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.”

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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.