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Fred McGriff
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'CAREER PATHS': October 2003 (updated September 2004)

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Toronto Blue Jays 1986-90:  Acquired from the Yankees organization as a minor leaguer in December 1982, McGriff made his major league debut with Toronto in 1986.  By 1988 he was a star, leading the AL with 36 home runs and driving in a 119.  Following the 1990 season in which he hit .300 with 35 dingers, McGriff was dealt with SS Tony Fernandez to San Diego for OF Joe Carter and 2B Roberto Alomar.

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San Diego Padres 1991-93:  McGriff adjusted well to San Diego, as he clouted 31 home runs in 1991 and led the NL with 35 long balls in 1992.  By 1993, however, the Padres were in fire sale mode, and dealt the slugger to Atlanta for two minor leaguers on July 18.

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Atlanta Braves 1993-97:  McGriff propelled Atlanta to the NL West title in 1993, belting 19 home runs in 68 games as a Brave.  The Braves fell to Philadelphia in the NLCS, however, despite McGriff's .435 average.  The "Crime Dog" continued to wield a hot bat in 1994, compiling 34 home runs in 113 games before a player's strike wiped out the season.

In 1995, everything finally came together for the Braves as they captured the NL pennant and defeated Cleveland in six games in the World Series.  McGriff contributed with 4 home runs during the Brave's post-season run.  McGriff showed no signs of slowing down in 1996, hitting .295 with 28 home runs.  The Braves again won the NL pennant, but fell to the upstart Yankees in the Fall Classic.

When McGriff's production dipped after the Braves move to Turner Field in 1997, management decided the veteran slugger wasn't in the their plans and dealt him to the expansion Devil Rays for cash on November 18.

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Tampa Bay Devil Rays 1998-2001:  After a disappointing 1998 season in which he hit just 19 home runs, the Tampa native rebounded with a monster season in 1999, hitting .310 with 32 HR and 104 RBI.  After another solid season in 2000 (.277, 27 HR, 106 RBI), and a strong start in 2001, McGriff was dealt to the Cubs after some coaxing on July 27.

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Chicago Cubs 2001-02:  Despite rapidly approaching 40, McGriff remained healthy and productive in the Windy City, belting 30 home runs and driving in 103 in 2002, his only full season as a Cub.  He is the only player to hit over 30 HR with five different teams.  A free agent following the season, McGriff signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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Los Angeles Dodgers 2003:  The 2003 season was a frustrating one for the "Crime Dog." He entered the season with 478 home runs, but the first two stints on the DL of his career stymied his efforts to reach 500.  In 86 games, McGriff hit .249 with 13 HRs.

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Tampa Bay Devil Rays 2004:  McGriff re-joined the D-Rays on May 28 needing just 9 homeruns to reach 500. The 40-year-old however, struggled mightily, hitting just .181 with 2 homers in 27 games and was released in July. 

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