostly as a veteran presence and spot starter. The Sox used his experience and switch-hitting when they needed it.

In 1962, the Philadelphia Phillies traded for him, bringing him back to the National League. He spent his last years playing with them, mostly in a limited role.

McLish pitched just twice in 1964 before the Phillies released him in July. Manager Gene Mauch put him on the coaching staff right away as pitching coach, replacing Al Widmar and starting McLish’s new chapter as an instructor.

Minor Leagues and International Experience

Cal McLish spent a lot of time in the Pacific Coast League, pitching three full seasons with the Los Angeles Angels before joining the San Diego Padres organization. His World War II military service also gave him a shot to play baseball overseas in Czechoslovakia.

Pacific Coast League Years

From 1952 to 1954, McLish played for the Los Angeles Angels in the Pacific Coast League. He’d already bounced around the majors and minors by then.

The Pacific Coast League was a top minor league at the time. For a lot of players, it was the last stop before getting back to the majors.

He started the 1955 season with the Angels, then the San Diego Padres bought his contract. Back then, the Padres were still in the PCL and worked with the Cleveland Indians.

That move to San Diego turned out to be a big break for McLish. The Indians connection would change his career soon after.

Achievements With Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres

While pitching for the Los Angeles Angels from 1952 to 1954, McLish sharpened his pitching. The Pacific Coast League let him play regularly and work on his game without the pressure of the big leagues.

He did well enough that major league teams kept tabs on him. The tough competition in the league helped him get ready for another shot at the majors.

Joining the Padres in 1955 linked McLish directly to the Cleveland Indians system. That move opened the door for his return to the big leagues.

His time in San Diego was the last step before he got back to the majors. The Indians liked what they saw and brought him up in 1956, which led to the best stretch of his whole career.

Coaching and Post-Playing Career

McLish moved right into coaching after his playing days. He spent over twenty years as a pitching coach for several major league teams. His coaching career often followed manager Gene Mauch, taking him to the Philadelphia Phillies, Montreal Expos, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Pitching Coach for Major League Teams

McLish jumped right into coaching as soon as his playing career wrapped up in 1964. The Philadelphia Phillies let him go in July, but manager Gene Mauch wasted no time and brought McLish onto the coaching staff as pitching coach, replacing Al Widmar.

He worked as the Phillies’ pitching coach during 1965 and 1966. McLish spent those seasons guiding both up-and-coming pitchers who needed some polish and veterans trying to hang on to their edge.

After Philadelphia, McLish followed Mauch to the Montreal Expos. He took over as pitching coach for the Expos from 1969 through 1975. Honestly, that seven-year stretch marked the longest coaching run of his entire career.

Later, McLish landed his last big league coaching gig with the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1980s. Over the decades, he worked with all sorts of pitchers and tweaked his teaching style as the game changed.

Longtime Relationship With Gene Mauch

Gene Mauch played a huge role in McLish’s coaching path. They first crossed paths as teammates on the 1944 Brooklyn Dodgers, both just starting out in the majors.

Their professional connection deepened when McLish pitched for Mauch’s Phillies in 1964. When arm trouble forced McLish off the mound that year, Mauch clearly saw coaching potential in him.

Mauch and McLish kept up a lifelong friendship that went well beyond baseball. That bond definitely opened doors for McLish, since Mauch trusted his baseball knowledge and his knack for helping pitchers.

Their partnership really mattered during their Expos years. McLish played a big part in shaping the pitching staff of a brand-new team, laying the groundwork for whatever success the Expos would eventually have.

Scouting and Consulting Roles

When his major league coaching chapter ended, McLish stayed in the game through scouting and consulting. The Phillies kept him as a scout after his coaching stint, leaning on his deep knowledge of pitching.

He scouted both amateur and pro players, using his background as a player and coach to spot pitching talent and figure out who had a shot at making it. That’s a skill not everyone has.

McLish also took on consulting gigs, offering advice on pitching instruction and player evaluation. He drew from decades of experience in professional baseball.

These roles kept him active in the sport well after his coaching days. Teams valued his eye for talent and his steady, practical guidance.

Legacy, Honors, and Personal Life

Cal McLish’s legacy goes way beyond his 20 years in baseball. He’s remembered for his Oklahoma roots and his Native American heritage, too. He earned formal recognition for his impact on the game, and his coaching career left a lasting impact on baseball.

Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

In 2009, McLish got one of his biggest honors when the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame inducted him. That came near the end of his life, and it really summed up his career as both a player and a coach.

The ceremony honored his journey from Anadarko, Oklahoma to the major leagues. He played for seven different teams over two decades. The Hall of Fame didn’t just look at his playing days—they recognized his long coaching career, too.

After retiring as a player, McLish coached pitchers for the Phillies, Expos, and Brewers. His coaching career actually lasted longer than his time on the mound.

Cultural Impact and Native American Heritage

McLish’s full name—Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish—is hard to forget. His dad, John McLish, had Choctaw ancestry, and his mom, Lulu, was part Cherokee. The middle name Tuskahoma comes from the Choctaw language and means “red warrior.”

People loved talking about his name, and McLish liked to explain that his dad finally got to name a child after six tries. Born in Anadarko, Oklahoma, McLish always kept his Native American identity close.

His heritage tied him to Oklahoma’s rich cultural mix. The Choctaw influence in his name stands out, especially since not many Native American players were in pro baseball back in the mid-20th century.

Passing and Enduring Influence

McLish died on August 26, 2010, at 84, in Edmond, Oklahoma. His family buried him at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City, bringing him back to his home state for his final rest.

For many who remembered his unique name and steady presence, his death really did feel like the end of an era. He stayed involved in baseball right up until he retired from baseball activities in 2005.

McLish spent a long time in baseball, both playing and coaching, and built lasting relationships along the way. He and manager Gene Mauch were friends for decades, starting with their early days in Brooklyn back in 1944, and continuing through their coaching years together.