Ladies and gentlemen, we gather today to honor the life and legacy of a true baseball legend, Willie Mays. The San Francisco Giants announced that Mays passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 93. Known as the “Say Hey Kid,” Mays was a towering figure in the world of baseball, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and American culture.
The Giants expressed their sorrow in a heartfelt statement: “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.”
ESPN highlighted Mays’ extraordinary talents, calling him “the greatest center fielder who ever lived.” Over his illustrious career, which spanned from 1951 to 1973, Mays made 24 All-Star teams and achieved remarkable statistics: he ranked 6th in all-time home runs with 660, 7th in runs scored with 2,068, 12th in RBIs with 1,909, and 13th in hits with 3,293.
Born on May 6, 1931, in Alabama, Mays displayed exceptional athletic prowess from a young age. He began his professional baseball career at just 17 with the Birmingham Black Barons while still in high school. By 20, he had become only the 10th Black player in Major League Baseball’s history. His career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War in 1952. Mays returned to the Giants in 1954, continuing his legacy.
Willie Mays’ son, Michael Mays, shared a touching statement: “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.”
Giants Chairman Greg Johnson paid tribute to Mays’ incredible impact: “Today we have lost a true legend. In the pantheon of baseball greats, Willie Mays’ combination of tremendous talent, keen intellect, showmanship, and boundless joy set him apart. A 24-time All-Star, the Say Hey Kid is the ultimate Forever Giant.”
Johnson added, “He had a profound influence not only on the game of baseball but on the fabric of America. He was an inspiration and a hero who will be forever remembered and deeply missed.”
Giants president and chief executive officer Larry Baer reflected on Mays’ enduring influence: “My childhood was defined by going to Candlestick with my dad, watching Willie patrol centerfield with grace and the ultimate athleticism. Over the past 30 years, working with Willie and seeing firsthand his zest for life and unbridled passion for giving to young players and kids has been one of the joys of my life.”
There will never be another quite like Willie Mays 🧡 pic.twitter.com/I95JW1buJF
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 19, 2024
Willie Mays’ legacy is one of extraordinary skill, profound impact, and boundless joy. As we remember him today, we celebrate not only his contributions to baseball but his influence on generations of fans and players alike. Rest in peace, Willie Mays, the ultimate Forever Giant.
