- Hall of Famers
- The Members
- Hall of Fame Weekend
- Rules for Election
- Membership Spokesman
- Museum
- Experience
- Exhibits
- Library
- Artifacts
- Awards
- Activities
- Plan Your Visit
- Entering the Hall
- Cooperstown
- Events
- Special Experiences
- Offers
- News & Media
- Headlines
- Features
- Hall Directory
- Connections
- Education
- Public Programs
- School Programs
- Internship Program
McCovey, Willie
Willie Lee McCovey
Born:
January 10, 1938, Mobile, Alabama
Bats:
Left
Throws:
Left
Played For:
San Francisco Giants (1959-1973, 1977-1980), San Diego Padres (1974-1976), Oakland A's (1976)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Baseball Writers:
1986
Biography:
Although Willie McCovey played hurt throughout much of his 22-year career, the Giants first baseman used a sweeping swing to belt 521 homers and collect more than 2,200 hits. He led the National League in homers three times and in RBIs twice, also pacing the circuit in slugging percentage for three consecutive years (1968-70). McCovey earned National League MVP honors in 1969, 10 years after earning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1959.
Click here to see additional information provided by Baseball-Reference
Did You Know:
that in his Major League debut on July 30, 1959, Willie McCovey went 4-for-4, including two triples off future Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts?
If you pitch to him, he'll ruin baseball. He'd hit 80 home runs. There's no comparison between McCovey and anybody else in the league.
Sparky Anderson
Connect
Plaque Gallery
Photo Galleries
This Day in Baseball History
On May 17, 1985, the Texas Rangers name Bobby Valentine their manager, replacing the fired Doug Rader. Under Rader, the Rangers had posted a record of 9-23, the worst in the major leagues. With Valentine at the helm, the Rangers will show some improvement, but will still finish last in the American League West.