A Favorite of Fans and Players, HOFer Willie McCovey Passed Away Wednesday
“Baseball and family together have shaped my character and my values and my career, and together they have brought me before you today."
-- Willie McCovey, at his Hall of Fame Induction in 1986
For the details of his life check out the San Francisco Chronicle story:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/giants/article/Willie-McCovey-Giants-legend-dead-at-80-13352886.php
The Hall of Fame Tribute to McCovey
Top left-handed home run hitter in N.L. history with 521. Second only to Lou Gehrig with 18 career grand slams. Led N.L. in homers three times and RBI’s twice. N.L. Rookie of the Year in 1959, MVP in 1969 and Comeback Player of the Year in ’77. Teamed with Willie Mays for awesome 1-2 punch in Giants’ lineup.
Born: Jan. 10, 1938 at Mobile, Ala.
Died: Oct. 31, 2018 at Stanford, Calif.
Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 198
Threw and batted left
Although Willie McCovey played injured throughout much of his 22-year career, primarily with the San Francisco Giants, the first baseman nevertheless used a sweeping swing to belt 521 home runs and collect 2,211 hits. Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson once said, “If you pitch to him, he’ll ruin baseball. He’d hit 80 home runs. There’s no comparison between McCovey and anybody else in the league.” McCovey led the National League in homers three times and RBI twice. A six-time All-Star selection, McCovey earned N.L. Most Valuable Player honors in 1969, 10 years after winning the N.L. Rookie of the Year Award.
Remembering Willie McCovey
“A tremendous hitter known for his prodigious home run power, Willie McCovey was also one of baseball’s true gentlemen. With great class, he proudly represented the Hall of Fame at numerous Induction Weekends, and in his beloved San Francisco. The entire Hall of Fame family mourns his passing, as we remember his wonderful impact on our National Pastime. Willie’s legacy will be forever celebrated in Cooperstown.”
– Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, Baseball Hall of Fame
“Baseball has lost a giant, in every sense of the word, with Willie McCovey’s passing this afternoon. There wasn’t a batter more feared by opposing pitchers than Willie Mac, who hit 521 mammoth home runs during a dominating 22-year career that included 19 seasons in a Giants uniform. One of five Hall of Fame players from Mobile, Alabama, Willie was a regular in Cooperstown for many years after his 1986 election and, more recently, a fixture at AT&T Park, where he was most happy watching his favorite team play. The Hall of Fame mourns the passing of a legend who had a heart of gold.” – Jeff Idelson, President, Baseball Hall of Fame
Quotes about Willie McCovey
Hall of Fame teammate Hank Aaron: “You knew right away he wasn’t an ordinary ballplayer. He was so strong, and he had the gift of knowing the strike zone. There’s no telling how many home runs he would have hit if those knees weren’t bothering him all the time and if he played in a park other than Candlestick.”
Former Mets shortstops Bud Harrelson: “We hated to see Willie come to the plate. Tom Seaver used to say he wouldn’t give him a decent pitch to hit if a base were open. Tom would always pitch him ‘outside and behind him.’”