In 1998, he had a total of 51 doubles with Triple-A Memphis and Double-A Arkansas. His first full season in the majors was also his best. McEwing batted.275 in with 141 hits and nine home runs, both career highs. He also amassed a 25-game hitting streak, the fifth longest at that time by a rookie, and finished fifth in National League Rookie of the Year balloting. McEwing became an immediate fan favorite because of his energy, hustle and obvious love for the game. During his rookie season, McEwing played every position on the field, except pitcher and catcher. In his honor, St. Louis Cardinals fans created what was known as "Little Mac Land," in a play on words of the official "Big Mac Land" created in the upper deck of Busch Stadium for Mark McGwire. McEwing had a streak of 230 errorless games, which at one point was the longest such streak by an active major league outfielder. McEwing was often successful against Randy Johnson, so McEwing was nicknamed "Little Unit". During Spring training just before the start of the season, he was traded to the New York Mets for Jesse Orosco. Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa admired McEwing so much that he requested a pair of the player's spikes upon the trade. Released by the Mets toward the end of spring training in , the Kansas City Royals signed him to provide extra infield insurance. The Royals called him up to the major leagues on March 12, when regular third baseman, Mark Teahen, went on the 15-day disabled list. On March 30,, he was sent to the Houston Astros by the Royals. In, he signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox. On January 16,, McEwing officially announced his retirement from baseball.
Post-playing career
In the 2008 season, McEwing started his baseball coaching career as the hitting coach for the Charlotte Knights. On November 3, 2008, he was named manager of the Winston-Salem Dash, the Class A affiliate for the Chicago White Sox, for the season. During that season, Baseball America rated McEwing as the top managerial prospect in the South Atlantic League. McEwing was also named Manager of the Year for his work managing the Dash in 2009 and 2010. McEwing was named manager of the Charlotte Knights, the White Sox triple-A affiliate for the 2011 season. On October 10, 2011, several sources reported that McEwing would be promoted to serve as the third-base coach for the White Sox in 2012, serving under new manager Robin Ventura. Several managerial and coaching positions opened up shortly before the end of the 2011 season when then White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén announced that he would be leaving. McEwing was promoted from 3rd base coach to the White Sox Bench Coach role for the 2017 season and continues to occupy that job today. Joe is currently married to his wife Courtnie and resides outside of Philadelphia, PA.
