Baseball legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays has passed away at 93.
“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,” the San Francisco Giants announced on X.
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. pic.twitter.com/Qk4NySCFZQ
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 19, 2024
Willie’s son, Michael Mays, confirmed his passing in an announcement through the San Francisco Giants organization on Tuesday.
“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” Michael said in a statement. “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.”
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport,” the MLB said on X.
“Mays was a two-time MVP, 24-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” the MLB said.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport.
— MLB (@MLB) June 19, 2024
Mays was a two-time MVP, 24-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In… pic.twitter.com/kOqxNnetg7
Mays began his professional baseball career with the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948 and made his MLB debut with the New York Giants in 1951.
Known as the “Say Hey Kid,” Mays had one of the most remarkable careers in Major League Baseball history, earning 24 All-Star selections and two Most Valuable Player awards.
His 660 home runs across the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball rank sixth all-time, a feat achieved despite missing the 1953 season due to military service during the Korean War. He is also a member of the 3,000 hit club and ended his career with a .302 batting average.
Beyond his offensive achievements, Mays is regarded as one of the greatest defensive outfielders of all time, winning 12 Gold Gloves during his first-ballot Hall of Fame career, a record for outfielders.
His over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series is considered one of the greatest baseball plays ever, showcasing his legendary defensive skill. Mays was particularly known for his “shoestring catches,” where he caught balls just before they hit the ground.
Watch:
The greatest catch in baseball history.
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) June 19, 2024
Rest In Peace Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/mjeygZXJ1B
Mays spent most of his career with the Giants, staying with the team when they relocated to San Francisco in 1958. He won a World Series title with them in 1954, and his number was retired after he concluded his playing career.
From ABC News (Excerpt):
Willie Mays, widely considered to be one of the greatest baseball players in the history of the game, has died at 93.
From his start in the Negro Leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons to winning rookie of the year with the New York Giants in 1951 and through 24 All-Star Game appearances, including one in his final season, Mays dazzled fans with his combination of power, speed and joy on the field. He was the personification of a ‘five-tool’ player, excelling at the five basic skills of baseball: throwing, fielding, power-hitting, hitting for average, and base running.
Known as “the Say Hey Kid” – the moniker’s origin has remained ambiguous – Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born in Westfield, Alabama, on May 6, 1931. He was a star athlete in many sports in high school and played with the Black Barons starting at 16 years old. He signed with Major League Baseball’s New York Giants after high school graduation two years later and won Rookie of the Year his first season. Mays was named the National League MVP twice, in 1954 and 1965, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.
