Norman McRae

Norman McRae was born on Friday, September 26, 1947, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Norman always had a passion for baseball. When he was 17, the Detroit Tigers recruited him to play in the minor leagues. At 22 years old he broke into the big leagues on September 13, 1969, with the Detroit Tigers. He pitched 34 innings for the Tigers from 1969 to 1970 and appeared on a rookie baseball card.

McRae was then traded to the Washington Senators, where he played for two more seasons. From 1972 to 1981, McRae pitched in the Mexican League for the Chihuahua Goldens.

At the time of press the only additional information on Norman McRae was an article published by the Daily Journal in 1974. The following are excerpts from that article.

“But whatever is agreeing with Norm McRae, the Elizabeth pitcher is off to a most encouraging start in the Mexican Baseball League.

McRae, involved in the big 1970 trade that saw the Detroit Tigers’ Denny McLain, Don Wert, Elliott Maddox of Union, and McRae shipped to the Washington Senators, has found a paradise in Chihuahua, Mexico, where he has helped the Chihuahua Goldens move into a first-place tie in one of the Mexican loop’s four divisions….”

“The week before, McRae earned another headline by tying a Mexican League iron man record. He pitched a 16-inning complete game in a 3-2 victory. Norm gave up two runs in the first inning and then pitched fine ball through the 16th when his mates finally won the game for him.

McRae may be happy in sunny Mexico at the moment, but the chances are that he’d love to be called back to the major leagues in the US. It could very well happen if he keeps up his excellent performances in Mexico this season.”

Unfortunately Norman never made it back. Norman became a coach for Los Dorados and a recruiter for Tomateros de Culiacan. He was an outstanding baseball player and person. Norman died on July 25,2003 from cancer. He was 55.

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