Though we may be approaching the end of February, it does not diminish the importance of Black History Month and the many African-American stars who have graced Major League Baseball.
Two of those players are Hall-of-Famers Willie McCovey and Frank Thomas.
Both were legends in their own rights and accomplished a great many feats during their historic careers.
Today, February 20, is an important day to remember what these two greats meant to the game of baseball, as both of them are tied for 20th all-time in home runs at 521.
On Twitter, MLB Network honored these two greats by posting a tribute video that featured some of their most memorable moments.
On February 20th, we highlight the power of WIllie McCovey and Frank Thomas, both 20th on the all-time HR leaderboard with 521 💪 #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/Vwo4VJACqE
—MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 20, 2023
McCovey hit for a career .270 average during his 22-year career, posting a WAR of 64.5, picking up 2,211 career hits, and posting an OPS of .889.
He spent most of his legendary career with the San Francisco Giants, earning an MVP Award, a Rookie of the Year Award, and six All-Star selections.
He made brief stops with the San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics toward the end of his career.
Thomas was also quite an impressive player.
He spent most of his time with the Chicago White Sox, but also made stops with the A’s and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Like McCovey, Thomas is in the Hall of Fame.
He won two American League MVP Awards, an MLB Player of the Year Award, a batting title, four Silver Slugger Awards, and earned five All-Star nods.
Although he was injured for most of the 2005 season, his final season with the White Sox, he still earned a World Series ring.
NEXT:
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