The San Francisco Giants have announced that former Hall of Famer Willie McCovey has passed away. McCovey was battling ongoing health issues and he passed away Wednesday morning on October 31st at the age of 80.
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 spent nineteen of his twenty-two seasons with the Giants slugging 521 total home runs during his career. Over the years, McCovey also gained the nickname “Stretch” because of his large frame and “Mac” or “Big Mac” for his name and stature. When McCovey retired in 1980 he held the record for the most home runs hit by a left-handed hitter until 2001 when Barry Bonds shattered that record. The San Francisco Giants retired the number 44 for McCovey in 1980.
Also over his twenty-two season career, McCovey was named to six all-star teams, four consecutive times from 1968-1971. When McCovey broke onto the Major League scene in 1959 he won the Rookie of the Year Award hitting .354 with 13 home runs and 38 RBI’s in 52 games. McCovey also captured an MVP award in 1969 hitting .320 with 45 home runs and 126 RBI’s in 149 games.
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
The Giants traded away outfielder Andrew McCutchen to the Yankees earlier this year, however, McCutchen still felt impacted by McCovey. McCutchen only spent a short time with the Giants, however, he sent out a tweet regarding his feelings on McCovey and how he cherished his time spent with him.