Early Career
McGriff was a prospect in the New York Yankees minor league system in the early 1980s. He was drafted by the Yankees in the 9th round of the 1981 amateur draft and signed June 11, 1981. In 1982, the Yankees dealt McGriff, Dave Collins and Mike Morgan to the Toronto Blue Jays for Dale Murray and Tom Dodd.
McGriff reached the majors full-time in 1987, and slugged 34 home runs the next year, his first of seven consecutive seasons with over 30 homers. McGriff emerged as the top power hitter in the American League in 1989, as he belted 36 home runs, helping the Blue Jays win the AL East division title. His power numbers remained steady in 1990, as McGriff batted .300 and established himself as a consistent producer.
McGriff was the first person to hit a home run at SkyDome, now known as the Rogers Centre.
Read more about this topic: Fred McGriff
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