Giants’ Mac Williamson says Peter Magowan apologized for bullpen mounds

Mac Williamson (51) is congratulated after a score at the Giants vs. Marlins game at the AT&T Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 in San Francisco, Calif. Mac Williamson (51) is congratulated after a score at the Giants vs. Marlins game at the AT&T Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 in San Francisco, Calif. Photo: Liz Moughon / The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Liz Moughon / The Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Giants’ Mac Williamson says Peter Magowan apologized for bullpen mounds 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In one of his final visits to China Basin last season, the late owner Peter Magowan apologized to outfielder Mac Williamson for putting the bullpen mounds on the field when the Giants built the ballpark two decades earlier.

Williamson sustained a concussion that wrecked his 2018 season on April 24 when he tripped over the home bullpen mound in foul territory and crashed head-first into a wall.

Magowan died on Jan. 27 after a long illness at age 76.

Williamson, who is symptom-free and competing for a job, said that when Magowan apologized, he said the Giants put the mounds on the field against the wishes of then-Commissioner Bud Selig.

Magowan told Williamson that Selig worried about the safety issue, but the Giants had no alternatives within the ballpark’s small footprint. The team maintains that has not changed. Williamson said he has discussed the issue with team president Larry Baer.

Williamson appreciated Magowan’s gesture.

“For him to take the time to apologize, he didn’t have to do that,” Williamson said. “That meant a lot.”

Williamson played in Saturday’s Cactus League opener and had one play that brought him near the visiting bullpen mound on the field at Tempe Diablo Stadium. He said he did not think about it as he made the catch.

Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: hschulman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hankschulman