McCovey Cove 'splash hit' gag at Oracle Park

The right-field waterfront beyond Oracle Park is known as McCovey Cove, named for Giants slugger Willie McCovey. Kayakers often wait there during games hoping to retrieve home run balls that land in the water, an occurrence frequently reported in local media. San Franciscans and sports commentators commonly joke that hitters aim for a 'splash hit' into McCovey Cove and that the cove's kayakers are the stadium's unofficial outfielders. The phenomenon is tied specifically to Giants home games and the stadium's waterfront location.