Willie McCovey: Giants legend dead at 80

Willie McCovey, the Hall of Fame first baseman who spent 19 of his 22 major-league seasons with the Giants and became one of the most beloved players in franchise history, has died at the age of 80.

McCovey died at Stanford Hospital Wednesday afternoon of what the team called “a battle with ongoing health issues.” He had been in a wheel chair for many years and had a serious infection four years ago that nearly took his life. He recently developed another infection and was hospitalized late last week.

During the Giants’ final home game, McCovey was rushed to the hospital but returned home shortly therafter.