1971 San Francisco Giants: The Final Pennant Push of Mays, McCovey, and Marichal

The 1971 San Francisco Giants were a team built on a blend of aging legends and rising stars, and for much of the season, they looked like the class of the National League. Led by an electrifying start and a lineup loaded with power, the Giants surged to the NL West crown and returned to the postseason for the first time since 1962.

This would be the final postseason run for franchise icons like Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Juan Marichal, and though their journey ended in the NLCS, the 1971 season remains one of the most exciting in the franchise’s storied history.

1971-SF Giants Clinch NL West…Bill Melton Wins AL Home Run Crown…Pirates Win World Series

Season Overview

• Record: 90–72

• Finish: 1st in National League West (won by 1 game over the Dodgers)

• Manager: Charlie Fox

• Postseason: Lost NLCS to Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-1

The Giants came out blazing, winning 37 of their first 51 games. Despite fading down the stretch, they held off a hard-charging Los Angeles Dodgers team to claim the NL West title on the final weekend of the regular season.

1971 09 30 Giants at Padres (radio)

Key Players

Willie Mays (OF) – Age 40, Still an Icon

Though no longer the dominant force of his 1950s and early ‘60s prime, Mays remained a potent on-base presence. He hit .271 with 18 home runs, and drew 112 walks, giving him a .425 OBP, second-best in the National League. His leadership and experience were invaluable on a team loaded with both veterans and emerging stars.

Willie Mays 1971

Willie McCovey (1B) – The Towering Threat

McCovey, at 33, delivered a solid campaign, hitting .277 with 18 HR and 70 RBI in 114 games. He missed time with injuries but remained the most feared power hitter in the lineup when healthy.

Bobby Bonds (RF) – A Star in His Own Right

The dynamic leadoff hitter and father of future slugger Barry Bonds was in his prime, putting up 33 home runs, 102 RBI, and 26 stolen bases, while leading the team in runs scored with 110. Bonds also played an elite right field, combining power, speed, and defense.

Dave Kingman (LF/3B) – Rookie Powerhouse

Rookie Dave Kingman burst onto the scene with raw power, belting 6 home runs in just 41 games and showing the promise that would lead to a long MLB career as a home run threat.

Chris Speier (SS) – Rookie Spark Plug

Speier, a 21-year-old rookie shortstop, stabilized the infield and provided clutch hits throughout the season. He was named to the NL All-Star Team, a rare feat for a first-year shortstop.

1971 NLCS Clips

Pitching Staff

Gaylord Perry – Staff Ace

The Hall of Fame right-hander anchored the rotation, going 16–12 with a 2.76 ERA, 23 complete games, and 5 shutouts. Perry was the definition of a workhorse and gave the Giants a chance to win every time he took the mound.

Juan Marichal – The Last Hurrah

Though his dominance was fading, Marichal still contributed with a 13–11 record and 2.94 ERA, including multiple vintage performances down the stretch.

Ron Bryant and John Cumberland – Unsung Heroes

Both Bryant (10–7) and Cumberland (9–6) filled in capably behind the two aces, giving the Giants the depth needed to survive a long season.

The Pennant Race

The 1971 NL West race was a two-team battle between the Giants and Dodgers. San Francisco’s red-hot start gave them a cushion, but a late-season slump saw the Dodgers chip away. By September, the lead had shrunk to just one game.

On the final day of the season, the Giants clinched the division by defeating the Padres 5–1, while the Dodgers lost to the Astros. San Francisco finished with a one-game edge and celebrated its first division title under the current two-division format introduced in 1969.

1971 NLCS vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Despite winning the opener 5–4 at Candlestick Park, the Giants were ultimately overmatched by the eventual World Series champion Pirates, led by Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, and Steve Blass.

• Game 1 (W, 5–4) – Marichal outdueled Dock Ellis, and McCovey delivered the key hits.

• Game 2 (L, 9–4) – Perry was knocked around, and the Pirates tied the series.

• Game 3 (L, 2–1) – A heartbreaking loss at Three Rivers Stadium, decided by Clemente’s RBI.

• Game 4 (L, 9–5) – Pittsburgh’s offense erupted, and the Giants were eliminated.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The 1971 season marked the end of an era:

• It was Willie Mays’ final full season as a Giant before being traded to the Mets in 1972.

• Marichal’s last strong season in a San Francisco uniform.

• McCovey would soon decline due to injuries before rebounding later in San Diego.

Yet it was also a season of beginnings. Bobby Bonds’ rise, Chris Speier’s arrival, and the debut of Dave Kingman offered hope for the future.

The Giants’ 90 wins and division title were hard-earned and deeply memorable. Though they fell short of a pennant, the 1971 team reminded fans that the Giants were still a force in the National League.

Conclusion

The 1971 San Francisco Giants were a team of transition, bringing together the fading brilliance of all-time greats and the promise of a new generation. Their blend of power, pitching, and clutch performances made them one of the most thrilling teams of the early 1970s and a nostalgic farewell to the franchise’s golden era of Mays and Marichal.