Bill Madlock
A four-time NL batting champion who shifted to second base for the Giants from 1977 until mid-1979.
Bill Madlock joined the San Francisco Giants on February 11, 1977, in a trade that sent him and Rob Sperring from the Chicago Cubs for Bobby Murcer, Steve Ontiveros, and minor-league pitcher Andy Muhlstock. This move is often cited as one of the five worst trades in Cubs history. With Darrell Evans already at third base, Madlock shifted to second base during his tenure in San Francisco. He posted batting averages of .302 in 1977 and .309 in 1978, maintaining his reputation as a high-contact hitter even without winning titles during these specific years.
- Role
- Second Baseman
- Affiliation
- San Francisco Giants (1977–1979)
- Status
- Retired / Former Player
- Key Trait
- Contact Hitting and Discipline
- League Award
- NL Batting Champion (1975, 1976 - with Cubs)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Madlock's time in San Francisco began with significant friction regarding his role and salary. After demanding a multi-year contract worth $200,000 annually following the 1976 season, he was rejected by owner Philip K. Wrigley and traded to the Giants. Once there, Madlock adapted to playing second base, a position change necessitated by Evans at third. Despite not capturing batting titles in San Francisco, his consistency remained evident with averages of .302 and .309. His tenure was also marked by on-field intensity; during Spring Training in 1978, he got into a clubhouse fight with teammate John Montefusco after interrupting an interview, later ripping the pitcher for calling the team 'a team of losers.'
In Their Own Story
The relationship between Madlock and the Giants organization was complicated. Before arriving, he had been traded from the Cubs in what Chris Kuc later called one of their worst deals. In San Francisco, he faced the challenge of adjusting to second base while maintaining his elite hitting standards. The tension wasn't just on the field; it spilled into the clubhouse. In Spring Training 1978, Madlock confronted John Montefusco after overhearing comments about the team being 'losers,' leading to a physical altercation. Despite these internal conflicts and the lack of batting titles in this specific stint, he remained a formidable presence at the plate until June 28, 1979, when he was traded again.
Reader's Guide
Madlock's stint with the San Francisco Giants lasted from February 11, 1977, to June 28, 1979. During this period, he played primarily at second base because Darrell Evans held the third-base position. His batting averages were .302 in 1977 and .309 in 1978. He was part of a mid-summer trade deal described by Dave Kindred as one that 'still doesn't make sense,' where he, Lenny Randle, and Dave Roberts were sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Al Holland, Ed Whitson, and Fred Breining. This move ended his time in San Francisco just before he would go on to win two more batting titles with Pittsburgh.
Did You Know?
- Madlock was traded to the Giants on February 11, 1977, in a deal involving Bobby Murcer and Steve Ontiveros.
- He played second base for San Francisco because Darrell Evans occupied third base.
- In Spring Training 1978, he got into a clubhouse fight with John Montefusco over comments about the team being 'losers'.
- Madlock batted .302 in 1977 and .309 in 1978 while with the Giants.
- He left San Francisco on June 28, 1979, to join the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade described as one that 'still doesn't make sense'.