Bake McBride – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Arnold Ray “Bake” McBride made a real mark during his eleven-year career in Major League Baseball. He played from 1973 to 1983 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cleveland Indians.

People remember McBride for his blazing speed and unique look. He stood out as one of the most exciting outfielders of his time, snatching the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1974 and helping the Phillies finally win their first World Series championship in 1980.

McBride retired after the 1983 season with the Cleveland Indians, wrapping up a career with a .299 batting average, 1,153 hits, and 430 RBIs over 11 seasons. Injuries dogged him—knee surgeries, a tough eye infection that sidelined him for almost a season—but McBride’s influence stretched way beyond the numbers.

Let’s look at McBride’s journey, from his Missouri roots to becoming a World Series champ. We’ll check out his early days, big breaks, his Phillies glory years, and what he did after baseball. His story gives a glimpse into the hurdles players faced back then and the legacy of a guy who squeezed every drop out of his natural talent, even when his body didn’t always cooperate.

Early Life and Background

Arnold Ray “Bake” McBride was born on February 3, 1949, in Fulton, Missouri. Folks there started calling him “The Callaway Kid” after his home county.

He grew up in a baseball family, and his success in multiple sports at Fulton High School set the stage for his later years at Westminster College.

Family and Childhood in Fulton, Missouri

Bake’s parents, Arnold McBride and Wanna Robinson McBride, raised him in Fulton. His dad pitched for the Kansas City Monarchs, a big name in the Negro Leagues.

That family tie to pro baseball gave Bake an early look at the game. Growing up in rural Missouri during the ‘50s and ‘60s wasn’t easy, but he met those challenges head-on.

His family taught him strong values. With his dad’s background, Bake probably picked up a lot about baseball long before he ever played a pro game.

Fulton, Missouri, shaped his early years. The small-town atmosphere stuck with him, earning him the “The Callaway Kid” nickname—Callaway County pride, you know?

Athletics at Fulton High School

At Fulton High School, McBride stood out in more than one sport. He grabbed all-state honors in football, showing off his speed and athleticism.

He didn’t stop at football. McBride played basketball and ran track, showing the versatility that would help him later in baseball.

Funny enough, Fulton High didn’t even have a baseball team when McBride was there. That makes his rise to the big leagues even more impressive.

He really shined in track. The speed he built there became his calling card as a pro ballplayer.

Since there was no high school baseball, McBride found other ways to sharpen his skills. His athleticism and determination helped him make up the difference.

College Years at Westminster College

McBride enrolled at Westminster College in Missouri and kept up his multi-sport streak. He played baseball, basketball, and ran track, just like in high school.

At Westminster, he set the school record in the 200-meter dash. That speed would define his game in the majors.

He started out pitching in college. But when he tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals, the scouts cared more about how fast he could run than his pitching.

The Cardinals picked him in the 37th round of the 1970 MLB draft. He was the 811th pick—imagine that—and ended up being the last player drafted and signed that year to reach the Major Leagues.

He left college early to chase his baseball dream, but later came back to finish up and graduate from Westminster.

Overcoming Adversity

McBride didn’t take the usual path to pro baseball. He didn’t play high school ball, so he had to show scouts what he could do with pure athleticism.

Getting picked in the 37th round says a lot—most guys drafted that late never sniff the majors. McBride proved everyone wrong.

Switching from college pitcher to pro outfielder wasn’t easy. He had to learn a new spot on the field and face tougher competition.

His humble start in Fulton gave him a strong work ethic. That grit helped him survive the tough world of pro baseball.

People called him “The Callaway Kid” to honor his small-town beginnings and remind him how far he’d come.

Major League Debut and Rookie of the Year

Arnold Ray McBride’s climb from a 37th round pick to National League Rookie of the Year is a story of grit. His 1973 debut with the St. Louis Cardinals kicked off a rise that peaked with the 1974 Rookie of the Year award, not far from teammate Lou Brock.

Draft to St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals took a chance on McBride in the 37th round of the June 4, 1970 free-agent draft. He was the 811th player chosen. That makes his later success even more impressive.

He started out with the Cardinals’ rookie team in the Gulf Coast League. In just 17 games, he hit .423 and quickly moved up to Modesto in the California League.

McBride kept getting better in the minors. At Modesto in 1971, he batted .303, stole 40 bases, and led the team with 85 runs scored.

