McCovey caps 1969 season with MVP Award
On Nov. 20 of that year, the San Francisco Giants first baseman was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player following a campaign where he led the league in home runs (45), RBI (126), on-base percentage (.453) and slugging percentage (.656). McCovey also topped all big league players with 45 intentional walks, more than double the total of American League leaders Reggie Jackson and Harmon Killebrew (20 apiece).
McCovey retired during the 1980 season, finishing his career with 521 home runs, 1,555 RBI and 260 intentional walks.
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1986, and passed away on Oct. 31, 2018.
Craig Muder is the director of communications for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
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