Willie McCovey

Willie McCovey, born in 1938, American professional baseball player, who in 1968 and 1969 led the National League (NL) in home runs and runs batted in. His career 18 grand slams set an NL record, and he had a career total of 521 home runs.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, McCovey devoted much of his youth to sports and signed a professional contract with the NL's New York Giants in 1955. He moved up to the major leagues in 1959, and his debut with the San Francisco Giants (moved from New York in 1958) was memorable, with four hits in four at-bats. He ended the season as NL rookie of the year.

McCovey tied with Milwaukee Braves outfielder Hank Aaron at 44 home runs for the NL lead in home runs in 1963. In 1969 McCovey was named the league's most valuable player. A short tenure with the San Diego Padres (1974-76) and the Oakland Athletics (1976) was followed by his return to the Giants (1977-80), where he ended his major league career. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986.