Fans, former teammates remember San Francisco Giants legend Willie McCovey

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Giants fans came to Willie McCovey's statue at McCovey Cove pay their respects to Number 44 who passed away Wednesday at age 80.

"They don't name at Cove after you if you're not a good player," said Giants fan Dina Cehand.

Cehand held back tears as she lit a candle at the statue, to say thanks for so many good memories.

"Being a kid, going to watch Willie Mac play with my dad," Cehand added.

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Former Giants right fielder Jack Clark was Willie McCovey's teammate and friend. He was one of the first recipients of the Willie Mac award for most inspirational Giants player. Clark says McCovey was the first to teach him the true meaning of sportsmanship.

"Don't act like a baby act like a damn man, it's OK to get upset but if you get out of line, he'd be the first to say knock it off we don't do that here," said Jack Clark.

Giants president Larry Baer said even though Number 44 had been in declining health, he never lost his love for the game.

"When he was pain going to the ballpark, he was a trooper. He'd come to every home game and look over McCovey Cove even though he wasn't healthy," said Baer.