*Baseball legend Willie McCovey died Wednesday after battling ongoing health issues. The Hall of Fame first baseman spent most of his career with the San Francisco Giants, and is considered one of the franchise’s most beloved players.
“As a person, he was a true gentleman,” said former Giants first baseman Will Clark. “There have been people who describe him as a gentle giant, and that definitely fits.”
As noted by TMZ, Willie played for the Giants from 1959-73 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986. His 521 home runs are still tied for 20th on MLB’s all-time list.
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“San Francisco and the entire baseball community lost a true gentleman and legend, and our collective hearts are broken,” Giants president and CEO Larry Baer said in a statement. “Willie was a beloved figure throughout his playing days and in retirement. He will be deeply missed by the many people he touched.
“For more than six decades, he gave his heart and soul to the Giants — as one of the greatest players of all time, as a quiet leader in the clubhouse, as a mentor to the Giants who followed in his footsteps, as an inspiration to our Junior Giants, and as a fan cheering on the team from his booth,” Baer added.
“Willie’s greatest passion was his family,” he continued. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, Estella, and his daughter, Allison, and her children Raven, Philip, and Marissa.”
Willie is also survived by his sister Frances and his brothers, Clauzell and Cleon, the Giants reported.
via TMZ:
McCovey retired in 1980 with the most home runs ever by a left-handed hitter in the National League, a mark that stood until 2001 when Barry Bonds broke it.
McCovey made his major league debut in 1959, going 4-for-4 in his first game. He hit .354, with 13 home runs and 38 RBIs in 52 games that season and was named Rookie of the Year.
One of McCovey’s best seasons came in 1969, when he won MVP honors. That year, he led the league in home runs (45), RBIs (126) and on-base percentage (.453).
Willie was a 6-time All-Star and the 1969 National League MVP. His 18 career grand slams are the most in NL history.
“He was a Hall of Fame human being,” said Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow.
“I’m thinking about him now, and I’m thinking maybe he can finally get off that wheelchair and walk, or run if he feels like it,” said Pat Gallagher, the former Giants marketing chief who created the Willie Mac Award, given annually to the most inspirational Giant.
“He was in so much pain and was so stoic about it. I’m sad I won’t see him again, but I’m just happy he won’t be in pain.”
Willie was 80. RIP.
The Giants retired his No. 44 and McCovey has a statue outside the club’s ballpark.
Source:https://www.eurweb.com/2018/11/sf-giants-legend-willie-mccovey-dead-at-80/
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