Giants legend Willie McCovey dead at 80 years old

Nov. 1 (UPI) -- San Francisco Giants legend Willie McCovey has died at 80 years old.

The Giants announced McCovey's death on Wednesday. The 1986 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee died at Stanford Hospital in California after "losing his battle with ongoing health issues," according to the Giants.

McCovey made his MLB debut on July 30, 1959 for the Giants. He played his first 15 seasons with the club before sporting San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics uniforms. He rejoined the Giants in 1977 and played his final season in 1980.

The former MVP and Player of the Year was also an All-Star Game MVP, Rookie of the Year and a six-time All-Star. He finished his career with 521 home runs and a .270 batting average.

"Willie McCovey was one of our game's greatest power hitters," Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "He won the National League MVP in 1969 and, alongside fellow Hall of Famer and Alabama native Willie Mays, was a key part of many memorable Giants' teams. For 22 years on the field and many more after retiring, Willie was a superb ambassador for the Giants and our game.

"When the Giants moved to their new ballpark, they appropriately honored Willie through the naming of McCovey Cove, where a new generation of fans learned about his remarkable career. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Willie's family, friends and all fans of the Giants."

McCovey is survived by wife Estela and daughter Allison.