Tommie Agee: Baseball’s Greatest Outfielder

Tommie Agee was one of the best outfielders of his generation. A center fielder with a strong arm, he was known for his ability to make spectacular catches.

Who was Tommie Agee?

Tommie Agee was an American professional baseball center fielder who played Major League Baseball (MLB) for eight teams overParts of 16 seasons (1962–1977). He is best known for his time with the New York Mets Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox He was an outstanding Defensive Player and won Gold Glove Awards in three consecutive seasons. A two-time All-Star, Agee hit 20 or more home runs seven times and 30 or more home runs four times in his career.

Agee was born in Magnolia, Mississippi, and grew up in Mobile, Alabama. He developed his skills playing sandlot baseball The Chicago White Sox signed him as an amateur free agent in 1961, and he made his MLB debut the following year. As a rookie in 1962, he hit .273 with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs. In 1964, he hit a career-high 31 homers with 93 RBIs and led the American League (AL) with 13 outfield assists. Traded to the Cleveland Indians after the 1965 season, he helped them win the 1966 World Series

Agee was traded to the New York Mets during the 1968 season; that year, he hit 27 homers with 104 RBIs while playing excellent defense in center field, helping the Mets win the World Series One of Agee’s most memorable moments occurred during that Series when he made two spectacular catchsto preserve a 2–1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3. His catch of a drive by Brooks Robinson for the final out of that game has been called one of baseball’s greatest catches ever made

Agee’s early years in baseball

Agee began his Baseball Career playing in the Negro Leagues for the Birmingham Black Barons in 1964. He then spent five seasons in the minors before finally being called up to the majors by the Cleveland Indians in 1968. He was traded to the New York Mets after just one season with the Indians, and it was with the Mets that Agee truly began to establish himself as one of baseball’s premier outfielders.

Agee’s time with the Chicago White Sox

In 1968, Agee was dealt to the Chicago White Sox where he enjoyed his best statistical seasons. That year, he batted .273 with 24 Home Runs and earned his first Gold Glove Award The following year, 1969, saw Agee break out with what many consider his finest season. That year, he batted .285 with 26 home runs and a league-leading 109 RBIs. He also led the American League in extra-base hits (68) and Slugging percentage (.522), and finished second in Total Bases (315). He was voted the American League’s Most Valuable Player that season, edging out Boston’s Carl Yastrzemski by two points.

Agee’s time with the New York Mets

Tommie Agee played for the New York Mets from 1966 to 1969, and is considered one of the best outfielders in team history. Agee was known for his exceptional defense and his powerful arm, which helped him lead the Mets to a World Series victory in 1969. He was also a two-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award in 1967.

Agee’s later years in baseball

After being traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1971, Agee had his best statistical season to date. He batted .274 with 32 home runs and drove in 86 runs. The following year, he was dealt to the New York Mets where he served as a role player and mentor for the team’s younger players. He played his final season with the Mets in 1974 before retiring from baseball.

Agee’s legacy

Agee’s legacy as one of baseball’s greatest outfielders is still evident today. His impact on the game was immeasurable, and he is still hailed as one of the best to ever play the game

Why was Agee considered baseball’s greatest outfielder?

Tommie Agee was considered baseball’s greatest outfielder for a number of reasons. First and foremost, he had an incredible ability to track down fly balls and make catches in difficult situations. He also had a strong arm, which allowed him to prevent runners from advancing on bases. Finally, he was an excellent hitter and helped his team score runs on a regular basis.

Agee’s greatest moments in baseball

Thomas Jefferson “Tommie” Agee was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played for the Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians and New York Mets He is considered one of the best outfielders of his era and was known for his exceptional defense.

During his career, Agee made several memorable catches that have been widely praised. In 1968, he made a catch in Game 2 of the World Series that has been called “the greatest catch ever made in baseball’s greatest stage.” The catch helped the Mets win the game and eventually the Series.

In 1970, Agee hit two home runs in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series The first home run was a grand slam that put the Indians ahead 7-5. The second home run was a solo shot that gave the Indians a 9-6 lead. The Indians went on to win the game 10-9 and eventually the series.

What others are saying about Agee

Below are some quotes from people who knew Tommie Agee or saw him play.

“Tommie Agee was the best center fielder I ever saw. He could run like the wind, had a rifle for an arm, and could leap like a gazelle.” -Former New York Mets Manager Gil Hodges

“If there is a problem with judging great outfielders by today’s standards, it is that they would have to be judged against Tommie Agee. He set the standards.” – former Chicago White Sox GM Roland Hemond

Agee was “one of the most gifted athletes of his generation”, and ” baseball’s best outfielder in the 1960s”. – Baseball Historian Bill James

Where is Agee now?

After his successful tenure with the Mets, Agee was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1972. He only played one season with the Braves before being traded again, this time to the Chicago White Sox He would spend four seasons with the White Sox before retiring from baseball in 1976.

Agee’s post-baseball life has been relatively quiet. He settled in Birmingham, Alabama, where he worked for a time as a supervisor for a trucking company. In recent years he has battled health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. He currently lives in an assisted living facility in Birmingham.