This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
McCovey, whose huge swing could cool off the grandstand on a hot day, led the NL in homers in 1963, 1968 and 1969, when he clocked 45 dingers to go along with 126 RBIs and a .320 average to earn MVP honors. Even in a San Francisco Giant lineup with Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda, McCovey drew a record 45 intentional walks that season. The soft-spoken giant, whose intensity and good nature made him more popular among many Bay Area fans than even Mays, played 21, blasting out 521 homers, tying him with Ted Williams for 10th place all-time. This well-worn black and orange Giants helmet was signed by McCovey in black marker on the bill, reading "Willie McCovey, HOF 1986," which denotes his election to the Hall of Fame that year. McCovey's number "44" is also handwritten in black marker on the underside of the bill and on a round piece of padding under the cap, as well as on a piece of white tape on the back interior. The helmet shows tremendous use.