One of the biggest thrills of my life was the first time I saw the Cubs play the Giants. The Giants only came into town once a year, but in 1970, I was in the crowd. I remember it was a Sunday in June. The Giants weren't that great in 1970, but the middle of their order featured Willie Mays (batting third) and Willie McCovey hitting cleanup. Mays hit a homer off Ken Holtzman in an early inning (the third?), and as he rounded the bases I remember thinking to myself--this isn't fair! McCovey is up next. He hit a screaming double.
The game had a little bit of everything. Billy Williams hit a homer and so did Jim Hickman (he was playing for Ernie Banks). My favorite sub, Paul Popovich, was in the game. The Cubs won 8-4.
It was the only time I ever saw Willie Mays or Willie McCovey play in person. I'll never ever forget it.
Willie passed away yesterday at the age of 80.
This is a great piece about him in the Washington Post today. It's about Willie and one of his biggest fans...Charlie Brown.
(Photo: Topps 1969 Willie McCovey card from my personal collection)
