News

San Francisco Giants Hall Of Famer Willie McCovey Dead At 80 After Hospitalization For Infection

Hall of Fame first baseman Willie McCovey died “peacefully” at the age of 80 on Wednesday after battling ongoing health issues.

Willie McCovey, Giants Legend, Dies At 80

The former San Francisco Giant played 19 of his 22 seasons with the team, slugging 521 career home runs in the process. The six-time All-Star finished his career with a .270 batting average, 521 home runs, and 1,555 RBIs. He was reportedly hospitalized last week following an infection, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. 

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

Flags were flown at half-staff on Wednesday to honor the late McCovey at AT&T Park. Until another Giants great Barry Bonds broke the record in 2001, McCovey had the most home runs by a left-handed hitter in the National League. Bonds took to Twitter to adorn his Giants mentor and predecessor. “Mac, I am crying over losing you even when you told me not to,” he said in a series of Tweets. “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.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW

McCovey was still living strong in his final months. He married his “best friend”, Estella, over the summer. “Living life without him will never be the same,” she said. “Every moment he will be terribly missed. He was my best friend and husband.”

He is survived by his daughter, Allison, and three grandchildren: Raven, Philip, and Marissa. The Giants said there will be a public celebration of McCovey’s life in the future.

Red Young

Recent Posts

Paul George Exits With Knee Injury As 76ers Fall To 2-12 In Loss To Grizzlies

With their big three finally back in action Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another setback…

5 hours ago

VIDEO: Nike Pays Tribute to Rafael Nadal With 30-Foot Projection In Front of Eiffel Tower

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tny--EWynOQ Nike paid tribute to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a 10-meter-tall animated display…

22 hours ago

VIDEO: Rafael Nadal Gets Emotional Tribute as He Retires From Tennis

https://youtu.be/dtJoJz9hC48 Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid a heartfelt goodbye to his devoted Spanish fans as he brought…

22 hours ago

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Fencer Eli Dershwitz Explains The Art Of Fencing

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DQ9Rxhnuer4 U.S. Olympic fencer Eli Dershwitz shed light on the critical skills necessary in fencing…

2 days ago

Two Bears Offensive Linemen Return To Practice, Caleb Williams Desperate For Blocking

Two offensive linemen for the Chicago Bears returned to practice, a massive step in the…

3 days ago

VIDEO: UFC Heavyweight Champion Performs Viral Trump Dance In New York

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s2g9t_33Myw President-elect Donald Trump received a warm welcome from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Jon…

4 days ago