To most, he was the man called Stretch, a nickname acquired in 1955 during New York Giants spring training in Florida. In April 1957, shortly before the first baseman’s Texas League debut as a Dallas Eagle, sportswriter editor Bill Rives explained the moniker: “The other players took one look at his elastic frame and tagged him Stretch.” And so it was until Willie … [Read more...] about Willie McCovey Collection Now Up for Auction
Willie McCovey
5 Career-Chronicling Cards of Willie McCovey
Generally speaking, bodies of water are named after large geographic regions, famous explorers or historical events of significance. Every once in a while, they name one after a prolific power hitter who symbolized the majestic feat of sending a baseball over a wall, an arcade, and pavilion before it comes to rest in the what is now commonly referred to as “McCovey Cove.” A … [Read more...] about 5 Career-Chronicling Cards of Willie McCovey
McCovey, Snider Pardoned for Autograph Show Tax Evasion
Along with an increase in interest for baseball cards, the sports card show market exploded in the 1980s. Along with it came opportunities for autograph sessions with well-known former players, who started to earn significant amounts of money from those appearances. A few would up catching the attention of the IRS. Willie McCovey and Duke Snider were regular … [Read more...] about McCovey, Snider Pardoned for Autograph Show Tax Evasion
2013 Topps Rookie All-Star Team Announced
In a tradition that dates back to the late 1950’s, Topps has announced its Major League Rookie All-Star team for 2013. The list includes both of this season’s Rookies of the Year, along with Dodger sensation Yasiel Puig. The Rookie All-Stars are celebrated on the following year’s baseball cards with the imprint of a trophy on the front. Here's a look at the … [Read more...] about 2013 Topps Rookie All-Star Team Announced
Police Seek Sonata, Stretch Stealer
It was a thief's dream. A car with the keys in the ignition. In Walnut Creek, Calif., Monday, a man who inadvertently left them there saw someone driving away from the McDonald's parking lot where the vehicle was parked. Also inside...some autographed San Francisco Giants and Willie McCovey memorabilia. Police aren't saying how many items there were, but they do say … [Read more...] about Police Seek Sonata, Stretch Stealer
First Willie Mays Poster Was Product of Teen Fan’s Ingenuity
by Martin Jacobs Back in the 1960s I was an avid Willie Mays fan. After I had watched my beloved Giants bumble from fiasco to disaster in the 1962 World Series, after Bobby Richardson snapped Willie McCovey’s line drive for a 1-0 game seven win ended the Giants' hopes of bringing a title to San Francisco, I was very frustrated. So at age 19, I was hired as a Giants … [Read more...] about First Willie Mays Poster Was Product of Teen Fan’s Ingenuity