The San Francisco Giants announced on Wednesday that Hall of Famer Willie McCovey passed away 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
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) October 31, 2018
.@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
McCovey was inducted into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986. He was a six-time All-Star, won the NL MVP in 1969, and the NL Rookie of the Year in 1959.
McCovey’s passing brought an outpouring of support from the baseball world.
.@SFGiants President & Chief Executive Officer Larry Baer on the passing of Willie McCovey:
“San Francisco and the entire baseball community lost a true gentleman and legend, and our collective hearts are broken." pic.twitter.com/KbyjjunDUU
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) November 1, 2018
Longtime Giants beatwriter Henry Schulman paid tribute to McCovey on Twitter, as well.
“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 understood what Willie meant to the city, the team and the players who got to know him through the years. Please keep his family in your thoughts.”
Others echoed similar sentiments.
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
RIP to the great Willie McCovey, an incredible player and a true gentleman. He was 80. #SFGiants #Forever44
— Nancy Gay (@nancygay) November 1, 2018
Didn't have much contact with Willie McCovey over the years. But the @SFGiants legend was an absolute gentleman every time. He soldiered on kindly even after walking became unbearable. #RIP
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) November 1, 2018
The Giants have announced that Willie McCovey passed away today. Not just a franchise legend, but a baseball legend. He always brought a big smile to the ballpark.
— Kerry Crowley (@KO_Crowley) November 1, 2018
What a true gem of a person and a man. Willie Mac will be deeply missed. #sfgiants https://t.co/FuRWuxsY9y
— Amy Gutierrez (@amygmultimedia) November 1, 2018
Such a loss. Willie McCovey had a larger-than-life presence in the batter’s box and a rare approachability off the field. He was such a beloved figure in San Francisco. Rest in peace, Stretch. https://t.co/HiPaUOQKUW
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/arroyo_c/status/1057790565838938112
Baseball has lost an icon.
The Cubs organization sends its condolences to the family of Willie McCovey and to the @SFGiants. https://t.co/qmnRwRJXsW
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/KevinFrandsen/status/1057787740475994112
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
McCovey finished his career with 521 home runs. As a sign of his longevity, he’s one of only four players to homer in four different decades.
Players to homer in four different decades:
Ted Williams
Willie McCovey
Omar Vizquel
Rickey Henderson pic.twitter.com/jWDvtqRfsq— Jeremy Frank (@MLBRandomStats) November 1, 2018
McCovey’s legacy will live on. The Giants have awarded the Willie Mac Award every year to the team’s most inspirational player. The award’s most recent winner, Will Smith, paid tribute to McCovey after his passing.
https://twitter.com/White_Willy13/status/1057790202670931969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1057790202670931969&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsnaut.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost-new.php
The part of San Francisco Bay right beyond the right field wall in San Francisco’s AT&T Park has been named McCovey Cove since the park’s open in 2000.