From a mental aspect, McGee hopes to return
08/12/98
By Rick Hummel
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff
Fan favorite Willie McGee, who will turn 40 in November, said Wednesday that ``mentally, I want to
play two or three more years.''
But he says the continuance of his 17-season career would depend on ``opportunity and my family.''
McGee generally doesn't reveal his intentions about playing until after the season ends, and he hasn't
exactly declared himself a sure bet for next year.
But he said, ``I love this game. I'd love to play it for the rest of my life.''
Though McGee said he didn't know what the Cardinals' intentions are, manager Tony La Russa said
Wednesday he would like to have the switch-hitting outfielder back as a player. That is, before
McGee takes over as Cardinals manager.
``I'll hold (the job) till he's ready,'' La Russa said, smiling. ``I'll coach for him.''
La Russa said McGee already had been ``like a player-coach'' in his three years playing for La
Russa. ``He's unlimited. Whatever he wants to do, he can do,'' La Russa said.
McGee's optimism about playing again stems from the fact that he has remained healthy for the whole
season and that he knows what he has been doing wrong as his average had slid into the unfamiliar
.260s.
``It's just lack of concentration in the strike zone,'' he said. ``I've been swinging at too many balls that
aren't strikes. But I'll be able to redeem myself.''
After seeing Brian Hunter and Gary Gaetti let go in recent weeks, McGee said he wouldn't blame the
Cardinals if they wanted to do something with him, too.
``They've got to evaluate. They don't know what's going to happen,'' McGee said. ``If (Tony) wants
to do something with me -- release me or whatever -- and it's in the best interests of the team -- I
would understand.
``And I'm sure he would do it.''
Then McGee laughed.
``You know Tony doesn't care what people think,'' McGee said. ``He just does what he thinks is
right. He's given me every opportunity to be successful.''
But the chances of La Russa and the Cardinals releasing McGee would be about as good as the
Cardinals' chances of winning the Central Division title.
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