Growing up in the San Francisco Giants organization, Barry Bonds had known Willie McCovey since childhood. After McCovey’s passing on Wednesday, Bonds took to Twitter to say goodbye.
In a series of tweets on Wednesday night, Bonds joined the many in the world of baseball (and sports in general) in paying tribute to the late Hall of Famer.
I HEAR YOU.
Mac, I am crying over losing you even when you told me not to. I remember asking you what I would do without all of you around. You told me when that day comes – and it will one day – to keep the tradition of Giants baseball living forever.
— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) November 1, 2018
You told me to help the next generation of ball players get better. You told me to be thankful that we had so much time to spend together and talk about the love we have for the game, San Francisco, the Giants and for each other.
— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) November 1, 2018
You wanted me to be happy that we had a love and friendship that will never disappear and will be in our hearts forever. Uncle Mac thank you for your mentorship and unconditional love for me and my family. You will be dearly missed.
— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) November 1, 2018
Rest in peace, Uncle Willie McCovey. I love you. pic.twitter.com/7cWguIR6SD
— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) November 1, 2018
Bonds and McCovey are more than just Giants greats.
Barry’s father, the late Bobby Bonds, joined San Francisco as a rookie in 1968. It’s well known that Willie Mays is Barry’s godfather. But he spent a lot of time in the Giant clubhouse as a kid. That certainly included interactions with McCovey.
When the Giants moved into Pacific Bell Park in (now AT&T Park) in 2000, the part of San Francisco Bay immediately behind the right field wall was renamed “McCovey Cove.” As of the end of the 2018 season, 125 home runs had been hit into McCovey by either the Giants or their opponents. Bonds hit 35 of those. No other player has more than eight.