The Cardinals bumped him up to Arkansas in the Double-A Texas League in 1972. By midseason, manager Fred Koenig told him, “I think you’re ready to play in Triple A. And what’s more, I think you’re ready to go to St. Louis.”

McBride wrapped up 1972 with a .322 average and 42 stolen bases between Arkansas and Triple-A Tulsa.

1973 Debut and Early Impressions

McBride made his MLB debut on July 26, 1973, at Busch Stadium against the New York Mets. He became the first Fulton High School alum to reach the majors.

Manager Red Schoendienst put McBride in the game in the sixth inning, subbing him for Hall of Famer Lou Brock in left field. The Cardinals were already up 10-1.

He got his first MLB hit in the eighth, an RBI single to right off Jim McAndrew. That moment kicked off his big league career.

His debut wasn’t just a personal milestone. McBride’s arrival showed the Cardinals’ commitment to finding gems late in the draft.

1974 National League Rookie of the Year

McBride’s 1974 season put him on the map as one of baseball’s most promising young players. He hit .309 with 173 hits, second only to Lou Brock on the team.

He wasted no time showing off his speed, stealing 30 bases—second to Brock’s National League record 118 steals. McBride also scored 81 runs, making a real impact.

The Baseball Writers Association of America named him 1974 National League Rookie of the Year. He was the first Cardinal to win it since Bill Virdon in 1955.

McBride started in center, flanked by Brock in left and Reggie Smith in right. That outfield packed both offense and defense.

His rookie year proved the Cardinals were right to believe in their late-round pick. McBride became a key piece for their future.

Influence of Lou Brock and Early Milestones

Lou Brock played both teammate and mentor for McBride. Brock’s record-breaking 1974 gave McBride a front-row seat to greatness.

“Like any rookie, Bake had to reach one level at a time, but I never saw him frustrated,” Brock said. “When he learns pitchers’ moves and gets on base enough times to perfect his timing, he’s going to pour on the stolen bases.”

McBride’s speed made a perfect match for Brock’s veteran savvy. Together, they formed one of the league’s most dangerous base-stealing duos in the mid-’70s.

Brock taught McBride more than just stealing bases. He shared tips on reading pitchers, hitting in different situations, and the mental side of the game.

Their partnership showed the Cardinals’ team culture in action. McBride’s quick learning under Brock’s wing set him up for big things in the majors.

Philadelphia Phillies and World Series Success

McBride hit his stride with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1977 to 1981. He became a key piece in their first World Series title run in 1980.

His steady play and knack for clutch hits helped turn the Phillies into champs after plenty of playoff heartbreak.

Trade to the Phillies

The Phillies traded for Bake McBride in June 1977, bringing him over from the Cardinals. General Manager Paul Owens wanted to add proven players to the team’s homegrown core.

McBride arrived with Steve Waterbury and Tom Underwood in exchange for Dane Iorg and Rick Bosetti. The trade worked out well for Philly’s championship hopes.

He filled a big hole in the Phillies’ outfield. McBride brought speed, defense, and a reliable bat to a team on the rise.

His move to Philadelphia kicked off the best stretch of his career. That trade helped set the stage for the Phillies’ World Series win three years later.

Performance During Late 1970s

McBride quickly became a steady presence for the Phillies in the late ’70s. He kept his batting average up and chipped in plenty of RBIs and runs scored.

His speed on the bases made the Phillies’ offense more dangerous. McBride’s knack for stealing bases and stretching hits gave his teammates more chances to score.

He earned an All-Star spot during his time in Philly. His glove in right field helped the team, too.

McBride’s consistent play helped the Phillies stay in the National League East race. His contributions were a big reason for the team’s success in those years.

1980 Phillies and World Series Triumph

The 1980 Phillies finally won their first World Series, and McBride played a huge part. He delivered key hits and RBIs throughout the playoffs, helping end the team’s long wait for a title.

In the 1980 World Series against the Kansas City Royals, McBride came through in the clutch. His timely hitting showed just how valuable he was to the champs.

He kept up his solid numbers during the regular season, too. Getting on base and driving in runs, McBride did his part for the Phillies’ championship push.

That World Series ring was the highlight of his career. It proved just how much he meant to one of baseball’s most storied teams.

