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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.

Photo credit: @NBCSGiants

By: Amaury Pi-González

SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the great Willie McCovey passed away at the age of 80 after a battle with ongoing health issues. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife Estela and daughter Allison. He was truly Gentle Giant in every sense of the word. He played for 22 seasons (19 with the San Francisco Giants, three with  the San Diego Padres and a brief stint with the Oakland Athletics). During a brilliant 22-year, Hall of Fame career in the Major Leagues from 1959-1980, he compiled 2,211 hits, 521 home runs, 353 doubles and 1,555 runs batted-in. He was a first ballot inductee in 1986 to the National Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York. Born in Mobile, Alabama on January 10,1938, he was one of ten children, and also played football and basketball as a youngster.

The first baseman and outfielder was nicknamed “Stretch.” At 6-foot-4, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1959 with the Giants, selected to six All-Star Games and was named the MVP in the 1969 All-Star Game. He led the National League in home runs in three seasons and twice in runs batted-in. Only Barry Bonds (762) have more home runs for a left-handed hitter in the NL than McCovey with 521 round-trippers.

“He could hit a ball farther than anyone I ever played with,” Willie Mays once said of McCovey.

The great St. Louis Cardinals’ right-handed Hall of Fame pitcher, Bob Gibson, said of number 44: “He was one scary hitter.” Those are impressive words from a pitcher that usually was not scared of anybody. McCovey’s power was so awesome that the Giants designated the behind the right-field side by the bay at AT&T Park after the slugger and named it “McCovey Cove” where he also has a statue.

Before Candlestick Park was totally enclosed, most of us remember how many kids would line-up behind the cyclone fence in right field every time McCovey came to the plate expecting to catch a home run ball. He was the ultimate gamer, who among his many quotes, once said after retiring: “I had pain in both knees my whole career.”

Not only one great and classy baseball player, but McCovey was a kind man with a big heart who always ready to sign an autograph to an admiring fan. A mild mannered man that ingratiated baseball, his teammates and his organization. Never a scandal or controversy during a long and successful career. After retiring, he followed his beloved Giants and had his own box at AT&T Park. His presence and kindness will be missed.

Baseball and America lost a great guy today.