The baseball world mourns the loss of Willie Mays, a monumental figure who passed away at the age of 93.
Breitbart reported that Mays, affectionately known as "The Say Hey Kid," died on a Tuesday afternoon, leaving behind a legacy unmatched in baseball history. His death was announced jointly by his family and the San Francisco Giants, marking a somber moment for fans worldwide.
Mays' decline in health culminated peacefully among loved ones, according to his son Michael Mays.
“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,” said Michael Mays, reflecting on his father’s significant impact both on and off the field.
Willie Mays began his illustrious career in the Negro Leagues in 1948, playing for the Birmingham Black Barons.
His talents quickly catapulted him into Major League Baseball, where he began a storied 23-season career, primarily with the New York and San Francisco Giants. Mays was known for his dynamic playstyle, which included his awe-inspiring over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series.
This catch is not just a footnote in baseball history but a testament to Mays’ incredible athletic ability and instinct.
In his own words during a reflection on his career, Mays once noted, “Soon as it got hit, I knew I’d catch the ball. All the time I’m running back, I’m thinking, ‘Willie, you’ve got to get this ball back to the infield.’” His foresight and physical prowess were what set him apart as a central figure in baseball.
Mays' statistics are a ledger of his prowess: a batting average of .301, 660 home runs, and 3,293 hits.
His career accolades include winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1951, being named the Most Valuable Player twice, and his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1979. At the time of his death, Mays was the oldest living baseball Hall of Famer, a testament to his enduring legacy and the era of baseball he epitomized.
Mays' impact extended beyond the field. He was a significant cultural figure, appearing on various television shows and becoming the subject of numerous songs, showing how his influence permeated popular culture. In 2011, his contributions to the sport and society were further recognized when he was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
The baseball community has expressed deep sorrow over Mays' passing. Rob Manfred, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, reflected on Mays' universal influence. “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. From coast to coast … Willie inspired generations of players and fans as the game grew and truly earned its place as our National Pastime. … We will never forget this true Giant on and off the field,” Manfred stated.
The Giants, the team with which Mays became synonymous, retired his number, 24, ensuring his memory and legacy would be honored eternally in the annals of the team’s history.
His impact was such that his planned presence was deeply intertwined with baseball events, including a game intended to honor the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, which happened shortly after his death.
Mays' influence was also notable in how he engaged with fans and the joy he brought to the game.
He once shared in an NPR interview, “When I played ball, I tried to make sure everybody enjoyed what I was doing. I made the clubhouse guy fit me a cap that when I ran, the wind got up in the bottom and it flew right off. People love that kind of stuff.” This anecdote captures the essence of Mays' approach to baseball — spirited, enthusiastic, and always in tune with the fans.
In summary, Willie Mays, a legendary figure in baseball known as “The Say Hey Kid” passed away at the age of 93.
Mays' career spanned over 23 seasons, primarily with the San Francisco Giants, marked by astonishing achievements such as his iconic over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series, two MVP titles, and his entrance into the Hall of Fame in 1979. His legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements, reflecting a man who delighted not just in the game but in sharing its joy with others. Willie Mays leaves behind a lasting legacy that will resonate within baseball and beyond for generations to come.