Entertainment
Baseball Legend Willie Mays Leaves Behind Unrivalled Legacy at 93
Clear Facts
- MLB legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays, also known as the “Say Hey Kid,” passed away peacefully at the age of 93, as announced by the San Francisco Giants.
- Mays had a significant impact on the game of baseball and on America as a whole with his remarkable talent, intellect, charisma, and exuberance. He was a 24-time All-Star, two-time MVP, and a World Series champion among other accolades.
- Mays’ number 24 was retired by the Giants and he has held numerous franchise records. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2015.
A sorrowful announcement was made by the San Francisco Giants, “It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93.”
Michael Mays, Willie’s son, shared, “My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”
Mays started his career in 1951 as a 20-year-old with the New York Giants. While still in high school, Mays was scouted during his time playing in the Negro American League with the Birmingham Black Barons which set the stage for his illustrious career.
“In the pantheon of baseball greats, Willie Mays’ combination of tremendous talent, keen intellect, showmanship, and boundless joy set him apart,” Greg Johnson, Giants Chair, said. He further stated Mays’ influence extended beyond the baseball diamond, impacting the very fabric of America.
Larry Baer, Giants president and CEO said, “I fell in love with baseball because of Willie, plain and simple. My childhood was defined by going to Candlestick with my dad, watching Willie patrol centerfield with grace and the ultimate athleticism.”
Mays is celebrated for his iconic play in the 1954 World Series, forever known as “The Catch”. Mays took a deep sprint into the outfield and made a phenomenal, over-the-shoulder catch, followed by a quick throwback to prevent runners from advancing.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred noted, “All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we are gathered at the very ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began. Willie Mays took his all-around brilliance from the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League to the historic Giants franchise.”
The Giants retired Mays’ No. 24 and he remains the franchise leader in games played, hits, runs, doubles, home runs, and several other statistics.
In a statement, Mets co-owners Steve and Alex Cohen said, “Willie Mays was one of the greatest to ever play the game. Willie played with a style and grace like no one else.”
Mays spent part of his career serving in the Army and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2015. He is considered not only one of the greatest baseball players but one of the greatest athletes in history.
The MLB is set to play a game on Thursday at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, where Mays played his Negro League games with the Black Barons, between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.
“Thursday’s game at historic Rickwood Field was designed to be a celebration of Willie Mays and his peers. With sadness in our hearts, it will now serve as a national remembrance of an American hero who will forever remain on the short list of the most impactful individuals our great game has ever known,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
