On a historic night for Major League Baseball, Heliot Ramos made headlines by becoming the first right-handed hitter to launch a home run into McCovey Cove, a feat never before accomplished at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Known for its exclusivity to left-handed sluggers, McCovey Cove, located beyond the right-field wall in San Francisco, finally witnessed history as Ramos' towering blast splashed down in the iconic waters.

McCovey Cove is named after Giants Hall of Famer Willie McCovey, one of the most feared left-handed power hitters in baseball history. McCovey played the majority of his career with the San Francisco Giants, amassing 521 home runs during his 22-year career. Oracle Park’s right-field waters, directly accessible by home runs, were named in his honor due to the number of long balls McCovey hit in that direction during his illustrious career. McCovey Cove has since become a symbol of power for left-handed batters.

The Distance: How Far Is McCovey Cove?
McCovey Cove is situated approximately 360 feet from home plate, beyond the right-field wall. For right-handed batters, reaching the Cove is particularly challenging as they need to either hit the ball to the opposite field with extraordinary power or launch it at a steep angle to clear the wall and travel the additional distance.

Ramos’ historic homer traveled 394 feet with a 30-degree launch angle, an exit velocity of 103.8 mph, and 89 feet high, enough to comfortably clear the right-field wall and reach McCovey Cove. His accomplishment shattered the precedent that only left-handed sluggers could reach the waters, making him the first right-handed player to do so.

Ramos' Journey to the Majors
Heliot Ramos was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft as one of the top prospects in the organization. Known for his raw athleticism, speed, and power, Ramos has been a key figure in the Giants' minor league system, showing flashes of brilliance throughout his development.

After making his MLB debut in 2022, Ramos faced challenges adapting to big-league pitching but continued to work on his mechanics and approach at the plate. His perseverance paid off as he emerged as a promising power hitter with the potential to impact games in crucial moments. The milestone home run into McCovey Cove was a culmination of Ramos' dedication and resilience.

What Enabled Ramos to Accomplish This Feat?
Ramos’ ability to hit the ball to the opposite field with power played a critical role in this historic moment. Over the past season, he worked on improving his bat speed and driving pitches to all fields, enabling him to take advantage of pitches on the outer part of the strike zone. His strength and solid mechanics allowed him to elevate the ball at just the right angle, sending it soaring into McCovey Cove—a feat that even many of the game's greats have yet to achieve.

“I saw the height, and I knew I had it pretty good,” Ramos said. “I knew no righty has ever done it, so it was always something that would be special if I did it.”

Right-Handed Sluggers Who Came Close
While Ramos is the first right-hander to send a ball into McCovey Cove, several right-handed hitters have come close over the years:

Ramos' accomplishment now places him in a unique category, achieving something that has eluded some of the game’s top sluggers.

Ramos' remarkable achievement was made even more special, coinciding with both Roberto Clemente Day and the Giants' tribute to Orlando Cepeda. In a fitting tribute, Ramos, a fellow Puerto Rican, donned Clemente's iconic No. 21 as he launched his 21st home run of the season for the Giants.

Heliot Ramos’ historic splash into McCovey Cove will forever be etched in San Francisco Giants history. As the first right-handed batter to accomplish this feat, Ramos' home run not only showcased his power but also symbolized his growth as a player. His journey from promising prospect to record-setting slugger is one that Giants fans—and baseball enthusiasts—will celebrate for years to come.