Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On August 7, 1936, Gilbert High alumni and Iowa State baseball great Jerry McNertney was born in Boone. A 10-year Major Leager, McNertney starred at first base for a Cyclone baseball squad that finished third in the 1957 College World Series
After standing out in Legion baseball during the early 1950s, McNertney arrived in Ames to play for legendary Iowa State Baseball Coach Cap Timm. In 1957, McNertney hit .302 for a Cyclone team that won the Big Seven Championship and finished third in the College World Series. Signed by the Chicago White Sox in 1958, McNertney transitioned from first base to outfield and eventually to catcher.
McNertney found his place behind the plate and made his Major League debut for the White Sox as a 27-year-old in 1964. He went on to combine a .237 career average with 20 home runs and 163 runs batted in while playing for the Chicago White Sox, Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburg Pirates. In 1967, McNertney led the American League catchers in caught stealing percentage (54.8%).
After his playing career ended, McNertney was the bullpen coach for the New York Yankees in 1984 and for the Boston Red Sox during the latter half of the 1988 season after coaching in the Yankees' farm system during the early 1980s. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
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