Scott McGregor

Note: This page is for 1980s major league pitcher Scott McGregor; for the minor league pitcher with the same name, see Scott McGregor (minors).

Scott Houston McGregor

• Bats Both, Throws Left
• Height 6' 1", Weight 190 lb.
• School Loyola Marymount University
• High School El Segundo High School
• Debut September 19, 1976
• Final Game April 27, 1988
• Born January 18, 1954 in Inglewood, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Scott McGregor had a successful pitching career of 13 years in the major leagues, all with the Baltimore Orioles. He had a lifetime record of 138-108, with a record of 20-8 in 1980. He pitched 34 innings in two World Series with an ERA of 2.12. An All-Star in 1981, he was twice sixth in the Cy Young Award voting. A lefty with superb control, McGregor led American League pitchers in 1979 with just 1.19 walks per 9 innings pitched.

Although his entire major league season was with the Orioles, he was a first-round draft pick of the New York Yankees in 1972. He was a high school teammate of George Brett in El Segundo, CA. Brett was a second-round draft pick in 1971. He was considered a top prospect with the Yankees, but was traded to Baltimore in June of 1976, as part of a ten-player trade that also landed the Orioles C Rick Dempsey and Ps Tippy Martinez and Rudy May. It was also a good deal for New York, though, as they obtained Ps Doyle Alexander, Ken Holtzman and Grant Jackson, who helped them win a division title and reach the World Series that season. Scott made his debut at the end of that season and after spending 1977 pitching in long relief (in accordance with manager Earl Weaver's belief that this was the best role for a young pitcher), he graduated to the starting rotation in 1978 and immediately won 15 games.

He started Game 7 of the 1979 World Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on October 17th, but was charged with the loss after giving up a two-run homer to Willie Stargell in the 6th, the only runs he allowed in 8 innings of work. He had previously won Game 4 of the ALCS against the California Angels with a complete game shutout, clinching the series, and Game 3 of the World Series, after going 13-6 during the season. In 1983, he was 18-7, 3.18, and won another World Series game, Game 5 which clinched the Orioles' win over the Philadelphia Phillies, once again with a complete game shutout. Ironically, he was charged with the O's only two losses that postseason, in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Chicago White Sox, and also in Game 1 of the World Series. That was in spite of pitching well in both losses, giving up just 3 earned runs in 14 2/3 innings.

His last four major league appearances came in the midst of the Orioles' infamous season-opening 21-game losing streak in 1988. His final start, on April 27th, was the penultimate loss of that painful streak, although he was not involved in the decision. He went 0-3, 8.83 in his four starts and was released on May 2nd. The Orioles were hoping for a bounce-back year after he had had his worst season in 1987, going 2-7, 6.64, but it became quickly apparent that he was done as an effective major league pitcher.

After retiring as a player, McGregor worked as a minister in the Baltimore area before returning to baseball as a coach.

• 2002 Pitching coach Aberdeen IronBirds
• 2003-2005 Pitching coach Frederick Keys
• 2006-2007 Pitching coach Bowie BaySox
• 2008-2011 Pitching coach Aberdeen IronBirds
• 2010 Pitching Coach Chinese national team - 2010 Asian Games
• 2012 Pitching rehabilitation coordinator, Baltimore Orioles

Notable Achievements

• 1974 Pitcher of the Year International League Syracuse Chiefs
• AL All-Star (1981)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 4 (1978, 1980, 1983 & 1984)
• 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1980)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 6 (1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985 & 1986)
• Won a World Series with the Baltimore Orioles in 1983

Related Sites

• Scott McGregor at the SABR Bio Project