MLB legend Willie Mays, the “Say Hey Kid,” died Tuesday afternoon, the San Francisco Giants announced.
Mays was 93 years old.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that Willie Mays, San Francisco Giants legend and Hall of Famer, passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93,” the Giants said in a statement.
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The MLB legend hit 660 home runs in his illustrious career. (Getty Images)
Michael Mays, Willie's son, added: “My father passed away peacefully and among his 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 the support of his life blood.”
Mays was one of the greatest players to ever grace a baseball diamond, starting in 1951 when he was 20 years old and debuted playing for the New York Giants. Mays caught the attention of MLB teams while playing in the Negro American League with the Birmingham Black Barons, and he was still in high school when scouts were clamoring for him.
Mays would go on to be a 24-time All-Star, two-time MVP, 12-time Gold Glover, two-time All-Star Game MVP, Rookie of the Year and 1954 World Series champion in an illustrious career that led to an easy incorporation to the Hall of Fame.
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“Today we lost a true legend,” said Giants president Greg Johnson. “In the pantheon of baseball greats, Willie Mays' combination of tremendous talent, keen intellect, showmanship and boundless joy sets him apart. A 24-time All-Star, Say Hey Kid is the ultimate eternal giant. He had a deep influence not only on the game of baseball, but on the fabric of America. He was an inspiration and a hero who will always be remembered and deeply missed.”
Giants president and CEO Larry Baer added: “I got into baseball because of Willie, plain and simple. My childhood was defined by going to Candlestick with my dad, watching Willie patrol center field with grace and ultimate athleticism. For the past 30 years “Years, working with Willie and seeing firsthand his zest for life and his unbridled passion for giving to young players and children, has been one of the joys of my life. “.
Mays was known for his ability to wow audiences with thunderous home runs, deft baserunning, and miraculous plays in center field. One of MLB's most iconic plays came in the 1954 World Series and was always called “The Catch.”
Willie Mays of the New York Giants makes his iconic over-the-shoulder catch on a fly ball against the then-Cleveland Indians during Game 1 of the 1954 World Series on September 29, 1954, in New York. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
In Game 1, Mays was running deep into the Polo Grounds outfield with the game tied in the eighth inning, 2-2, against the then-Cleveland Indians. Vic Wertz hit a fly ball with runners on base, and it looked like the lead was about to be broken.
That was until Mays made an amazing over-the-shoulder catch and had the quick presence of mind to throw the ball back so the runners couldn't advance. The Giants won the game, 5-2, and that play forever became one of the best in history.
“All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we gather in the same stadium where he began a career and legacy like no other. Willie Mays carried his integral brilliance from the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League to the historic” From coast to coast in New York and San Francisco, Willie inspired generations of players and fans as playing equipment and truly earned his place as our national pastime,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Mays' number 24 was retired by the Giants and he remains the franchise leader in games played (2,857), hits (3,187), runs (2,011), doubles (504), home runs (646) and many more statistics. He finished his career with the New York Mets in 1973.
“Willie Mays was one of the greatest to ever play the game,” Mets co-owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “Willie finished his Hall of Fame career in Queens and was a key player on the 1973 National League championship team. Mays played with a style and grace like no other. Alex and I were thrilled to fulfill a promise Joan Payson's previous decision to retire her iconic number 24 as a member of the Mets in 2022.
“On behalf of our entire organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to Willie's family and friends.”
Mays, who spent most of 1952 and all of 1953 serving in the Army, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2015.
Not only is he considered one of the greatest baseball players to ever play, but he is also considered one of the greatest athletes in history.
The Giants will announce a public celebration of Mays' life at a later date. In the meantime, fans who wish to offer their condolences can send letters in the care of the Mays family of the San Francisco Giants, attention Forever 24, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107.
MLB icon Willie Mays died on June 18, 2024. He was 93 years old. (Getty Images)
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MLB will also play a regular-season game Thursday at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, where Mays played his Negro League games with the Black Barons, between the Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals.
“Thursday's game at historic Rickwood Field was designed to be a celebration of Willie Mays and his teammates. 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,” Manfred said.
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