Hall of Famer Willie McCovey died on Wednesday at the age of 80 due to several health issues, the San Francisco Giants announced.
The Giants shared the news via their Twitter account:
It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie McCovey passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 80 after losing his battle with ongoing health issues. #Forever44 | #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/ooOYg4ESol
— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) October 31, 2018
McCovey played 19 seasons with the Giants (over two stints) and also played for the Padres and A’s. He was a 6-time All-Star, NL MVP, former NL Rookie of the Year, and he hit 521 home runs.
The sports world paid tribute to McCovey upon learning of his death.
Wow my heart hurts so much and I’m so sad to hear one of the best players ever and one of the nicest humble human being I’ve ever met in my life has died!! SO SAD!!Prayers to his family!! @MLB #RIPWILLIEMCCOVEY #Forever44 #SFGiants @SFGiants pic.twitter.com/PX0XsZ0Mly
— Bengie Molina (@BengieMolina1) 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
A favorite hitter, a favorite card…RIP. pic.twitter.com/h8d59ufyi3
— Tim Cowlishaw (@TimCowlishaw) November 1, 2018
We are saddened to hear of the death of Giants great Willie McCovey. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans. #Forever44 pic.twitter.com/TqQxBNSiFN
— #TOPPSNOW (@Topps) November 1, 2018
Here’s a cool nugget about him appearing in the “Peanuts” comic strip.
And here's the second: pic.twitter.com/oyJHV1rRUi
— Luke Epplin (@LukeEpplin) November 1, 2018
A great anecdote about McCovey from Casey Stengel.
From our obit: Pitcher Roger Craig recalled a time his Mets manager Casey Stengel, went to the mound with McCovey at the plate.
“Where do you want to pitch him?” Stengel asked Craig. “Upper deck or lower deck?”— Ann Killion (@annkillion) November 1, 2018
Some great stats:
How intimidating was the late, great Willie McCovey? Long before the arrival of Barry Bonds, it was McCovey who was the first man in history to get intentionally walked 40 times in a season (in 1979). Before that no NL hitter had ever even drawn 30 in a season! https://t.co/4YYjVe4siA
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 1, 2018
Career with the bases loaded:#SFGiants Barry Bonds:
243 plate appearances
11 grand slams
1.030 OPS#SFGiants Willie McCovey:
196 plate appearances
18 grand slams
1.075 OPS— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) November 1, 2018
The flags by McCovey Cove at AT&T Park were at half-staff:
.@ATTPark flags at half-staff after the passing of #SFGiants legend Willie McCovey. He was 80. https://t.co/cPkjyfhlJG #Forever44 pic.twitter.com/jXuiL3fkuu
— Kristofer Noceda (@krisnoceda) November 1, 2018
