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Reactions: Willie Stargell

Users share their favorite memories of 'Pops'

In 1988, Willie Stargell became the 17th player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. AP

Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, a feared slugger and patriarchal leader of the Pittsburgh Pirates during a 21-year major league career, died early Monday after a long illness. He was 61. Known as "Pops" to his teammates, Stargell spent his entire career (1962-82) with the Pirates and hit 475 home runs, many of them some of the longest ever hit in the major leagues. With Stargell batting cleanup for most of his career, the Pirates won World Series championships in 1971 and 1979 and six NL East championships from 1970-79. We asked CNNSI.com users to share their fondest memories of "Pops." A sample of the responses follows:

One of my earliest memories of baseball as a child was Willie Stargell dancing on the top of the dugout to the sounds of We are Family. That is one of the reasons why I was a big Pops fan -- he had fun and had fun with the fans. Godspeed, Pops.
Brian Bayes, Grayson, Ky.

I believe the year was 1978 -- the last weekend of the season. If the Pirates sweep the Phillies they win the crown. After sweeping a doubleheader Friday, it was Saturday afternoon, bottom of the first inning with the bases loaded. Pops comes to bat, the sellout crowd going crazy and Pops delivers with a straightaway grand slam. Unbelievable, something I will never forget. Goodbye, Pops.
Bob Stoneking, Bridgeport, West Va.

I never was a fan of the Pirates. The Phillies were my team. But, as a kid I do remember emulating Willie's batting stance, and that cool way he would get himself ready in the batter's box by pushing the bat off his left shoulder and whirling it upwards and around toward the pitcher. The bat seemed very long and heavy and you knew he was a strong man.
Charles Fennell, Paris, Texas

In 1979, Willie handed out stars to his teammates who excelled during the season. Pops really didn't need the stars. He already was one. Thanks for the memories, Willie. We'll miss you.
Mike Kotyk, Virginia Beach, Va.

My favorite Stargell moment came late in his career, and was used for many a blooper show. He was apparently trying to steal second base, using shock as his only weapon. Of course, the throw beat him by 30 feet, to which Pops did a perfect pop-up slide 10 feet short of the bag, and called timeout -- priceless!
Cliff Hanna, San Diego, Calif.

I can still remember Willie depositing Expos' pitches into the swimming pool beyond right field at Old Jarry Park. As an Expos fan, I didn't like it; as a baseball fan, I still remember them with awe.
David Polk, Ottawa, Ont.

I used to hate this guy. Every time the Pirates played the Cubs, especially at Wrigley Field, he would always launch a few out of the park. My best friend was a big Pirates fan. I was the Cub fan and growing up our rivalry was set in stone. Now Willie is launching a few over the pearly gates! Godspeed, Willie. Your never give up and can-do attitude will be greatly missed!
David Ray, Dallas

Willie Stargell was a class act. His booming voice and leadership on the field set him aside from other players. However, as a kid, he was fun to emulate. You'd crank your bat the way Willie did. If only we could crank the homers the way he did.
Doug Corell, Brocton, N.Y.

Living in L.A., my favorite Stargell moments were going to Dodger Stadium early when the Pirates were in town and watching Willie take batting practice. That alone was worth fighting the traffic.
Jim Greene, San Francisco

When I was playing ball as a kid, Willie was my idol. From him, I learned how to make pitchers nervous. He may not have all the best league numbers, but he is one of the greatest batters of all time. I'm sure that pitchers hated facing him. Thank you, Willie, for enriching our lives.
Lisa L. Richards, Seattle

Pops standing at the plate. The bat turning like a windmill. A memory I will have forever. Glad I wasn't a pitcher when he came to the plate. Thanks for the memories, Willie.
Ray Damato, Las Vegas

Every kid in my hometown of Brady's Bend, Pa., and probably all of western Pennsylvania would emulate Willie's trademark windmill warm-up swing when we were in Little League. Of course, few of us ever matched Willie's results when we actually swung the bat. Rest in peace, Pops.
Steve Andreassi, Hoboken, N.J.

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