The NL wins the 40th All Star Game 9-3

The NL wins the 40th All Star Game 9-3

Willie McCovey hits two home runs as the National League beats the American League, 9 – 3, for its 7th straight All-Star Game win, with McCovey named All-Star MVP. Mel Stottlemyre starts for the AL when Denny McLainis late arriving from a dental appointment. An interesting sidelight is provided by Roberto Clemente’s sole turn at bat. He strikes out at the hands of “Sudden” Sam McDowell but, on the way there, one swing of the bat will furnish Larry Dierker’s most vivid memory from the game: “With all of the long balls, the one I remember most was hit by Roberto Clemente. The Great One hit it all the way into the upper deck, but it was foul. I had seen balls hit farther, but I had never seen a ball hit that far to the opposite field!”

San Francisco Giant rookie Bobby Bonds becomes the second player to hit a grand slam in his first major league game
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San Francisco Giant rookie Bobby Bonds becomes the second player to hit a grand slam in his first major league game

On June 25, 1968 At Candlestick Park – San Francisco Giant, Bobby Bonds, a 22-year old outfielder just called up by the San Francisco Giants, announced his arrival in grand fashion, clearing the bases in the sixth inning with a homer off Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Jack Purdin. The hit came in Bonds’ third career…

Looking back on his career some 30 years later, Willie Mays will recall being gunned down going from first to third exactly once by Roberto Clemente 

Looking back on his career some 30 years later, Willie Mays will recall being gunned down going from first to third exactly once by Roberto Clemente 

Looking back on his career some 30 years later, Willie Mays will recall being gunned down going from first to third exactly once: “Roberto Clemente threw me out on a bang-bang play at third. I should have remembered what a tremendous arm he had.” If Willie’s memory is correct, this was the play, as witnessed by James K. McGee of the San Francisco Chronicle: “Willie Mays, leading off the 7th, lined a single into left for the Giants’ first hit. When Willie McCovey, the next hitter, bounced a single over Donn Clendenon’s outstretched glove into right field, it appeared the dam had been broken and runs would flow. Then came the key play of the game. Mays rounded second base and slowed down to draw a throw from right fielder Roberto Clemente. Mays, either overestimating his own speed or underestimating the power and accuracy of Clemente’s arm, was thrown out trying to reach third. Maury Wills tagged him as he slid by.”

During a special softball exhibition game, pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out six consecutive major leaguers

During a special softball exhibition game, pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out six consecutive major leaguers

1967 – During a special softball exhibition game, pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out six consecutive major leaguers. The victims are Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson, Harmon Killebrew, Roberto Clemente and Maury Wills.

Willie McCovey hits a 500-foot home run, judged the longest ever at Candlestick Park
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Willie McCovey hits a 500-foot home run, judged the longest ever at Candlestick Park

1966 – The Mets (5) and Giants (3) tie a major-league record by using eight pinch hitters in the 9th inning as the Mets win, 5 – 4. Willie McCovey hits a 500-foot home run, judged the longest ever at Candlestick Park.

Willie Mays
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Giants slugger Willie Mays passes ‘Double X’ with his 535th homer and Giants walk off with a Win

After tying Jimmie Foxx yesterday for most career home runs hit by a right-handed batter, Giants slugger Willie Mays passes ‘Double X’ with his 535th homer. The San Francisco center fielder now takes over second place on the all-time list, trailing only Babe Ruth’s 714.

San Francisco Giants trade future Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Ray Sadecki

San Francisco Giants trade future Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Ray Sadecki

On May 8, 1966, the San Francisco Giants trade future Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Ray Sadecki. Cepeda, who has been bothered by bad knees, is deemed expendable because of the presence of Willie McCovey at first base. The Giants will regret the deal, as Cepeda will win…