Willie McCovey Career MLB Stats 1959-1980 |
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G |
AB |
H |
AVG |
HR |
RBI |
R |
SB |
2B |
3B |
BB |
SO |
OBP | SLG% |
OPS
|
2,588 |
8,197 |
2,211 |
.270 |
521 |
1,555 |
1,229 |
26 |
353 |
46 |
1,345 |
1,550 |
.374 |
.515 |
.889
|
Willie Lee McCovey was born on January 10, 1938, in Mobile, AL. He was the son of Esther and Frank McCovey. One of 10 children, Willie and his family had a tough upbringing in the Deep South dealing with poverty along with racism. Living in a segregated area, the McCoveys did what they needed to make it. Willie did his part by working jobs to help the family. Even with those responsibilities, he still dreamt like a kid. Baseball became the sport he fell in love with at a young age while listening to games on the radio. He played with the neighborhood kids where he showed off his immense athletic talents. That’s all he needed as it only took one person to recognize his potential and put him on the path to greatness through the tough times.
McCovey attended Central High School. He didn’t have the stellar high school career as he dropped out in order to work. He took several jobs during this time including working at a whites-only restaurant . However, he still played baseball outside of school and caught the eye of a former Negroes League team owner. He, along with Willie’s mother, convinced him to try out for the New York Giants. A move that would change the course of his life.
Awards and Achievements |
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MVP
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Gold Glove
|
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All-Star Selections |
1963, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
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Batting Titles |
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Achievements
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Willie McCovey MLB Career Stats and Notes
McCovey made his MLB Debut on July 30, 1959. He spent 19 of his 22 years in the league with the Giants. In 1974, McCovey was traded to the San Diego Padres. In 1976 McCovey would change teams again as he played for both the Padres and the Oakland Athletics. McCovey returned to the Giants in 1977. A six time All-Star and 3-time NL HR leader, McCovey retired after the 1980 season. In 1986, Willie McCovey was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Willie McCovey 1969 NL MVP Season
In 1969, Willie McCovey had his best season in the majors. The 11-year vet at the time set career highs in hits (157), HRs (45) and RBI (126). He also hit .320 and scored 101 runs. McCovey’s spectacular season ended with him winning the 1969 NL MVP Award.