McAuliffe began his professional baseball career with the Detroit Tigers in 1960. He quickly established himself as a reliable and consistent player, known for his unique batting stance and his aggressive style of play. He was a key player for the Tigers, helping them to win the World Series in 1968. In that season, he hit .249 with 50 RBIs and 12 home runs, and he was also selected as an All-Star.
Throughout his career with the Tigers, McAuliffe was a three-time All-Star, earning the honor in 1965, 1967, and 1968. He was known for his power at the plate, hitting over 20 home runs in a season four times in his career. He also led the American League in runs scored in 1968.
In 1973, McAuliffe was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he played for two seasons before retiring in 1975. During his time with the Red Sox, he continued to be a valuable player, providing solid defense and contributing at the plate.
McAuliffe was known for his unique batting stance, in which he stood almost facing the pitcher, a style that was rarely seen in the major leagues. Despite this unusual approach, he was a successful hitter, finishing his career with a .247 batting average, 197 home runs, and 697 RBIs.
In addition to his playing career, McAuliffe also had a brief stint as a manager in the minor leagues. After retiring from playing, he managed the Tigers' farm team, the Lakeland Tigers, in the Florida State League in 1977.
Throughout his career, McAuliffe was respected for his competitive spirit and his dedication to the game. He was known for his hard-nosed style of play and his willingness to do whatever it took to help his team win. His contributions to the Tigers and the Red Sox have left a lasting legacy in the history of Major League Baseball.
⚾
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Dick McAuliffe BiographyF i l t e r & S o r t Filter & Sort
3 hours
Aug 6, 1970Aug 6, 1970
The Detroit Tigers had a solid season in 1970, finishing with a respectable record. Their...
Detroit Tigers vs New York Yankees - Radio Broadcast / The Detroit Tigers had a solid season in 1970, finishing with a respectable record. Their roster included talented players like Al Kaline, Norm Cash, and Bill Freehan. In August, the Tigers had a mixed month with some impressive wins and occasional setbacks. They remained competitive in the American League East division race throughout the season, but ultimately fell short of the division title.
The New York Yankees, known for their storied history, had a strong team in 1970. Led by manager Ralph Houk, the Yankees featured star players like Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, and Mel Stottlemyre. In August, the Yankees had a remarkable performance, winning several key games and solidifying their position at the top of the American League East division. They continued their dominant form throughout the season, securing the division title.
In August, both the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees were closely watching each other's performance, as they were fierce competitors in the AL East division race. The Tigers had some memorable victories during this month, keeping their hopes alive for a postseason berth. However, they also faced some tough losses that hindered their chances of catching up to the Yankees.
On the other hand, the Yankees had a fantastic August, showcasing their offensive prowess and pitching strength. They went on a winning streak, distancing themselves from their division rivals and solidifying their position as the team to beat in the American League East. Their consistent performances during August played a crucial role in their eventual division title victory.
3 hours
Jun 6, 1970Jun 6, 1970
In a regular season game on June 6, 1970, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum,...
Detroit TIgers vs Oakland A's - Radio Broadcast / In a regular season game on June 6, 1970, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, a notable game unfolded between the Detroit Tigers and the Oakland Athletics. The Tigers' pitcher, Joe Niekro, and the Athletics' pitcher, Chuck Dobson, both took the mound with the intention of guiding their teams to victory. This game occurred during a significant period for both franchises: the Athletics were in the process of building a team that would dominate the early 1970s, while the Tigers aimed to sustain the competitive spirit that led them to a World Series championship in 1968.
The game started off quietly, with no runs scored in the initial innings. Momentum shifted in the fourth inning when Norm Cash hit a two-run homer for the Tigers, setting the stage for a competitive match. The Athletics managed to score two unearned runs in the second inning, taking advantage of errors by the Tigers. Key moments for the Tigers included solo home runs by Bill Freehan in the fifth and ninth innings, which were crucial in maintaining their lead. In the eighth inning, Matty Alou hit a two-run homer for the Athletics, narrowing the gap in the score. However, the pitching of Joe Niekro, coupled with John Hiller securing a save, ensured that the Tigers maintained their lead, resulting in a 6-4 win.
2½ hours
Sep 17, 1968Sep 17, 1968
On Tuesday, September 17, 1968, the Detroit Tigers hosted the New...
New York Yankees vs Detroit Tigers - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / On Tuesday, September 17, 1968, the Detroit Tigers hosted the New York Yankees at Tiger Stadium. Stan Bahnsen took the mound for the Yankees, while Joe Sparma was the starting pitcher for the Tigers. At this point in the season, the Tigers were on the brink of clinching the pennant, leading the American League, while the Yankees were struggling, sitting in the middle of the pack. Mickey Mantle, a perennial star for the Yankees, was nearing the end of his illustrious career, and the 1968 season was notable for the "Year of the Pitcher," with pitchers dominating hitters to an extent not seen in decades.
16 minutes
Jul 12, 1966Jul 12, 1966
The 1966 MLB All-Star Game was held at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The...
1966 MLB All Star Game Highlights / The 1966 MLB All-Star Game was held at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The National League defeated the American League 2-1 in 10 innings. Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles hit a solo home run for the AL, while Tim McCarver of the St. Louis Cardinals hit a game-winning RBI double for the NL.