“Big Mac” Willie Lee McCovey, was already playing for the San Francisco Giants long before his name was given to the burgers of the famous restaurant chain. Of all of the twenty-two seasons of his playing career from 1959 to 1980 all but three years was spent with the Giants. However, the accounts of his playing during his time tended to overlook his contribution to the game, no doubt due to the brighter star of Willie Mays, a teammate of his. Over the years and from a clearer perspective, Big Mac’s dependability, exceptional talent and level-headedness more than qualify him for slot among the best in Baseball’s Hall of Fame.

His Consistently Powerful Swing

From the very start of his career, it was evident that McCovey was a power batter and intended to be remembered as such by posterity. In all of his four at bats, he scored hits and followed up with a performance that so impressed the National League that he was chosen Rookie of the Year. In one of the more spectacular years in baseball history, McCovey’s batting average was .354. He took 13 home runs and an overall 38 RBIs (Runs Batted In). What made this so awesome was that this record was made while playing only 52 games. And baseball history was to prove that that great start was only a preview of amazing performance that Big Mac would be showing the world of baseball for the rest of his career.

Battling with Hank

In the 1963 season, McCovey beat his own record for some runs by “going yard” 44 times in all. In a strange succession of coincidences, that number was exactly the same as the great Hank Aaron’s for that season. Both McCovey and Hank were from Mobile, Alabama, both were struggling to win the National League home run title and it turned out that both would share the coveted title between them. The number 44 was not only the total home runs of McCovey and Hank, it was also their number on the team for all of their careers at the end of which both men would be awarded places in the Hall of Fame with more than 500 home runs.

A Quiet But Distinguished Baseball Professional

“Big Mac” was never an outspoken type and this was probably why less is known about him and his list of fans is shorter than those of the articulate Aaron and Mays in the same League. Naturally media would seek out players who liked to say something to them. Apparently everything Big Mac would ever have to say was to be found in his playing record. He was nominated Most Valuable Player for almost half of his twenty-two years with the League, a distinction he finally won in 1969. However, his stint with the Giants did not come at a peak time for the team. The highest point in his career was almost getting to win a World Series Championship in 1962. Ironically, it was Big Mac who hit the last out for the Giants making the Yankees win the game and the overall Championship title. For the rest of his playing career, Big Mac and the Majors would never again come so close to the World Series Title.

Author Bio: Ivan Jamison is a big sports fan. You can check out his San Francisco Giants Watch or his Chicago Cubs Watch or his Etroit Tigers Watch

Category: Sports
Keywords: San Francisco Giants