Page "Dave Winfield" Paragraph 9

Winfield in 1983 Spring Training.

Winfield did not let Steinbrenner's antics affect his play.

He hit 37 home runs in a spectacular season.

On August 4,, Winfield accidentally killed a seagull by throwing a ball while warming up before the fifth inning of a game at Toronto's Exhibition Stadium.

Fans responded by hurling obscenities and improvised missiles.

After the game, he was brought to the Ontario Provincial Police station and charged with cruelty to animals.

He was released after posting a $ 500 bond.

Yankee manager Billy Martin quipped, " It's the first time he's hit the cutoff man all season.

" Charges were dropped the following day.

In the off-season, Winfield returned to Toronto and donated two paintings for an Easter Seals auction, which raised over $ 60, 000.

For years afterward, Winfield's appearances in Toronto were greeted by fans standing and flapping their arms — until he became a fan favorite when he joined the Blue Jays in 1992.