The San Francisco Chronicle writes this morning that Willie McCovey, “the Hall of Fame first baseman who spent 19 of his 22 major-league seasons with the Giants and became one of the most beloved players in franchise history, has died at the age of 80.” He had been suffering from a series of health issues.
The Chronicle notes that “McCovey teamed with Willie Mays to give the Giants one of the most feared duos in baseball history, but he played in only one World Series … McCovey was a fearsome hitter during his heyday in the 1960s and ’70s, not merely because of his prowess — he hit 521 home runs (still tied for 20th on the all-time list, 38 years after he played his last game) — but because of how hard he hit the ball.
Among his accomplishments: 1959 National League Rookie of Year; 1969 National League Most Valuable Player; 1977 National League Comeback Player of the Year; 18 grand slams, most in National League history; and a six-time All-Star.
The Chronicle notes that “McCovey teamed with Willie Mays to give the Giants one of the most feared duos in baseball history, but he played in only one World Series … McCovey was a fearsome hitter during his heyday in the 1960s and ’70s, not merely because of his prowess — he hit 521 home runs (still tied for 20th on the all-time list, 38 years after he played his last game) — but because of how hard he hit the ball.
Among his accomplishments: 1959 National League Rookie of Year; 1969 National League Most Valuable Player; 1977 National League Comeback Player of the Year; 18 grand slams, most in National League history; and a six-time All-Star.
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