San Francisco in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Willie McCovey Cove
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 17, 2020
1. Willie McCovey Cove Marker
The portion of San Francisco Bay located beyond the right field wall of
Oracle Park is affectionately known as "WILLIE MCCOVEY COVE” in honor
of the Hall of Fame great. One of the most respected and feared hitters in
baseball during his 22 year career in the Major Leagues, McCovey broke
into the Majors with the Giants when they were playing at Seals Stadium.
"Stretch” went on to establish the record for home runs (231) hit at
Candlestick Park. McCovey was a six time All-Star and he established a
Major League record for most seasons played (22) as a first basemen.
McCovey was named the National League's most valuable player in 1969
after earning back to back home run and RBI titles with 45 home runs and
126 RBI season. The Willie Mac Award was established in 1980 and is
given to the Giants player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership
consistently shown by McCovey throughout his career.Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports.
Location. 37° 46.649′ N, 122° 23.386′ W.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 17, 2020
2. Willie McCovey Cove Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here on the left, mounted to the stadium wall, while the cove itself is on the right. The pathway visible here is the Giants history walk, with a number of historical markers and plaques commemorating notable events in Giants history.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Juan Antonio Marichal Sanchez (within shouting distance of this marker); The Francis "Lefty" O'Doul Third Street Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Willie Howard Mays, Jr. (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Willie McCovey (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Willie Howard Mays, Jr. (about 500 feet away); Ryan Vogelsong (about 500 feet away); Barry Bonds (about 500 feet away); Brian Wilson (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Also see . . .
1. McCovey Cove (Wikipedia). "McCovey Cove is the unofficial name of a section of San Francisco Bay beyond the right field wall of Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, named after famed Giants first baseman Willie McCovey. The proper name for the cove is China Basin, which is the mouth of Mission Creek as it meets the bay....The name was coined thanks to two sportswriters. Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News wrote an article suggesting naming the body of water after McCovey, though his original suggestions were 'McCovey Channel,' 'McCovey Stream' or 'McCovey Run.'
Topps Company, Inc. (courtesy of the National Museum of American History / Smithsonian Institution), 1968
3. Willie McCovey baseball card
2. Willie McCovey #44 (MLB.com). (Submitted on May 10, 2021.)
3. Willie McCovey (National Baseball Hall of Fame). (Submitted on May 10, 2021.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California.
