Don McCormack - #17 - C

Born – Omak, Wash., 9/18/1955

B-R, T-R… 6-3, 205

 

Don McCormack has his first of two cups of coffee with the Phils in 1980.  A Phils draft pick from 1974, McCormack had gone through the rungs of the minor league ladder before finally getting a call in September of 1980 for the stretch run.  McCormack was on deck when Mike Schmidt blasted what would be the game-winning home run in Montreal to seal the division title for the Phillies.  He followed with a single to right, in his only at-bat of the season.  McCormack would have one more cup of coffee with the Phillies the next season.

1980 Season

 

AB

 Hits

 HR

RBI

Avg.

1980

1

1

0

0

1.000

Lifetime Statistics

Year

Team

AB

Runs

Hits

HR

RBI

Avg.

1980

Phillies

1

0

1

0

0

1.000

1981

Phillies

4

0

1

0

0

.250

TOTALS

 

5

0

2

0

0

.400

Phillies Publications

From The Phillies 1980 Media Guide:

 

How Obtained:  Phillies No. 4 selection, June 1974; signed by Bill Harper.

 

Six year pro…  Teamed with Keith Moreland to give Oklahoma City the best catching in the American Association…  Was leading Eastern League in hitting (.320) when promoted to Oklahoma City in 1978…  Drove in 31 runs in 40 games for OC that season…  1977 Carolina League’s best defensive catcher, .979 percentage…  Played in Instructional League program, 1976 and 1978…  Played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball…  1974 grad of Omak High… Played winter ball in Venezuela.

 

Dallas Green:  “Solid catcher who has improved his hitting each year.  On the verge of challenging for a spot on the major league level.”

From The Phillies 1981 Media Guide:

 

 

How Obtained:  Phillies No. 4 selection, June 1974; signed by Bill Harper.

 

Seven-year pro…  Workhorse of the American Association catchers a year ago, catching 116 games for Oklahoma City…  Set personal highs in hits, home runs and RBI while making the AA All-Star team…  “Good experienced, defensive catcher who can work every day.  Has some pop in his bat and is close to being ready,” reports Farm Director Jim Baumer…  Was recalled in September by Phillies and got to catch last three innings of division clinching game in Montreal, Oct. 4…  Led Carolina League catchers in fielding in 1977…  1974 graduate of Omak High… Played Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball.

From The 1980 Phillies Yearbook:

  • Favorite Color:  Brown
  • Favorite Singer/Group:  Doobie Brothers
  • Favorite Song:  Black Water by the Doobies
  • Favorite City:  Jackson Hole, Wyoming – the most beautiful I’ve ever seen
  • Least Favorite City:  Okanogan, Washington – Because it’s my hometown rival
  • Person You'd Most Like To Meet:  I would like to have met John F. Kennedy
  • Boyhood Idol(s):  John Wayne
  • Biggest Turn-On:  Getting married (biggest rush I’ve ever had)
  • Biggest Turn-Off:  Chronic complainers
  • Favorite Subject in School:  Current World Problems
  • Favorite TV Show:  Buck Rodgers and Bugs Bunny
  • Favorite Book:  The Hobbit
  • Person You Most Admire:  My Parents
  • Greatest Achievement:  Hasn’t come yet
  • Hobbies:  Hunting, fishing