Photo credit: @SFGiants

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–Willie McCovey, who hit 521 home runs over a 22-year career with the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics passed away at the age of 80.

McCovey, whose 521 home runs were the most by a left-handed batter in National League history until Barry Bonds broke the record in his record setting season of 2001, when he hit a major-league record 73 home runs.

“San Francisco and the entire baseball community lost a true gentleman and legend, and our collective hearts are broken,” Giants president and CEO Larry Baer said in a statement. “Willie was a beloved figure throughout his playing days and in retirement. He will be deeply missed by the many people he touched.

“For more than six decades, he gave his heart and soul to the Giants — as one of the greatest players of all time, as a quiet leader in the clubhouse, as a mentor to the Giants who followed in his footsteps, as an inspiration to our Junior Giants, and as a fan cheering on the team from his booth.”

The Giants, with whom McCovey played 19 of his 22 seasons paid tribute by flying the flags at AT&T Park at half-staff.

McCovey retired on July 6, 1980, after pinch-hitting against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

When he retired, his 18 grand slams were second most in major league history. McCovey led the league in home runs on three different occasions, runs batted in twice. The six-time All-Star finished his career with those 521 home runs, tying his boyhood hero Ted Williams, drove in 1,555 runs and batted .270.

McCovey made his major-league debut on July 30, 1959, as he went 4-for-4 in his first game against the Philadelphia Phillies and future Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts.

In 1969, McCovey won his only National League Most Valuable Player award, as he led the league with 45 home runs, 126 runs batted in and on-base percentage at .453.

“Willie McCovey was one of our game’s greatest power hitters,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “He won the National League MVP in 1969 and, alongside fellow Hall of Famer and Alabama native Willie Mays, was a key part of many memorable Giants’ teams. For 22 years on the field and many more after retiring, Willie was a superb ambassador for the Giants and our game.”

Over the past 18 years, McCovey served as an advisor for the Giants. Over the past few years, McCovey was confined to a wheelchair.

“Every moment he will be terribly missed,” said McCovey’s wife, Estella, whom he married this past summer. “He was my best friend and husband. Living life without him will never be the same.”

McCovey is also survived by one daughter, Allison, and three grandchildren, Raven, Philip, and Marissa. McCovey also is survived by sister Frances and brothers Clauzell and Cleon.

The Giants said a public celebration of McCovey’s life would be held at a later date.