Milton Scott May, known as Milt May, played as a catcher in Major League Baseball. Born on August 1, 1950, in Gary, Indiana, he grew up in a baseball environment, as his father, Pinky May, was a former major league infielder. Milt May's career began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the 1968 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Pirates on September 10, 1970.
May's early years with the Pirates were marked by his role as a backup catcher. He was part of the 1971 World Series-winning team, contributing to the Pirates' success with his reliable defense and timely hitting. In the 1971 World Series, he had a memorable moment in Game 4, delivering a pinch-hit single that drove in the winning run, helping the Pirates secure a victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Throughout his career, May was known for his defensive skills behind the plate. He had a strong arm and was adept at handling pitchers, which made him a valuable asset to any team. Offensively, he was a left-handed hitter with a solid batting average, though he was not known for his power.
In 1973, May was traded to the Houston Astros, where he became the team's primary catcher. During his time with the Astros, he continued to demonstrate his defensive prowess and contributed offensively with a consistent batting average. May's tenure with the Astros lasted until 1976, when he was traded to the Detroit Tigers.
With the Tigers, May continued to be a reliable presence behind the plate. In 1977, he had one of his best offensive seasons, hitting .250 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs. His performance with the Tigers solidified his reputation as a dependable catcher in the league.
In 1980, May was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he played for one season before being traded back to the Pirates in 1981. His return to Pittsburgh was marked by his role as a veteran presence on the team, providing leadership and experience to the younger players.
May's career came full circle when he finished his playing days with the San Francisco Giants. He joined the Giants in 1983 and played two seasons with the team before retiring after the 1984 season. Over his 15-year career, May compiled a .263 batting average, with 77 home runs and 443 RBIs.
After retiring as a player, Milt May transitioned into coaching. He served as a hitting coach for several teams, including the Pirates, Florida Marlins, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His knowledge of the game and experience as a player made him a respected coach in the league.
⚾