Notable Teammates and Memorable Games

McBride shared the field with some Hall of Famers on that Phillies squad. Guys like Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton anchored the team.

He played a role in plenty of memorable wins during the championship season. Teammates and fans respected McBride for always delivering in big moments.

McBride fit right in with the team’s stars, knowing his role and playing it well. That’s part of what made the Phillies click in 1980.

His time in Philadelphia left a lasting mark on the franchise. McBride’s impact on the 1980 World Series still matters in Philadelphia baseball history.

Playing Style, Position, and Career Achievements

Bake McBride built his career on speed and steady hitting, playing all over the outfield. He finished with a .299 career batting average and won the 1974 National League Rookie of the Year.

McBride’s style leaned on making contact and running the bases aggressively. That mix made him a tough opponent and a fan favorite throughout his career.

Outfield Positions and Fielding

McBride mostly played center field in his early years with the St. Louis Cardinals. His speed really fit the defensive demands of that spot.

When he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1977, McBride moved over to right field. Garry Maddox played center in Philly, so McBride just went where the team needed him.

He also spent time in left field during his career. Managers liked how they could put him pretty much anywhere in the outfield.

His running ability boosted his defensive game. Even after knee problems started, McBride still managed to cover a lot of ground out there.

Switching positions never seemed to throw him off. He kept up steady defensive play in all three outfield spots through his 11 seasons in MLB.

Speed and Base Running

McBride’s speed always stood out. Pirates catcher Manny Sanguillen once called him “the fastest man I have ever seen in baseball.”

In his 1974 rookie year, he stole 30 bases. With Lou Brock swiping 118, the two set an MLB record for most stolen bases by teammates in a single season.

McBride’s base running went further than just steals. In that wild 25-inning game against the Mets in 1974, he scored the winning run after dashing from first on an error.

His speed let him beat out infield hits and stretch singles into doubles. That knack really boosted his offense over the years.

Knee injuries eventually changed how he ran. By 1980, he had a lopsided gait that some fans honestly misunderstood as a lack of hustle.

Batting Performance and Home Runs

McBride wrapped up his career with a .299 batting average over 11 seasons. He piled up 1,153 hits and 548 runs in the majors.

He hit 63 career home runs, but that wasn’t really his focus. McBride leaned into contact hitting and getting on base so the speedsters behind him could do their thing.

The 1974 season probably showed off his bat the most. He racked up 173 hits and finished with a .309 average as a rookie.

His most unforgettable homer came in Game 1 of the 1980 World Series. That three-run blast off Kansas City set the tone for the Phillies.

McBride used a pretty unorthodox batting stance, putting weight on his front foot instead of the back. It worked for him, helping him square up the ball more often than not.

All-Star Appearance and Awards

He made the All-Star team in 1976 as the Cardinals’ lone rep. McBride was hitting .335 before a knee injury cut his season short.

His top individual honor was the 1974 National League Rookie of the Year award. He became the first Cardinal to win it since Bill Virdon back in 1955.

McBride picked up a World Series ring with the Phillies in 1980. He hit .304 in the Series, going 7-for-23.

After he retired, the Phillies put him on their Wall of Fame. That honor really shows how much he meant to the franchise during its best years.

Later Years, Retirement, and Post-Baseball Life

In his final years, McBride battled injuries and had a short stint with Cleveland before moving into coaching roles. After playing, he got involved with the Senior Professional Baseball Association and mentored players in big league organizations.

Cleveland Indians Stint and Final MLB Years

The Phillies traded McBride to the Cleveland Indians in December 1981. That move marked his last chapter in MLB.

He played for Cleveland in 1982 and 1983. Injuries really started to catch up with him, and his production dropped.

In 1982, McBride got into 85 games with the Indians. His batting average fell to .248, which was way off from the .300 mark he’d hit in seven seasons.

The 1983 season was his last in the majors. He played just 44 games, still fighting the same nagging injuries that had followed him for years.

Cleveland released him after the 1983 season. At 34, McBride wrapped up his 11-year MLB career with a .299 average.

Injuries and Challenges

Injuries pretty much defined McBride’s later playing days. He struggled with a sore left shoulder that made throwing from the outfield a challenge.

His knees also became a bigger problem as time went on. Playing on artificial turf, which was everywhere in the ’70s and ’80s, didn’t help his joints.

