Mickey McGuire – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Mickey McGuire made a brief but memorable mark in Major League Baseball during the 1960s, playing only for the Baltimore Orioles over two seasons. Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1941, McGuire grew into a versatile infielder who handled multiple positions, even though he faced plenty of challenges along the way.

He played just 16 major league games during the 1962 and 1967 seasons, finishing with a .190 batting average and two RBIs over his short MLB career. His time in the majors was short, but honestly, his story really shows the grit and persistence it takes to even get a shot at baseball’s highest level, especially during a period of big changes in the sport.

Let’s take a closer look at McGuire’s career, his athletic background, some of his professional highlights, and the hurdles he faced during his 15-year run in pro baseball.

From his days as a multi-sport star in high school to his last seasons playing in Japan, McGuire’s path says a lot about the ups and downs players deal with when trying to make it in Major League Baseball.

Key Facts About Mickey McGuire’s MLB Career

Mickey C. McGuire played in just 16 big league games over two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He debuted in September 1962 and wrapped up his MLB career in 1967.

He worked as a utility infielder, moving around to different positions. Still, he never landed a regular starting spot during his short MLB stint.

Major League Debut and Final Game

McGuire stepped onto a major league field for the first time on September 7, 1962 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. He jumped in during the eighth inning as a defensive replacement at shortstop while the Orioles lost 5-4 to the Los Angeles Angels.

He got his first plate appearance two days later, on September 9, 1962. That day, McGuire pinch-hit against Angels pitcher Ted Bowsfield and grounded out back to the mound.

The Orioles called him up after regular shortstop Ron Hansen broke his hand and had to sit out the rest of the season. McGuire moved up from the Single-A Elmira Pioneers to fill the roster spot.

“Putting on that Baltimore uniform was the greatest thrill I’ve ever had in baseball,” McGuire said about his debut.

He played his last MLB game in 1967, still with the Orioles. At 26, McGuire closed out a short but memorable big league career.

Positions Played in MLB

McGuire mainly played shortstop and second base during his MLB appearances. Most of his professional career listed him as a second baseman or shortstop.

He started out as a shortstop in the minors, but he learned to handle different infield spots as needed. That flexibility made him valuable as a utility guy who could jump into different roles.

In his 16 games with Baltimore, McGuire handled his defensive duties just fine. During his 1962 debut, he fielded all four chances without an error.

That ability to move around the infield helped him get his MLB opportunities. McGuire’s knack for playing both middle infield spots gave the Orioles some extra roster depth.

Teams Represented in the Majors

McGuire wore just one big league uniform—the Baltimore Orioles. He spent parts of two seasons (1962 and 1967) with them.

The Orioles signed him after scouts Jack Baker and Bill Krueger spotted his talent on February 15, 1960. Baltimore spent several years developing him in their minor league system.

He stuck with the Orioles organization for his entire professional career. McGuire worked his way up through their farm teams before getting his shot in the majors.

He never played for any other MLB team or organization.

Retirement in 1967

McGuire’s MLB days ended after the 1967 season when he was just 26. That last big league appearance came with Baltimore.

After his short time in the majors, McGuire kept playing professionally in other leagues. He finished his playing career in Japan, stretching out his time in baseball a bit longer.

His career stats show a .190 batting average in 16 MLB games, with zero home runs. The limited playing time really shows how tough it is to break through as a regular in the majors.

When he retired from MLB in 1967, it marked the end of his pro baseball career in America. McGuire had spent seven years in the Orioles’ system, made it to the top, but couldn’t quite nail down a permanent spot.

Professional Baseball Statistics and Achievements

Mickey McGuire’s big league career lasted just 16 games across two seasons with the Orioles, and he ended up with a .190 batting average. His defensive flexibility let him cover a few infield spots during his short time in MLB.

Batting Performance and Average

McGuire didn’t have much success at the plate in the majors, finishing with a .190 average over 16 games. He managed 4 hits in 21 at-bats across his two seasons.

He batted right-handed and made his debut on September 7, 1962, against the Los Angeles Angels. His first hit came during that 1962 season, in one of his six games for Baltimore.

Career Batting Stats:

• Batting Average: .190
• Games Played: 16
• At-Bats: 21
• Hits: 4

With so little time in the majors, McGuire never really got into an offensive rhythm. In the minors, he actually showed more with the bat, especially in 1966 with Rochester when he hit .307 and racked up 158 hits.

Home Runs and RBI

McGuire’s power numbers were pretty much nonexistent. He finished with 0 home runs and 2 RBIs in his 16 MLB games.

He spent most of his time as a utility infielder, so he didn’t get a ton of chances to drive in runs. Most of his appearances came as a defensive sub or pinch hitter.

He didn’t collect any extra-base hits during his short time in the majors. McGuire’s offensive output was pretty limited, and his main value came from being able to move around the infield.

