John Munson/The Star-Ledger

In 1981, after having successful division and championship series, Dave Winfield notoriously struggled in the World Series, notching only one hit in 22 at-bats. From that point forward in his tense tenure with the Yankees under the not-so-kind-and-gentle rule of George Steinbrenner, Winfield became known as someone not to be relied on in the clutch.

It reached new heights in late 1985 when after a particularly difficult offensive stretch for the superstar outfielder against the Toronto Blue Jays, who the Yankees were chasing for the division title; Steinbrenner slung his infamous and unfair sobriquet of "Mr. May" at Winfield. "Where is Reggie Jackson," the dictator fumed.

But the articulate, generous and multitalented native Minnesotan would get his sweet and beloved...