Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
First things first: How did Fred McGriff get the nickname “Crime Dog”? For those not in the know, there was a commercial for CrimeStoppers featuring a dog mascot named McGruff. He wore a trench coat, and his motto was “Take a Bite Outta Crime!” The Hall of Famer believes it was Kirby Puckett, a fellow Cooperstown inductee, who first came up with the moniker. There’s video of the diminutive Twins star bellowing at Fred, “Crime Dog!” Anyway, that mystery’s solved. Now, here are 11 times Fred McGriff took a bite out of whatever an MLB pitcher offered and sent it over the fence:
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The Night the Crime Dog Joined the 400 Home Run Club
On June 2, 2000, at Shea Stadium, Fred McGriff—sporting a Devil Rays uniform—belted his 400th career homer to center field over the head of Jay Payton. He’d hit 93 more to finish with 493—a number that seemed to vex Hall of Fame voters. Even he wondered why seven home runs made such a big difference, since 500 seemed to be the magical mark. The Contemporary Era committee finally put him where he belonged in 2023.
Five Teams, 30+ Homers Each—A Power Tour No One’s Matched
Toronto, San Diego, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Chicago—like a rock star on a barnstorming tour, McGriff hit at least 30 homers for five different franchises. No one else in baseball history can say that. He gave every team he played for quality power numbers.
Outslugging an Era: 10 Straight Seasons with 20+ Homers
From 1988 to 1997, while baseball’s numbers often seemed inflated, McGriff quietly posted 10 straight seasons with at least 20 home runs. Whichever team had him could pencil him in for at least that, though he usually exceeded expectations.
1992 NL Home Run King with the Padres
In 1992, Fred McGriff, firmly planted with the San Diego Padres for the entire season, blasted 35 homers to lead the National League. He was 6’3″ and 200 lbs of pure muscle. His swing was a thing of grace.
1994 All-Star Game MVP: The Year He Saved the Show
With baseball on the brink of a strike, the 1994 All-Star Game needed a hero. Enter McGriff, who smacked a game-tying homer in the bottom of the ninth and nabbed MVP honors. Though the good feelings wouldn’t last and the season would end without a World Series, he made fans smile for at least one night.
Silver Slugger Awards in Both Leagues
McGriff collected three Silver Slugger awards, showcasing his hitting prowess in both the American League (1989) and the National League (1992, 1993). Pitchers always knew they had to have their best stuff against the Crime Dog.
Leading Both Leagues in Homers: A Rare Feat
McGriff achieved something few have: leading both the AL (1989 with Toronto) and NL (1992 with San Diego) in home runs during his career. He was the first player since Dick Allen in the 1970s to accomplish this, putting him in elite company.
1995 World Series Ring: Atlanta’s Cherished Title, Thanks in Part to Fred
When Atlanta finally won it all in 1995, McGriff was the steady force in the lineup. He hit .261 with two homers in the World Series, giving Braves fans a championship memory to hang onto until they finally won another Series in 2021.
1993 Braves: McGriff Arrives, Team Goes on a 51–18 Tear
After the Braves traded for McGriff midseason in July 1993, Atlanta caught fire (there was literally a fire in the press box his first game there), going an incredible 51–18 down the stretch. Was it a coincidence, or was it the Crime Dog effect? It was likely the latter, since he provided protection in the batting order that the team had lacked before.
Seven Times in the Top 10 for MVP—Always in the Mix
McGriff was a perennial MVP contender, finishing in the top 10 seven times. He may never have snagged the big trophy, but he was always in the mix. He was likely always his team’s MVP.
2023 Hall of Fame Induction: Finally, the Call from Cooperstown
It took decades, but in 2023, Cooperstown finally dialed up Fred McGriff. The Crime Dog’s patience was rewarded. He may have had to wait, but he finally got the big hit.