San Francisco Giants, Baseball, Mourn the Passing of Willie McCovey

Willie McCovey was baseball in San Francisco and among all the San Francisco Giants, he was as big as there ever was.

The San Francisco Giants announced that the Hall of Fame first baseman died from ongoing health issues at the age of 80.

On July 30, 1959, McCovey burst onto the scene, starting at first base, batting third and going 4 for 4 with two triples.

That led to a Rookie of the Year award at the end of the season, despite playing only 52 games, and a love affair with the people of San Francisco that never diminished.

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He played 19 years for the Giants, and while Willie Mays was already a legend when the team arrived in San Francisco, the city fell in love with the home grown power hitter.

McCovey was one of the most devastating hitters to ever play, often being intentionally walked for fear of his bat.

That fear was felt by all opposing pitchers of the day.

"“I think it’s fair to say McCovey has never been as highly acclaimed as he deserved,” longtime Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton said in 1986. “He easily was the most feared hitter in the league.”"

His 521 home runs is tied for 20th all-time, and his 469 home runs as a San Francisco Giant is second behind only Barry Bonds since 1958.

The 1969 MVP was a six time All-Star, the 1977 comeback player of the year and still holds the National League record for grand slams with 18.

The team retired his number 44 the same year his retired in 1980. The .270 hitter finished his career with 2211 hits and 1555 runs batted in. He also slashed .270/.374/.515 for an OPS of .889 and an OPS+ of 147. His 64.5 wins above replacement is 11th among first baseman all-time and his OPS+ is 12th.

After his retirement from baseball, the Giants announced the start of the Willie Mac Award to honor the team’s most inspirational player. When the team moved from Candlestick Park to AT&T Park in 2000, the team named the cove beyond right field after him and erected a statue in his honor.

The entire baseball community sent an outpouring of love through social media from both those who knew him well and those that only knew of him through stories told to them through the generations.

We lost not only one of the great baseball players of all time, but Willie was respected by all who knew him. Willie was the most generous man you could ever meet..my heart goes out to Willie’s spouse Estella and his whole family..Willie McCovey #44
— Marty Lurie (@baseballmarty) November 1, 2018

The NLBM joins baseball fans worldwide in mourning the death of the great Willie McCovey! He was a Hall of Fame player; an even better person. Thank you @knbrmurph for introducing me to this Giant of a Human Being! @SFGiants @Royals @MLB @baseballhall @JayHarrisESPN @espn RT pic.twitter.com/8zWrqpkLhX
— Bob Kendrick (@nlbmprez) November 1, 2018

Sad news about Willie McCovey. Lots one could say about Stretch. For now: The story of his first few years in the majors is one of great perseverance. He could have easily been a bust after being sent back to the minors in 1960. Instead, he's a Hall of Famer.
— Graham Womack (@grahamdude) November 1, 2018

This makes me so grateful for the time we’ve had with Willie McCovey. It also makes me realize how lucky fans are to have legends like Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda around the ballpark all these years. Never take these things for granted!
— Carmen Kiew (@carmenkiew) November 1, 2018

Willie McCovey- the spirit of baseball lives in you. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/g7FxZYJXdy
— Hunter Pence (@hunterpence) November 1, 2018

He will be missed in our clubhouse, but will always be in our hearts! A great player, and even a better person. Rest In Peace Mac. https://t.co/FDwzM8CrLn
— Ron Wotus (@RWotus) November 1, 2018

I will cherish the time I spent with you. To talk to an all time great like Willie McCovey was a dream. May you rest in Peace ?? pic.twitter.com/kTELZxYMij
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) November 1, 2018

Getting to know Willie McCovey is not just a highlight of my career, but my life. When he would be taken to his car through the tunnel after games, fans who might have seen him play and those who surely didn’t seemed awed. They have to pay their respects. Even the young ones...
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) November 1, 2018

RIP to the great Willie McCovey. It was a true pleasure to get to spend time and talk to one of the greatest to ever play the game. #Forever44
— Christian Arroyo (@arroyo_c) November 1, 2018

I'm extremely sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend @SFGiants Legend Willie McCovey. I will always have fond memories of him. Our thoughts are with his family. #RIP My friend #Forever44 #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/IfNyEEszPW
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) November 1, 2018

There will never be another quite like “Stretch” and his memory will live forever in the hearts of the fans of San Francisco and the entire baseball community.

Willie McCovey was baseball in San Francisco and among all the San Francisco Giants, he was as big as there ever was.

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