The sports world has lost a true legend.
On Tuesday night, we learned that former San Francisco Giants superstar Willie Mays died earlier in the day “surrounded by loved ones,” according to his son.
Mays was 93 years old.
“I sincerely thank you for the unwavering love you showed him over the years. You were his life blood,” Mays’ son wrote in a statement announcing the tragic news.
Mays, known as the “Say Hey Kid” for his positive attitude and the way he greeted others as a player, played a total of 23 seasons.
He ended his career with 660 home runs, a mark second only to Babe Ruth at the time.
Mays was selected to the All-Star team 24 times, won the National League MVP award twice, and won 12 Gold Gloves.
He now ranks sixth all-time in home runs (660), seventh in runs scored (2,068), 12th in RBIs (1,909) and 13th in hits (3,293).
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
“Today we lost a true legend,” Giants president Greg Johnson said in a statement. “In the pantheon of baseball greats, Willie Mays combined immense talent, sharp intellect, and performance. A combination of skill and boundless joy, the Say Hey Kid stands out as a 24-time All-Star and the ultimate Forever Giant.
“He had a profound impact not only on the game of baseball, but on the fabric of America. He was an inspirational hero who will always be remembered and deeply missed.
Mays led the National League in home runs and steals in four seasons and led the league in slugging five. He hit over .300 ten times and has a career batting average of .301.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the most exciting all-around players in baseball history,” MLB said in a statement on Twitter.
Mays’ godson, Barry Bonds, added on Instagram:
I was so shocked and excited. I can’t put into words what you mean to me – you have helped me become the person I am today. Thank you for being my godfather and always being there for me. Give dad a hug for me. Rest in peace Willie, I will always love you.
In Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, Mays made an over-the-shoulder running catch in center field that is still simply called “The Catch.”
Partly as a result of this game, the 2017 World Series MVP award was named after him.
“His incredible accomplishments and statistics do not adequately describe watching Willie Mays in every way imaginable,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. The awe that comes with dominating a game.
“We will never forget this true giant on and off the court.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Willie’s family, his friends in our game, Giants fans everywhere and his countless admirers around the world.”
May Willie Mays rest in peace.
