The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) is saddened to hear of the passing of a sports legend and BASHOF 1987 Inductee – Willie “STRETCH” McCovey on October 31, 2018. McCovey played 19 years for the SF Giants and significant accomplishments of his career include:
- 6 X All Star
- NL Rookie of the Year (1959)
- NL MVP (1969)
- 3 X NL Home Run Leader
- 2 X NL RBI Leader
- MLF Hall of Fame – 1986
He was an inspiration off the field and was very involved in the community. The Giants honored him in several ways including establishing the “Willie Mac Award” going to the most inspirational Giant and renaming the waterway behind right field at AT&T Park as “McCovey Cove”.
Reactions to the loss of Willie McCovey:
“San Francisco and the entire baseball community lost a true gentleman and legend, and our collective hearts are broken.”– Larry Baer, President/CEO SF Giants
“I’m very broken up. He was not only a teammate but a brother.” – Orlando Cepeda, Former SF Giant/Teammate
“The most feared hitter I ever sat behind. I didn’t have a pitch that could get him out. Loved that man. Rest in Peace.” – Jonny Bench
“Rest in peace, Uncle Willie McCovey. I love you.” – Barry Bonds
“We lost not only one of the great baseball players of all time, but Willie was respected by all who knew him. Willie was the most generous man you could ever meet..my heart goes out to Willie’s spouse Estella and his whole family.” – Marty Lurie
Click here to view a video of highlights from McCovey’s career.
