McCovey made his major league debut on July 30, 1959, with about 1/3:of the season left to play. He batted .354 with 13 homers and 38 RBIs, and received the rookie of the year award. He won the MVP Award in 1969, in a league that was as densely packed with star players as any league has ever been.

"All of these men were good listeners; patient men."