Defensive Performance and Positions

McGuire’s glove got him looks at different infield spots. He played shortstop, second base, and even pinch hit here and there.

He started as a shortstop, but over his 15-year pro career, he played almost as many games at second and third base. That versatility made him useful to the Orioles.

Main Positions:

• Shortstop
• Second baseman
• Third baseman
• Pinch hitter

Baltimore manager Paul Richards liked what McGuire could do defensively, especially as a shortstop prospect. His fielding skills kept him in the game, even when his bat lagged behind.

Pinch Hitter Contributions

McGuire often came off the bench as a pinch hitter. His first official at-bat in the majors came as a pinch hitter on September 9, 1962, when he grounded out to Los Angeles pitcher Ted Bowsfield.

He fit the utility role as a contact hitter, and his ability to play multiple positions made him a natural choice for late-inning defensive swaps or pinch-hit chances.

Most of his 16 big league games came off the bench, not as a starter. The Orioles mostly used him as roster depth rather than a regular player.

Early Life and Athletic Background

Mickey C. McGuire was born January 18, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio. He grew up as the seventh of 13 kids in a working-class family.

He became a standout athlete at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, excelling in several sports before signing with the Baltimore Orioles in 1960.

Family and Upbringing in Dayton, Ohio

McGuire grew up in a big, busy household in Dayton. His parents, M.C. Sr. and Nellie (Rosenberry) McGuire, had moved up from Georgia to Ohio.

The family faced the usual working-class struggles of the time. M.C. Sr. worked as a laundry laborer in 1940, then became a pattern maker by 1954.

With 13 kids under one roof, Mickey stood out for his athletic energy. “I guess I’m the most active in the lot,” he once said, noting that only a couple of his younger brothers cared much about sports.

A youth coach gave him the nickname “Mickey” because “M.C.” sounded similar. The name stuck, and it happened to match the character Mickey Rooney played in those old 1920s and 1930s movies.

High School Sports and Multi-Sport Success

At Paul Laurence Dunbar High, McGuire played just about everything despite being only 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds. He ran track, played four years of basketball, and suited up for football as well.

On the basketball court, he averaged 22 points per game as a senior. But football might’ve been even bigger for him—he became the first African American quarterback to make All-City in Dayton.

High School Highlights:

• Basketball: 22 points per game (senior year)
• Football: All-City quarterback (junior and senior years)
• Track and field: Multi-year athlete

Even with small hands, McGuire excelled as a long-distance, rollout passer. “I was the first Negro to be named All-City quarterback in football,” he remembered. “Baseball was my greatest love, so I played every chance I got as an amateur.”

Transition to Professional Baseball

Since Dunbar High didn’t have a baseball team, McGuire played for amateur squads sponsored by local businesses and organizations. He suited up for teams like Precision Rubber, Grace Methodist Church, and Dorothy Lane Market.

He picked up valuable experience in a National Amateur Baseball Federation tournament with Dorothy Lane Market. That tournament stuck out as one of his favorite early memories in baseball.

Local coaches played a huge part in his development. “I had a lot of good coaching from the men who helped us when I was young,” he said. “As I grew older, I played in leagues with older men, and they gave me tips on how to do this and that.”

McGuire got scholarship offers for both basketball and football, but he picked professional baseball instead. He signed with the Orioles after scouts Jack Baker and Bill Krueger came calling on February 15, 1960, when he was 19.

Career Timeline and Notable Seasons

Mickey McGuire’s pro baseball career ran for 15 years, though his major league time totaled just 16 games over two seasons with the Orioles.

He spent most of his career in the minors and finished things up with a couple of seasons in Japan before hanging it up in 1967.

1962 Season with Baltimore Orioles

McGuire made his big league debut on September 7, 1962, jumping in at shortstop in the eighth inning during the Orioles’ 5-4 loss to the Angels. He was 21 and played six games that season, all off the bench.

His first plate appearance was two days after his debut. He grounded out to Angels pitcher Ted Bowsfield as a pinch hitter. That rookie year, he went hitless in four at-bats.

The Orioles called him up after Ron Hansen broke his hand. Even though McGuire didn’t play much, the experience meant a lot. “Putting on that Baltimore uniform was the greatest thrill I’ve ever had in baseball,” he said.

He handled all four of his fielding chances without a miscue during that first stint. The Orioles wanted to see if he could fit as a utility infielder down the road.

1967 Season and Final Major League Games

McGuire got another shot in the majors in 1967, which ended up being his last year in organized baseball. He played in 10 games that season.

His batting average ticked up a bit in 1967, but he mostly came in as a defensive sub or pinch hitter. The Orioles had their regular infielders set, so McGuire didn’t see much action.

He wrapped up his pro career at 26 after the 1967 season. His final MLB stats: a .190 batting average, zero home runs, and two RBIs over 16 games.

His retirement came as the Orioles were riding high. The team had just won the 1966 World Series and stayed strong with a stacked roster.

