[1] Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, McCoy grew up in San Diego, California[2] where he was a sandlot ball star before pitching in the Negro leagues in the mid-1940s.

[2][3] Following his discharge in 1945, McCoy played for the Chicago American Giants and Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues in a four-season span from 1945 to 1948.

He then found himself on the move again, expanding his career in the independent Manitoba-Dakota League with the Winnipeg Giants, Bismarck Barons and Carman Cardinals in all or part of three seasons spanning 1953–1955,[4] ending his playing days with the Tecolotes de Nuevo Laredo of the Mexican League late in 1955.

[1] In an eighth-year career, McCoy posted an 8-13 record and a 5.27 earned run average in 28 games (14 starts).

[6] The idea of the special draft was conceived by Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, well known for his exceptional community service through the years.