Those injuries slowed him down—his stolen base numbers took a real hit in his final years with Cleveland.

The constant pain and rehab wore on him mentally. He heard plenty of criticism about whether he could play through pain, and that couldn’t have been easy.

Senior Professional Baseball Association

When he retired from MLB, McBride found a new gig in the Senior Professional Baseball Association. The league gave ex-major leaguers over 35 a place to keep playing.

He joined the St. Petersburg Pelicans when the SPBA started in 1989. For McBride and others, it was a way to stay in the game without the big league pressure.

Later, he played for the Orlando Juice in the same league. The SPBA let him show off his skills a bit longer.

The league only lasted two seasons before folding. Still, McBride got to extend his career and stay close to baseball for a while.

Coaching and Life After Baseball

After hanging up his spikes, McBride switched to coaching. He worked as a roving coach with the Mets and Cardinals over the next couple of decades.

He spent time helping minor leaguers at different levels. McBride shared what he knew about base running, outfield play, and hitting with young players.

Carver Park in Fulton, Missouri even named its baseball field after him. That honor meant a lot, tying him back to his hometown roots.

McBride also finished his college degree at Westminster College. He’d taken classes while playing and eventually earned his bachelor’s.

His coaching stints with the Mets and Cardinals let him give back to the game. McBride helped develop young outfielders and base runners into the 1990s and 2000s.

Legacy, Honors, and Net Worth

Bake McBride made a real impact on Major League Baseball with his memorable nicknames, steady stats, and key role in the Phillies’ 1980 World Series win. His Rookie of the Year award and reputation as a clutch performer made him stand out in one of baseball’s most exciting eras.

Nickname and Cultural Impact

Arnold Ray McBride picked up two nicknames that stuck with him. “Shake ‘n Bake” captured his quick moves and energy, while “The Callaway Kid” reminded folks of his small-town Missouri roots.

Fans loved the “Shake ‘n Bake” nickname in the ’70s and ’80s. It just fit his style—he brought excitement to the basepaths and the outfield.

His influence went beyond the nicknames, though. McBride embodied the 1970s style of play: speed, contact hitting, and clutch moments. That three-run homer in Game 1 of the 1980 World Series really cemented his place in Phillies history.

Records and Contributions to Baseball

McBride’s numbers show just how reliable he was as a consistent performer. He finished with a .299 batting average in 11 seasons—so close to .300. His 1,153 hits and 63 home runs reflect solid production for every team he played on.

His biggest honor came in 1974 with the National League Rookie of the Year Award. That year, he hit .309 with 30 steals and 56 RBI for the Cardinals. People recognized him as one of the top young players in baseball.

He hit over .300 in seven seasons, topping out at .335 in 1976. That was also the year he made his only All-Star team. His 183 career stolen bases show he kept his speed even as he got older.

The 1980 World Series title with the Phillies stands as his top team achievement. His home run in Game 1 helped spark the team’s championship run.

Community Involvement and Recognition

Details about McBride’s community work and post-retirement honors are a bit scarce. His nomination for the Phillies Wall of Fame keeps his legacy alive with the franchise.

Being considered for the Wall of Fame shows how much the Phillies value his part in that 1980 championship. If he gets that honor, it would officially recognize his role in one of the team’s best eras.

Growing up in rural Missouri during tough times shaped McBride’s character. That background probably influenced how he approached giving back, even if there’s not a lot of public info about his charitable work.

Net Worth and Personal Life

We don’t really know Bake McBride’s current net worth. Public records haven’t shared those details, and he seems to keep that pretty close to the chest.

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, Major League Baseball players didn’t make anywhere near what they do now. Salaries were just lower, plain and simple.

Over 11 seasons, McBride played for three different teams. He picked up paychecks from the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cleveland Indians.

Nobody’s published his exact salary numbers from those years. It’s tough to find that kind of info from that era.

McBride wrapped up his career in 1983 when he was just 33. Injuries did a number on him—knee issues and an eye infection really messed up his 1982 season.

He had to retire earlier than a lot of players, and that probably meant he didn’t earn as much as guys who lasted into their late 30s.

Since leaving baseball, McBride has kept his personal life pretty quiet. He was born on February 3, 1949, and now he’s in his mid-70s.

These days, he stays out of the spotlight and doesn’t seem interested in public attention.