Minor League and International Play

McGuire spent most of his professional career in the minor leagues, bouncing around different levels from 1960 to 1967. In 1966, he had his best season with the Rochester Red Wings, batting .307 over 143 games.

He played all over the infield during his minor league days—shortstop, second base, third base, you name it. Earl Weaver, his manager, often pointed out McGuire’s versatility and strong work ethic.

After his time in the majors, McGuire kept playing for two more years in Japan. Not many American players went overseas in the 1960s, so that move was a bit unusual.

His minor league stats looked a lot better than what he managed in the majors. Throughout his career, he showed a knack for making contact and played steady defense.

Retirement Milestones

McGuire retired in 1967, closing the book on a 15-year professional baseball run that started when he signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1960. He played his last pro game at just 26 years old.

His career lined up with big changes in baseball, like more integration and the start of international opportunities. McGuire joined the first wave of American players to try their luck in Japan.

He grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and several colleges wanted him for basketball and football before he picked baseball. Scouts Jack Baker and Bill Krueger convinced him to sign with the Orioles.

Back then, most players didn’t have long careers or as many chances to keep playing as they do now.

Legacy and Recognition

Mickey McGuire only played 16 games in the MLB with the Baltimore Orioles, but he still left a mark. He cared about helping young players and played a part in opening doors for African American athletes in pro baseball.

His mentoring in amateur leagues and his role in integrating the Orioles organization stand out as his biggest contributions.

Notable Contributions to Baseball

McGuire made history as the first African American quarterback to be named All-City in Dayton. That says a lot about his athletic ability—he wasn’t just a baseball guy.

His MLB numbers show a .190 batting average with no home runs and 2 RBIs in 16 games. Those stats might look small, but considering what he had to overcome, they’re actually pretty meaningful.

McGuire played pro baseball for 15 years, mostly in the minors from 1960 to 1969. He moved around the infield, filling in wherever his teams needed him.

The Orioles valued his flexibility and baseball knowledge. Earl Weaver once said, “He’s as good as a lot of second basemen playing in the majors right now.” Not too shabby.

Mentorship and Influence Beyond MLB

After he hung up his spikes, McGuire stayed close to the game by coaching and mentoring young players. Since he played in integrated leagues, he could really help younger African American athletes find their way.

He also spent his last two pro seasons in Japan, which gave him a broader view of the game and a taste of another culture.

Back in his amateur days, McGuire played for teams like Precision Rubber, Grace Methodist Church, and Dorothy Lane Market. That background helped him relate to local players. He always remembered the coaches who shaped him, saying, “I had a lot of good coaching from the men who helped us when I was young.”

He kept talking about how important practice and preparation were. “I remembered most of the things they told me, and I practiced them at every opportunity,” he said.

Hall of Fame Consideration

Mickey McGuire has not been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. With a short MLB career and modest stats, he doesn’t really fit the usual Hall of Fame mold.

You can see his full pro stats on Baseball Reference. His .190 batting average in 16 games falls way below what you need for Hall of Fame talk.

Some folks have claimed he got inducted, but those stories seem to be either mistakes or confusion with someone else named McGuire.

His real legacy comes from sticking it out in the minors and helping integrate baseball. His story is pretty typical for a lot of African American players who battled tough odds in the 1960s.

Personal Life and Post-Retirement Activities

Mickey C. McGuire grew up in a big family and had a pretty unique story behind his nickname. After his short time in the majors, he played a bit longer in Japan, then started his life away from baseball.

Family and Name Origins

Mickey C. McGuire was born M.C. McGuire Jr. on January 18, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio. He was the seventh out of thirteen kids born to M.C. Sr. and Nellie (Rosenberry) McGuire.

Both his parents came from Georgia. According to the 1940 Census, his dad worked as a laundry laborer and later became a pattern maker by 1954.

He picked up the nickname “Mickey” in amateur baseball. One of his coaches thought “M.C.” sounded like “Mickey” and started calling him that. The name just kind of stuck, and everyone used it from then on.

There’s another twist—the name Mickey McGuire was also the character Mickey Rooney played in a popular film series from the late 1920s through the 1930s. That made the nickname even more memorable when he played ball.

McGuire married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane Bradley, on September 30, 1961. They tied the knot during his minor league career while he was still working his way up with the Orioles.

Life After Baseball

After his major league career ended in 1967, McGuire spent his last two seasons as a professional player in Japan. That overseas experience wrapped up his 15-year run in professional baseball.

Honestly, not much is out there about what McGuire did after he retired. It looks like he eventually settled down in the Bridgeton, New Jersey area.

He seemed to keep things pretty private once he walked away from the game. McGuire focused more on his own interests and family instead of staying in the baseball spotlight.

His move away from baseball closed out a journey that started when he signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1960. He was just a 19-year-old from Dayton back then.

McGuire only played 16 major league games over two seasons, but he made a name for himself as a steady utility infielder during his long minor league career.