Willie McCovey 1986 Hall of Fame Induction Speech

[@trapezemusic]

He was an exceptional talent and a class act on and off the field. Can you imagine if all pro athletes were like this man, setting a fine example to their fans. What a world it would be.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

As soon as i discovered baseball in 1969 Willie was my idol. He hit the top of the Mets logo which was on top of the scoreboard in right-center at Shea. Another night, same stadium with the "McCovey Shift" on he laid down a perfect bunt along the third base line where no one was.

[@charlottekahn7428]

dear sweet willie. my heart is sadden by your passing.as your san diego mother, I hope you will rest in peace. you will be missed by all. my heart goes out to Estela, his wife, we lost a hero!! rest well, willie.

[@SgtBooker44]

I had the privilege to see Willie’s final game at Candlestick. It was a mid-week game and a small crowd. Willie hit what appeared to be number 522 down the right field line. The disappointed sparse crowd went crazy as the ball faded just foul. Thanks for the love and memories. Rest In Peace Stretch.

[@merimkole9930]

Rest In Peace willie mccovey

[@acsmith2601]

Willie, from the day you came up in 1959 until your final game at Candlestick Park, you were always "my guy." Thank you for the way you played the game. Thank you for all you gave to baseball, to our Giants, and to the fans. Rest in Power, Stretch.

[@richardmorris6365]

As a 12 yr old boy from Chicago Stretch was my favorite. It didn't hurt he beat Tom Terrific for the MVP in 69 either. I'd run out & grab the Tribune ,tear into the sports page to see the box score. All this & I'm a Dodger fan! Rip big man..

[@kennethpapineau1226]

Beautiful man

[@TTB8126]

As Cardinal fan...every time he came up bat I thought oh no....this guy is taking us deep. Great player and great man. Class all the way.

[@garyhook6383]

I saw Willie McCovey for the first time in person at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Arizona in March 1964. He hit a towering two run homer over the right field wall in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians. The Giants went on to win the game 4-2. It was such a thrill to see him play that day!

[@richardmorris6365]

I seen him @ Riverfront Stadium in 70 or 71. He was my idol..

[@mmagic3534]

Willie, your father is still with you. He is in just about every cell of your body.

[@kennethpapineau1226]

His mother ❤

[@Scott-ly2nk]

Such a nice man humble and repectful

[@frilla77]

My favorite player of all time. He het the ball so hard sometimes, the infielders barely got a chance to react before the ball got to the outfield. I saw a game where he hit a home-run so hard, the outfielders didn't move a step.

[@richardmorris6365]

Nolan Ryan admitted, Stretch was the only one he couldn't get by. Love Stretch..

[@sfshinz]

Nothing but class.

[@brodocbetty4856]

My Baseball idol growing up. I was a big National League fan and it would almost kill me if the American League would win the all star game or world series.

[@glenncarlson1578]

A Giant among Giants...RIP

[@edwardanthony7283]

Great speech.

[@jerrystewart7594]

An exceptional player, and most of all an exceptional human being... Rest in peace Willie Mac!!!

[@jangoig8882]

As a Chicago Cubs fan even at the end of his career he made me nervous that the game lead would go away. Great late inning clutch hitter

[@kimedison6677]

Wonderful speech by an amazing player and person. Thank you, Mr. McCovey. You'll always be remembered and loved.

[@superduperwiiuowner]

God speed Willie

[@ThePassionOfTheMarc]

Requiescat in Pace, Stretch. Miss you much already.

[@jwsnotruth7106]

What a Beautiful Snapshot of our History

[@Scott-ly2nk]

I was at riverfront stadium in 1978. And willie hit a homerun and that thing sailed for ever it probably would have gone into the ohio river if not for the enclosure that is so cool about the mccovey cove

[@richardmorris6365]

I seen him there in 70. Class act.

[@NYoung-lq5us]

A very good man.

[@jangoig8882]

Beautiful Speech Beautiful Gentleman. I will miss him God Bless

[@jonnythegreek1]

Love you, Big Mac #44!

[@rhp_6926]

He was always my dad's favorite Giant. My first game at Candlestick, he hit one over the bleachers in right and out into the parking lot. Never forget it. He was more than a great player. He was a great human being.

[@richardmorris6365]

McCovey Cove. Gentle Giant.

[@mottthehoople684]

I love you Willie you are the definition of class

[@mikem591]

Such a kind man...

[@Bigstooler0]

Love this man

[@richardmorris6365]

Pure CLASS is what he was!

[@Jason_Maier]

If Willie hadn't been hurt . . . I think he would have gotten about 625 home runs . . . .

[@BrandonGuillot_Racing]

That’s my uncle sadly I never got to meet him

[@edwardanthony7283]

And in 1979 Willie passed Mel Ott, Ernie Banks & Eddie Mathews on the all time home run list along with going past 1500 career rbi.

[@seanfitzpatrick4730]

A good man a great player if he stayed injury-free there's no doubt he would have hit 650 home runs

[@richardmorris6365]

And he was clean, no asterisk by his name.

[@danacoleman4007]

great speech!!!!!

[@ManuelGuzman067]

All the vintage Mlb ⚾ players are leaving us only a handful left rip.

[@johnskipper7060]

William McCovey and I have one thing in common we'Mobile!

[@johnskipper7060]

Willie McCovey and I have one thing in common we're both from mobile

[@richardmorris6365]

I lived in Chicago, was a Dodgers fan & Willie was my favorite!

[@jimmybrice6360]

did willie mays attend ?

[@willard2729]

The anti obama: dignified, humble, grateful despite the segregation he faced

[@richardmorris6365]

Classy man he was. My hero