A soft-spoken man playing on a star-studded Giants team, McCovey's talents were not as often heralded by the media and fans as those of teammates Mays, Cepeda, and Marichal. However, his opponents respected the devastating dead-pull power that was his majestic personal trademark and made him one of the most feared home run hitters of his time. The most memorable season by far though was that of '69 when he combined a league high 45 HR's (his third season in which he led the league in that category) with 126 RBIs and a .656 slugging percentage to win MVP honors. Offered is the very ball that placed Willie directly on the doorstep of the exclusive 500 Home Run Club. This Official National League (Feeney) ball was magic #499! Originally obtained from a San Francisco Giants employee, who worked the Candlestick Park bullpen areas, over the years he amassed quite a collection. None were more impressive or historically significant though than the specimen presented here. The ball's great game use has resulted in an attractive golden glow enhanced in some areas by a thin protective layer of shellac. Noted in black marker on a side panel is "499" opposite "6-27-78 Willies 499th Homer vs. San Diego & Dennis Kinney", which is written in blue ink. Completed with McCovey's signature on the sweet spot that was penned right after the homer was retrieved.